Manufacturing Equipment Engineer – Factory Launch

Foundation is developing the future of general purpose robotics with the goal to address the labor shortage.

Our mission is to create advanced robots that can operate in complex environments, reducing human risk in conflict zones and enhancing efficiency in labor-intensive industries.

We are on the lookout for extraordinary engineers and scientists to join our team. Your previous experience in robotics isn't a prerequisite - it's your talent and determination that truly count.

We expect that many of our team members will bring diverse perspectives from various industries and fields. We are looking for individuals with a proven record of exceptional ability and a history of creating things that work.

Our Culture

We like to be frank and honest about who we are, so that people can decide for themselves if this is a culture they resonate with. Please read more about our culture here https://foundation.bot/culture.

Who should join:

• You like working in person with a team in San Francisco.
• You deeply believe that this is the most important mission for humanity and needs to happen yesterday.
• You are highly technical - regardless of the role you are in. We are building technology; you need to understand technology well.
• You care about aesthetics and design inside out. If it's not the best product ever, it bothers you, and you need to “fix” it.
• You don't need someone to motivate you; you get things done.

We are building the automation systems that will manufacture humanoid robots at scale.

As a Staff Manufacturing Equipment Engineer, you will lead the development and deployment of the production equipment required to launch a new humanoid robot factory. This includes defining equipment architecture, working with automation vendors, and bringing production lines online.

You will work directly with manufacturing engineering, automation teams, and suppliers to ensure the factory launches on schedule and that production equipment supports aggressive ramp targets.

Your work will directly determine how quickly the factory can reach full production capacity.

What You’ll Do:

Define Production Equipment Architecture

Lead the development of manufacturing equipment systems required for humanoid robot production, including:

• Actuator assembly equipment
• Battery assembly systems
• Robot body assembly fixtures
• Test and calibration equipment

Define the equipment architecture that supports scalable manufacturing and future automation phases.

Lead Equipment Development

Own equipment programs from concept through installation:

• Develop equipment specifications/RFQ package
• Work with equipment suppliers and integrators
• Manage design reviews and build progress
• Ensure equipment meets manufacturing requirements

Ensure equipment solutions are robust, scalable, and production-ready.

Support Factory Launch

Work directly on the factory floor to:

• Install and commission production equipment
• Validate equipment performance
• Support pilot builds and production ramp
• Debug equipment issues during launch

You will play a key role in bringing the factory online.

Improve Production Equipment

Continuously improve manufacturing equipment to:

• Increase reliability and uptime
• Support automation expansion phases
• Improve throughput and cycle time

Ensure equipment evolves as production scales.

What We’re Looking For

• 8+ years experience developing manufacturing equipment or production systems
• Strong mechanical engineering foundation with hands-on experience in mechanical design, analysis, and complex mechanical systems
• Strong background in industrial automation or assembly equipment
• Experience commissioning equipment in a production environment
• Strong mechanical systems and manufacturing process understanding
• Ability to solve equipment issues quickly in fast-moving environments

Ideal Background

• Robotics manufacturing
• EV manufacturing
• Aerospace production systems
• Automated assembly equipment
• Factory launch or production ramp

Foundation Hardcore Requirements

Foundation operates with a hardcore execution culture. This role requires individuals who are comfortable working in an environment where speed, ownership, and accountability are essential.

You must be someone who:

• Takes ownership of equipment performance and factory readiness
• Solves problems directly instead of escalating them
• Works effectively under pressure and tight deadlines
• Is willing to work hands-on on the factory floor when needed
• Prioritizes execution and results over process

This environment is demanding, but it enables us to move significantly faster than traditional manufacturing organizations.

Impact

The equipment you deploy will determine how quickly humanoid robots can be manufactured at scale.

This role directly enables:

• Successful factory launch
• Stable production ramp
• Scalable automation deployment

In short: you will build the machines that build the robots.

Benefits:

We provide market standard benefits (health, vision, dental, 401k, etc.). Join us for the culture and the mission, not for the benefits.

Salary:

The annual compensation is expected to be between $180,000-$220,000+. Exact compensation may vary based on skills, experience, and location.