Best suited to technically proficient engineers with commercial acumen working in robotics and industrial automation.
Derived from job-description analysis by Serendipath's career intelligence engine.
Original posting from Foundry Robotics via Ashby
ABOUT US
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 senior leader on our manufacturing 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.
THE ROLE
We are seeking a technically strong, commercially driven Technical Sales Engineer to support and grow our commercial business across robotics, AI infrastructure, energy, industrial automation, and emerging hardware markets. Working directly with the Head of Commercial Go-to-Market, you will translate customer engineering requirements into manufacturing solutions, manage RFQs and commercial proposals, and help advance programs from prototypes through production. This is a hands-on, customer-facing role for someone with an engineering background, commercial instincts, and an interest in broader business development responsibilities
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
Technical Sales & Customer Engagement
- Engage customer engineering, procurement, and operations teams to understand technical requirements and manufacturing needs.
- Support technical discovery, feasibility assessments, and customer discussions.
- Coordinate with engineering, manufacturing, and operations to develop manufacturing solutions.
- Help customers transition from prototype builds to recurring production programs.
RFQ & Commercial Execution
- Manage RFQs from initial requirements through costing, proposals, and customer follow-up.
- Support BOM reviews, manufacturing cost models, pricing, NRE estimates, and commercial negotiations.
- Coordinate technical clarifications, drawing revisions, FAI requirements, and production readiness.
- Track project milestones, customer deliverables, and commercial commitments.
Business Development & Account Growth
- Support customer relationships and identify opportunities to expand manufacturing engagements.
- Qualify inbound opportunities and conduct targeted outreach to emerging hardware companies.
- Participate in customer meetings, industry events, and commercial discussions.
- Maintain accurate opportunity tracking, account updates, and pipeline visibility
WHAT WE'RE LOOKING FOR
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.
- 2–5 years of experience in technical sales, sales engineering, applications engineering, business development, or customer-facing engineering roles.
- Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, or a related technical discipline.
- Experience working with engineering-driven customers or complex hardware products. • Familiarity with RFQs, BOMs, manufacturing processes, and technical-commercial proposals.
- Strong communication, organization, and problem-solving skills.
- Ability to coordinate multiple customer programs and work cross-functionally.
- Self-starter comfortable operating in a fast-paced startup environment.
NICE TO HAVE
- Experience in robotics, industrial automation, electronics manufacturing, contract
- Experience in electronics manufacturing, contract manufacturing, robotics, aerospace, autonomous systems, or industrial automation.
- Exposure to cable harnesses, PCBAs, electromechanical assemblies, or box builds.
- Familiarity with NRE, FAI, manufacturing economics, and production ramps.
- Experience supporting pricing negotiations and customer program execution.
- Bay Area hardware ecosystem experience or early-stage startup exposure.
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 run a mature, well-defined commercial org, this may not be the role.
If you want to build the commercial engine that brings AI-driven manufacturing to every industrial and energy customer in America — this is it.
The base salary range for this full-time position in the location of Emeryville, CA is:
$150,000—$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.
Source: Foundry Robotics careers (Ashby)