Factory Deployed Engineer

Fractal TalentDetroit, MichiganJob.bopublished 11/09/2026
Must-have:ExpressAI

We’re supporting a client with the recruitment requirement outlined below. If your recruiting expertise and networks align with the role, please apply to express your interest.

Once approved to work on the opportunity, you’ll receive the full brief, including the client name, role details, and commercial terms.

Role Details

Location: Detroit, Michigan (in-office)

Industry: Manufacturing

Salary: $120,000–$200,000

Employment Type: Full-time

Work Arrangement: In-office

Experience: Approximately 2–5 years; flexible based on relevant hands-on experience

Visa Sponsorship: Not available

Work Authorization: US citizens or Green Card holders only

About the Company

An early-stage, AI-powered manufacturing company building vertically integrated metals factories to modernize American industrial production.

The business combines software, automation, and factory operations to deliver cut-to-size metals with fast turnaround and instant online quoting. Its proprietary software uses machine learning to optimize material cutting, inventory, and production workflows.

The company has already built a growing customer base and is scaling its factory operations, with plans to expand its engineering team and open an additional location.

About the Role

The Factory Deployed Engineer is a hands-on generalist who combines software and hardware to solve real-world manufacturing problems.

This is not a traditional software engineering role focused solely on writing code. The person will identify, build, and deploy systems that make factory operations more efficient, taking ownership of projects from concept through implementation.

The role requires strong judgment, adaptability, and the ability to prioritize meaningful outcomes as the company's roadmap and operational needs evolve.

Responsibilities

  • Own factory-facing projects end to end, combining software and hardware to deliver practical solutions.
  • Build and improve systems for quoting, production scheduling, shop-floor automation, and operational data.
  • Identify opportunities to optimize factory workflows and improve operational performance.
  • Make independent decisions about what to build, prioritize, or deprioritize as business needs change.
  • Deliver measurable improvements in revenue, production speed, retention, and factory efficiency.

Requirements

  • Experience building systems or products that interact with the physical world and involve real-world manufacturing constraints.
  • Strong generalist capable of finding solutions across software and hardware.
  • Experience owning complete systems or projects rather than isolated technical components.
  • High agency, strong independent judgment, and an outcome-oriented mindset.
  • Ability to execute without extensive direction or hand-holding.
  • AI-native approach, making effective use of modern AI tools.
  • Team-first attitude, openness to criticism, and strong collaboration skills.
  • Experience in zero-to-one environments, small teams, or scaling products.

Relevant backgrounds include:

  • Manufacturing and industrial technology.
  • Hardware and robotics engineering.
  • Factory automation and operational software.
  • Formula SAE, rocketry teams, or DARPA challenges.
  • Early-stage or scaling hardware and manufacturing companies.

Benefits

  • Medical, dental, and vision insurance.

Interview Process

  • Product Manager Interview – Initial conversation with the Product Manager.
  • Technical Interview / Code Test – First-round technical assessment with an engineer; this is a key evaluation stage.
  • Founder Interview – Scenario-based interview focused on judgment, values, ownership, and overall fit.
  • On-site Interview – Visit the Detroit factory, meet the team, and assess mutual fit.
  • Offer and Hire.