The Role
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.
This role is for a Mechatronics Engineer who thrives at the intersection of mechanical design, electrical systems, and controls, bringing complex robotic hardware to life through tight integration and hands-on execution. You will design, build, and iterate on real systems, owning work from early prototypes through production-intent assemblies. You will work closely across disciplines to integrate sensors, actuators, and control systems into robust hardware, while developing and tuning closed-loop behavior in the loop with real machines. Operating in a small, fast-moving team, your designs will quickly make their way onto the floor, where you will validate, debug, and refine them in real time.
About Us
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 the mission, SF.
Key Responsibilities
Design mechanical and electromechanical systems using CAD, from quick prototypes to production-intent assemblies
Collaborate closely on the integration of sensors, actuators, and control systems into mechanical assemblies, from concept through validation
Develop and implement closed-loop control architectures for electromechanical systems, working alongside software and robotics teammates
Configure and integrate motor controllers including servo and stepper drives, encoder/resolver interfacing, and closed-loop motion tuning
Work hands-on with hardware, building, assembling, testing, and iterating across prototyping and early production
Support fabrication work across a range of technologies (machining, sheet metal, welding, 3D printing, fixtures, tooling)
Partner with external vendors and contract manufacturers to support development and production needs
Make pragmatic tradeoffs between speed, cost, quality, and scalability in an early-stage startup
What We're Looking For
3-5 years of hands-on experience in mechanical, electrical, electromechanical systems, or a closely related discipline
Equal comfort in mechanical design and electrical/controls work, you can contribute meaningfully on both sides of an integration problem
Strong CAD skills and the ability to produce clear, production-ready designs and drawings
Demonstrated experience integrating sensors and actuators into mechanical systems with closed-loop control
Hands-on experience with motor controllers including servo and stepper drive configuration, encoder/resolver interfacing, and closed-loop motion control
Working knowledge of industrial communication protocols including CAN bus, EtherCAT, RS-485/Modbus, and SPI/I2C
Hands-on experience across multiple fabrication and assembly methods
Some exposure to working with vendors, suppliers, or external manufacturing partners
Time spent in a factory, machine shop, or contract manufacturing environment
Able to thrive in ambiguity by being proactive, creating structure, self-managing, and thinking on a long term horizon to plan out the direction of the project
Nice to Have (Not Required)
PCB design or bring-up experience
Prior experience with DFM/DFA and working with vendors
Prior experience at a hardware or robotics startup
Experience designing fixtures, end-effectors, or assembly tooling
Exposure to scaling hardware from prototype to low-rate production
Why Join Us?
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.
If you want to publish papers, this may not be the role.
If you want to build and deploy the systems those papers were meant to enable — this is it.
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 PT.
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