This is a highly collaborative, product-focused front-end software engineering role focused on building the customer-facing software systems, powering a next-generation manufacturing platform.
The priority for this position is front-end development, UX/UI, workflow visualization, 3D rendering, and operational software experiences. The ideal candidate will bring strong experience building intuitive, polished, user-facing applications that simplify highly technical manufacturing workflows.
A core part of this role is displaying 3D models of parts, dies, and toolpaths and letting users manipulate them directly in the application. Hands-on experience with 3D graphical rendering is required.
You'll help develop the software layer that enables operators, engineers, and customers to interact with an AI-driven forging platform, proprietary Universal Operating System, and automation workflows. This includes helping create systems that support AI-assisted toolpath generation, interactive 3D visualization of parts, toolpaths, and forging cells, and long-term near-autonomous manufacturing initiatives.
Responsibilities
Design and develop modern customer-facing web applications and operational interfaces
Build intuitive UX/UI experiences supporting advanced manufacturing and automation workflows
Create workflow visualization tools and operational dashboards for manufacturing processes
Develop 3D interaction tools that let users manipulate models directly, including rotating, zooming, panning, sectioning, measuring, and annotating geometry
Support development of interfaces tied to AI-driven toolpath and automation systems
Collaborate closely with robotics, controls, manufacturing, and software engineering teams
Translate customer and operational feedback into scalable software features and workflows
Integrate APIs, backend systems, and hardware-connected platforms into front-end applications
Help shape the usability, functionality, and long-term direction of ForgeNest's proprietary Universal Operating System.
Who You Are
Most effective building intuitive, polished, customer-facing software systems
Product-minded developer focused heavily on UX/UI, workflows, and usability
Comfortable collaborating directly with engineers, operators, customers, and leadership teams
Strong communicator capable of translating technical workflows into clean user experiences
Curious and resourceful with strong independent problem-solving ability
Adaptable and quick to ramp up on new technologies, domains, and projects
Motivated by building software that directly impacts real-world industrial and manufacturing systems
What You Bring
Strong front-end software development experience with emphasis on UX/UI and customer-facing applications
Experience building intuitive, workflow-oriented user interfaces
Strong understanding of usability, workflow design, and customer interaction principles
Experience with modern front-end frameworks such as React, Vue, or Angular
API integration and backend connectivity experience
Ability to collaborate directly with engineering teams, operators, and end users
Experience building operational dashboards, workflow tools, or visualization platforms preferred
Hands-on experience with 3D graphical rendering, including building interfaces that display and let users manipulate 3D models (e.g., Three.js, React Three Fiber, WebGL/WebGPU)
Understanding of 3D graphics fundamentals such as cameras, lighting, materials, and rendering performance
Experience working with CAD-derived geometry and formats such as STEP, STL, or glTF preferred
Comfortable operating in highly collaborative startup-style environments
What Success Looks Like
Workflow Development: Within the first 6 months, you've delivered meaningful improvements to software usability, operational workflows, or customer-facing functionality
User Experience: Operators, engineers, and customers actively rely on and enjoy using the interfaces and workflows you help build
3D Visualization: Users can view and manipulate parts, toolpaths, and forging processes through clear, responsive 3D views that make complex geometry and machine behavior easy to understand
System Integration: Front-end applications integrate effectively with hardware, controls, robotics, and backend systems
Collaboration: Engineering and operations teams involve you early in workflow, tooling, and platform discussions
Platform Growth: You contribute directly toward the long-term development of ForgeNest's proprietary Universal Operating System and near-autonomous manufacturing ecosystem
Experience
5-10+ years of professional software development experience
Strong front-end development experience building modern web applications and customer-facing platforms
Experience with UX/UI design principles and workflow-driven application development
Experience with modern front-end frameworks such as React, Vue, or Angular
Experience integrating APIs and backend services into front-end applications
Ability to collaborate with technical and non-technical stakeholders to translate operational needs into software solutions
Demonstrated experience with 3D graphical rendering (WebGL, Three.js, or similar) in a production application
Experience with CAD/CAM visualization is a strong plus
Experience within manufacturing, industrial automation, robotics, or hardware-adjacent environments is helpful but not required
Startup or fast-paced product development experience preferred
Why Join ForgeNest
ForgeNest is a venture-backed startup building an AI-driven, software-forward forging platform designed to modernize one of the world's most critical manufacturing industries.
By combining commercially available hardware with proprietary software, AI-driven toolpath generation, and a next-generation Universal Operating System, ForgeNest is transforming how forged metal parts are designed and manufactured across defense, aerospace, energy, maritime, and industrial markets.
This is an opportunity to join a small, highly technical, high-impact team developing dual-use technology with real-world applications where your work will directly influence the future of advanced manufacturing, automation, and industrial technology.
Export Control Requirements
This position may involve access to technology or technical data subject to U.S. export control regulations, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR). Where required, the company will determine whether an export license or other government authorization is needed for a selected candidate and may apply for one. Information about export control status will be requested only to comply with these regulations and will not be used to discriminate on the basis of citizenship, immigration status, or national origin. #J-18808-Ljbffr