Business Development Manager - Commercial Markets

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 driven, technically curious Business Development Manager to expand 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 identify new markets, develop strategic customer relationships, and convert early opportunities into long-term manufacturing partnerships.

You will engage founders, engineering leaders, and executives building the next generation of physical products. Success requires strong commercial instincts, technical curiosity, and comfort navigating complex B2B sales cycles.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

- Drive New Business Development

- Identify and pursue high-value commercial opportunities across robotics, AI infrastructure, energy, power systems, and industrial automation.

- Build relationships with founders, CTOs, engineering leaders, operations executives, and supply chain decision-makers.

- Own opportunities from prospecting and qualification through proposals, negotiations, and contract execution.

- Develop Strategic Markets and Partnerships

- Map emerging hardware markets and identify companies moving from prototypes to production.

- Build relationships with OEMs, technology partners, and system integrators.

- Represent Foundry Robotics at industry events, conferences, and customer meetings

- Translate Technical Needs into Commercial Opportunities

- Partner with engineering, manufacturing, and operations to understand customer requirements.

- Support RFQs, feasibility assessments, cost models, and commercial proposals.

- Develop opportunities from pilot builds into recurring, higher-volume production programs.

- Build and Execute GTM Strategy.

- Develop account lists, targeted outreach campaigns, and repeatable qualification processes.

- pipeline forecasts, account plans, and accurate deal progression.

- Bring customer insights into commercial and manufacturing strategy.

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.

- 4-8 years in business development, technical sales, strategic partnerships, or commercial roles in B2B

- technology.

- Demonstrated success originating opportunities and advancing complex sales cycles.

- Understanding of hardware, engineering-driven organizations, or industrial technology.

- Ability to engage technical and executive stakeholders with strong communication and commercial

- judgment.

- Self-starter who thrives in a fast-paced startup environment; willing to travel as needed

NICE TO HAVE (NOT REQUIRED)

- Experience in robotics, industrial automation, electronics manufacturing, contract manufacturing, or

- advanced hardware.

- Exposure