Actuator Team Lead

foundation-robotics; San Francisco (CA); On-site; USD 220,000 - 400,000; Full time

Job summary

Foundation is seeking an actuator lead to scale and own cross-functional motor/actuator projects in San Francisco. You will drive architectural decisions, rapid prototyping, modeling, and manufacturability improvements across electrical, mechanical, firmware, and controls teams.

We value hands-on technical leadership, deep IC design experience in actuation, and a relentless drive for best-in-class performance, reliability, and aesthetics in robotics products.

Qualifications

• Hands-on technical leader with strong IC design experience in motor/actuator systems for robotics/aviation/automotive (bonus in high-volume manufacturing).
• Robust understanding of electromechanical actuators, with skills in controller development, gearbox optimization, embedded firmware, sensors, and packaging.
• Willingness to dive into mechanical, electrical, firmware, controls, and sourcing activities.
• Mastery in 3D CAD, simulation/analysis (FEA, MATLAB, ANSYS), GD&T, tolerance analysis, and technical communication.

Responsibilities

• Lead a cross-functional actuator team spanning electrical, motor design, geartrain, controls, and electronics disciplines.
• Create new actuator architectures through rapid prototyping and modeling.
• Drive efficiency, torque density, manufacturability, and other key performance metrics.

Skills

Actuator design leadership

3D CAD software

Matlab/Simulations

Embedded firmware

Project leadership

Tools

MATLAB

ANSYS

3D CAD software

Job description

About Foundation:

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.

Why We Are Hiring For This Role:

• At Foundation, we’re pushing the bounds on actuator technology that is the backbone of the Phantom platform.
• As we rapidly scale to meet demand, we’re looking for an actuator lead that can build on our existing work and continue to improve efficiency, torque density, manufacturability, and other key performance metrics.
• The actuator lead will build and lead a cross-functional team spanning electrical systems, motor design, geartrain, controls, and electronics disciplines.
• This team will not only focus on current design optimization but also create new actuator architectures through rapid prototyping and modeling.

What Kind of Person Are We Looking For:

• A hands-on technical leader with strong IC design experience in motor/actuator systems for robotics, automotive, or aerospace (bonus if done in the context of high volume manufacturing).
• Robust understanding of electromechanical actuators, with skills in controller development, gearbox optimization, embedded firmware, communication protocols, sensor integration, and packaging.
• A leader that is ready to dive into technical details and challenges related to mechanical, electrical, firmware, controls, and sourcing activities.
• Mastery in 3D CAD software, simulation and analysis methodology (FEA, MATLAB, ANSYS, etc), GD&T, tolerance analysis, and technical communication.
• Zeal for agile, startup-like operations with a bias for action to guide the actuator team in transformative robotics progress across all Foundation initiatives.

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 $220,000.00 - $400,000.00. Exact compensation may vary based on skills, experience, and location.