Head of AI, Autonomous Manufacturing Systems
Hybrid / Remote · HQ Allentown, PA · Seed Stage
About 4MP
At 4MP, we are building a new technological foundation for precision manufacturing. Our systems enable CNC machines to self-measure, self-correct, and continuously improve their performance - transforming conventional machine tools into autonomous precision systems.
Backed by a leading institutional investor and extensively vetted by recognized experts across industry and government laboratories, 4MP is at the beginning of a category-defining journey. We are transitioning from early development into building a visionary company that will redefine how precision manufacturing is done globally.
About the Role
We are seeking a hands-on, visionary VP of AI who can architect, code, build, and lead from the front. You will work directly with the founding leadership team across software, machine physics, geometry, metrology, and data infrastructure to build the intelligence layer for a new category of manufacturing.
Joining at this seed stage means you will have a foundational voice in shaping the company, the technical architecture, and our future product direction. You will not simply lead an AI function; you will define how AI becomes the foundational layer of autonomous manufacturing.
What You Will Do
- Build and Manage the AI Organization: You will build and manage the AI organization at 4MP, while doing hands-on technical work. You will recruit and mentor a world-class team while architecting the AI modules, writing code, reviewing architecture, and building prototypes alongside them.
- Lead AI Architecture: Design and develop the intelligence layers that enable machines to interpret manufacturing intent, understand system deviations, and autonomously generate corrective actions.
- Integrate Multidisciplinary Data: Define how AI interacts with physics-based models, machine telemetry, sensor data, CNC programs, and manufacturing context.
- Interpret & Modify CNC Programs: Build AI systems to extract machining intent from G-code, accounting for operator variability, CAM differences, and varied programming styles.
- Design Learning Frameworks: Develop feedback loops that combine AI reasoning with physics-based models and sensor data, allowing machines to improve from each correction cycle and production result.
- Build Data Infrastructure: Create a scalable data architecture that captures manufacturing intelligence across machines, parts, tools, materials, and production environments.
- Create Simulation Environments: Define simulation and validation environments for training, testing, and scaling autonomous correction models.
- Drive Strategic Cross-Functional Leadership: In close interaction with other functional leaders, you will contribute to defining the company strategy, technology and business roadmaps, and comprehensive project plans.
What We Require
- Hands-On AI Management: Proven experience building and managing an AI organization while doing hands-on technical work. You must be comfortable leading teams while actively contributing to the codebase.
- 10+ Years of Experience: Deep background in AI, software engineering, machine learning architecture, robotics, intelligent systems, or complex technical platforms.
- Domain Expertise: Direct experience with robotics, autonomous systems, industrial systems, physics-informed machine learning, reinforcement learning, control systems, simulation, digital twins, or real-world telemetry.
- System Architecture Expertise: Deep experience designing and building production-grade AI, ML, data, or software infrastructure from the ground up.
- Strong Coding and Data Proficiency: Exceptional hands-on coding skills and ability to manage data pipelines, model orchestration, validation, feedback loops, and complex, messy, real-world data.
- Core AI/ML Expertise: Strong understanding of optimization, statistical modeling, and system-level AI design.
- Educational Foundation: Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Robotics, Engineering, Physics, Mathematics, or a related field.
What Will Set You Apart
- Advanced Degree: Master’s or PhD in Computer Science, Robotics, Engineering, Physics, Mathematics, or a related field.
- Scaling & Startup Experience: An ideal candidate will bring a unique blend of agile startup experience alongside a proven track record of navigating the growth phase at a major AI organization (such as OpenAI, Anthropic, Google, Meta, etc.).
- Proven Problem Solving: A track record of turning ambiguous, unsolved technical problems into reliable, working systems where no playbook existed.
- Systems Thinker: A focus on building foundational, long-term scalable platforms and intelligent systems rather than just standalone models.
- Visionary Drive: You are not just looking for a senior title; you are looking for the opportunity to achieve a career-defining milestone by building a platform that fundamentally reshapes an entire industry.
Applicants without experience working with physical systems will not be considered.
Please do not email resumes or applications directly. We review candidates exclusively through this job posting.