Head of Software

About

Foundation Industries is building a physical API for the frontier: manufacturing infrastructure that turns designs into real hardware near the speed of development. We believe the future science fiction promised will only arrive if manufacturing infrastructure matches the pace of development.

We’re starting with CNC machining critical components and building a manufacturing platform that connects every step of the process into one continuously improving, software-defined system.

We’re backed by Y Combinator and other awesome investors and have shipped parts to customers like Skydio, Westmag, and Askari Defense.

Role Description

We’re hiring a Head of Software to own the platform's technical direction and execution. The work centers on the deep backend ERP/MES-like workflow engines, data models, and integrations that run the factory.

You’ll set the roadmap, architecture, and engineering standards; lead and grow the software team; and work directly with manufacturing, operations, and the founding team to turn company priorities into reliable production systems. You’ll also define Foundation’s approach to AI: practical, secure applications that accelerate engineering, automate operational workflows, and improve decision-making.

Near-term

• Own the software roadmap and execution cadence
• Develop deep context on the platform and factory
• Stabilize and harden the core backend
• Architect the platform for depth and scale
• Define a pragmatic, secure AI posture

Long-term

• Build the manufacturing operating system
• Scale the engineering organization and technical leadership
• Make AI a compounding advantage
• Strengthen reliability, security, and compliance

What we’re looking for

• Experience leading software teams and owning complex, stateful business systems in production
• Strong backend architecture judgment across APIs, databases, workflows, integrations, permissions, and internal tools
• Ability to model operational processes carefully and balance speed, correctness, reliability, and maintainability
• High ownership, practical judgment, and clear communication with technical and operational partners
• A track record of hiring, developing, and setting a high bar for engineers
• ERP, MES, manufacturing software, workflow systems, or applied AI experience is strongly preferred

Comp

• $175k-$200k annual salary
• Equity grant (early-stage, meaningful)
• Benefits and other details based on seniority and fit