Technical Program Manager – 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.
  
  

As the Technical Program Manager for Factory Launch, you will own the execution of a new humanoid robot manufacturing plant—from facility readiness through production ramp and staged automation deployment.

You will coordinate engineering, operations, automation, and supply chain teams to bring the factory online and scale production quickly. The work is complex, fast-paced, and highly cross-functional. Success requires strong technical judgment, relentless execution, and the ability to solve problems in real time.

This role sits at the center of one of the most critical programs in the company: bringing large-scale humanoid robot manufacturing online.

What You’ll Do

Own Factory Launch Execution

Lead the end-to-end execution of a new manufacturing plant launch, including:

• Factory readiness
• Equipment installation
• Production line bring-up
• Pilot builds
• Production ramp
  
  

Develop and maintain the master launch schedule and drive teams to meet aggressive milestones.

Drive Cross-Functional Alignment

Coordinate work across multiple technical teams:

• Manufacturing Engineering
• Process / Industrial Engineering
• Automation & Controls
• Facilities Engineering
• Supply Chain
• Quality Engineering
• Operations
  
  

Ensure dependencies are managed and blockers are resolved quickly.

Enable Production Ramp

Support the execution of the production ramp plan, including:

• Initial production launch
• Staged automation deployment
• Capacity expansion phases
  
  

Work closely with engineering and operations teams to ensure the manufacturing system reaches stable, repeatable output.

Manage Program Risk

Identify program risks early and drive mitigation actions.

Maintain clear visibility of:

• Schedule
• Program risks
• Critical path activities
  
  

Launch readiness

Communicate progress and risks to leadership with clarity and urgency.

Execute with Speed

Factory launches involve ambiguity and constant change. You will be expected to:

• Make decisions quickly
• Solve complex problems cross-functionally
  
  

Remove obstacles that slow execution

What We’re Looking For

• 8 years of experience managing complex technical programs
• Strong understanding of manufacturing systems or production engineering
• Experience leading large cross-functional engineering programs
• Ability to drive teams through ambiguity and aggressive timelines
  
  

Strong technical judgment combined with exceptional execution

Ideal Background

• Manufacturing plant launches
• Robotics, EV, aerospace, or complex electromechanical products
• Automation deployment and production ramp
• Hardware development programs
  
  

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 full ownership of program outcomes
• Moves fast and makes decisions with incomplete information
• Solves problems directly instead of escalating them
• Works effectively under pressure and tight deadlines
• Is willing to step outside defined roles to get the job done
• Prioritizes execution and results over process
  
  

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

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-$210,000. Exact compensation may vary based on skills, experience, and location.