Head of Software

About

Foundation Industries is building the supply base for frontier hardware companies: We CNC machine critical components and have built 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

• $150k-$175k annual salary
• Equity grant (early-stage, meaningful)
• Benefits and other details based on seniority and fit