Head of Security

Foundry Robotics is building an AI-native robotics manufacturing company focused on deploying advanced assembly and production capability for leading robotics companies and national-security-critical hardware. Basically, we're building robots that build robots.

We are reimagining manufacturing through advanced robotics. Our mission is to rebuild the American manufacturing industry as an AI-first, assembly-focused, dual-use contract manufacturer. We aim to empower manufacturers with intelligent, efficient, and adaptable robotic systems that redefine productivity and quality. As a founding member of our engineering team, you will have a direct and significant impact on our product, culture, and ultimate success. This role is 100% in-person at our office in Emeryville, CA.

We're hiring our first Head of Security to own the full security and compliance program end to end, from achieving CMMC Level 2 certification ahead of our November 2026 deadline, to building and leading the security function as we grow. You'll be the accountable owner for how Foundry protects Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI), export-controlled technical data, and customer IP across our edge, on-prem, and cloud infrastructure. This is a builder role. You'll set strategy, do hands-on work in the early days, and hire a team behind you.

Government & regulatory compliance

• Drive CMMC Level 2 certification to completion — scoping, SSP/POA&M ownership, evidence collection, and managing the C3PAO assessment (we're already evaluating firms like Schellman, A-LIGN, and CBIZ Pivot Point).

• Own our NIST SP 800-171 / DFARS 252.204-7012 posture and continuous compliance.

• Stand up and administer our ITAR/EAR export-control program — technical data segregation, access controls for

U.S. persons, deemed-export policies.

• Maintain AS9100 and SOC 2 alignment in coordination with quality and operations.

Security engineering & operations

• Own identity, endpoint, and network security across our stack (JumpCloud MDM, CrowdStrike EDR, Google/1Password, Cloudflare, AWS, Tailscale).

• Define and enforce CUI boundary architecture across edge (Jetson/Orin), on-prem (GPU cluster), and cloud (AWS).

• Own our Incident Response Plan and serve in the IRT; run tabletop exercises and lead real incidents.

• Vendor/third-party risk management, including ITAR/CMMC-aware external partner collaborations.

Team & program building

• Build the security roadmap and budget; make build-vs-buy calls decisively.

• Hire, mentor, and lead a security team (GRC, security engineering).

• Partner with engineering, IT, and leadership to make security a default, not a blocker.

Founder mentality: We love people who build like it’s their own company. You move fast, take ownership, and find a way through when the path isn’t obvious. You have the drive to make big things happen and the judgment to take smart risks along the way. If you prefer a clearly defined lane, a predictable pace, and all the answers before you start, there’s nothing wrong with that—but Foundry might not be the right fit.

• Understanding of national security facility requirements.

• Previous/current Experience as a Facility Security Officer.

• Proven track record taking an organization through CMMC Level 2 or NIST SP 800-171 assessment ,ideally end to end, at least once.

• Deep, hands-on knowledge of DFARS, CUI handling, and ITAR/EAR export controls.

• Strong security engineering foundation: identity, endpoint, network, and cloud (AWS) security, you can architect and, early on, implement.

• Experience building or scaling a security function at a startup or fast-growing company.

• U.S. person status (required for ITAR-controlled work).

• Comfort operating with high autonomy and ambiguity in a ~30-person startup.

• SOC 2 and AS9100 experience.

• Manufacturing, defense, aerospace, or hardware-adjacent background.

• Familiarity with securing edge/robotics or ML/GPU infrastructure.

• Relevant certifications (CISSP, CISM, CCP/CCA, etc.).

This is one of the only places where world-class manufacturing operators, mechanical engineers, robotics researchers, and software engineers sit in the same room, building production systems together.

We are committed to being deeply embedded in the U.S. industrial base. Our focus is simple: build adaptive robotic assembly systems that make American manufacturing scalable, resilient, and competitive again.

The base salary range for this full-time position in the location of Emeryville is:

$150,000 to $250,000 USD

Compensation packages at Foundry Robotics for eligible roles include base salary, equity, and benefits. The range displayed on each job posting reflects the minimum and maximum target for new hire salaries for the position, determined by work location and additional factors, including job-related skills, experience, interview performance, and relevant education or training. Foundry Robotics employees in eligible roles are also granted equity based compensation, subject to Board of Director approval. You'll also receive benefits including, but not limited to: Comprehensive health, dental and vision coverage, and generous PTO.

Foundry Robotics is an equal opportunity employer. We evaluate all applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, or any other protected characteristic.