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Keenan Johnson

Keenan Johnson

@keenanjohnson.com

Founder @ Bread Board Foundry | Building software for hardware and research teams | Climate Founder @ Ribbit Network

Co-Founder & CEO at Bread Board Foundry

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I work with hardware companies to solve technical and operational challenges across manufacturing, climate tech, robotics, and emerging technologies.

At Bread Board Foundry, we build specialized software tools for small-to-mid-sized hardware companies. Our focus is creating solutions that speak the language of hardware engineering, from project planning to manufacturing execution, without the complexity of enterprise systems designed for massive corporations.

I also founded Ribbit Network, a nonprofit building the world's largest crowdsourced CO2 monitoring network through open-source sensors called "Frogs" that citizen scientists deploy globally. This work provides deep insights into hardware development challenges that inform approaches across both ventures.

Through my consulting practice, I advise companies on technical strategy and engineering execution, specializing in electrical and software systems for hardware products. This diverse experience from aerospace to climate tech to manufacturing gives me unique insight into patterns that work across industries.

Whether you're dealing with manufacturing coordination challenges, need engineering leadership guidance, or want to discuss climate monitoring solutions, I'm always interested in tackling complex problems with great teams.

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Career: 7

Co-Founder & CEO

Bread Board Foundry

Feb 2025 - Present

Building specialized software for small-to-mid-sized hardware manufacturers. Our products address production coordination and project planning challenges that existing enterprise solutions overcomplicate. Current focus: Soufflé (right-to-left project planning tool) and Pretzel (production optimization platform). We're bootstrapped and customer-focused.

Founder

Ribbit Network

Jun 2021 - Present

Founded 501(c)(3) nonprofit building the world's largest crowdsourced CO2 monitoring network. Our open-source "Frog" sensors enable citizen scientists, educators, and researchers to contribute to global climate observation.

Engineering & Leadership Consultant

Keenan Johnson Consulting

Oct 2019 - Present

Technical strategy and engineering execution consulting for hardware companies across aerospace, climate tech, robotics, and manufacturing. Specializing in electrical and software systems for complex physical products. Focus areas include technical architecture, engineering team leadership, and organizational challenges at the intersection of hardware and software development.

Startup Advisor

Third Derivative

Nov 2020 - Jul 2021

Advised climate technology startups in RMI's (formerly Rocky Mountain Institute) Third Derivative accelerator program focused on industrial decarbonization and energy transformation. Provided technical strategy, engineering leadership guidance, and business development support to portfolio companies. Coached nearly 50 climate tech startups across sectors including manufacturing, energy systems, and industrial automation. Focus on helping technical founders scale engineering teams and navigate complex hardware development challenges.

Head of Robotics Software Engineering

Bedrock Ocean Exploration

May 2020 - Oct 2020

Led software engineering for autonomous underwater vehicle systems. Developed control systems and navigation software for deep-sea exploration robotics platforms.

Head Of Engineering

Impossible Aerospace

Aug 2017 - Oct 2019

Led engineering for electric aircraft development. Managed technical teams building battery-powered aircraft for commercial and government applications, from concept through production readiness.

Launch Software Engineer

SpaceX

Hawthorne, CA

Jan 2013 - Aug 2017

• Worked as a launch control operator in the world’s highest pressure environment: SpaceX Launch Control Center • Developed Mission Control software used to control all SpaceX vehicles • Designed and operated the SpaceX Hyperloop test track

Skills: 49

Technical

C++Data AnalysisIntegrationLinuxMatlabObject Oriented DesignProgrammingPython
System ArchitectureSystems Design

Business

Agile Project ManagementEngineering ManagementProject ManagementRecruitingStrategic Planning

Creative

Technical Writing

Interpersonal

CommunicationLeadershipMentoringPeople ManagementProblem SolvingTeam Leadership

Other

BirthdaysBobcatChaos ReductionCompany OperationsDecision-MakingDesign ReviewElectrical EngineeringEngineering
FreestyleHerding CatsHyperloop pilotIdea PersonLabviewLemon LawMountingPrinted Circuit Board (PCB) DesignPrinted Circuit Board ManufacturingProgram ManagementRequirements ManagementRoadmap DevelopmentScienceShowersSnakesTeam BuildingTechnical PublicationTromboneYouth Leadership Training

Credentials: 1

Education: 1

Missouri University of Science and Technology

Computer Engineering

Aug 2010 - Dec 2013

Awards: 1

  • Arm Innovator

    The Arm Innovator Program supports our global ecosystem of developers—talented individuals building innovative solutions to transform the way we live and work. The program highlights the amazing projects and knowledge from top technical experts building on Arm-based technology. https://community.arm.com/members/keenan-johnson

Involvement: 7

Volunteering

Electric Potential

Chair, Treasurer - Board of Directors; Impact Advisor

Jun 2020 - Jan 2026

Seattle Aquarium

Special Projects Volunteer

Apr 2025 - Present

Developing autonomous underwater robotics and AI / Machine Learning systems for kelp forest monitoring.

Techstars

Company Mentor

Aug 2019 - Nov 2021

I am a mentor and advisor for several companies in the Techstars Starburst Space Accelerator. The Techstars Starburst Space Accelerator, a new Los Angeles-based program, focuses on the next generation of space technology companies and related frontier technologies. Startup companies in commercial space or that are developing related technologies are encouraged to apply. The program consortium includes NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory, U.S. Air Force, Lockheed Martin, Maxar Technologies, SAIC, and Israel Aerospace Industries North America.

Los Angeles Cleantech Incubator (LACI)

Business Mentor

May 2020 - May 2021

Cleantech Open is an annual business accelerator focused on funding and fostering the most promising cleantech companies on the planet.

Crisis Text Line

Crisis Counselor

Apr 2020 - Present

Crisis Text Line is the free, 24/7 text line for people in crisis in the United States. The service is powered by volunteer Crisis Counselors who work remotely—anywhere with a computer and secure internet connection works. Crisis Counselors answer texts from people in crisis, bringing them from a hot moment to a cool calm through active listening, collaborative problem solving, and safety planning.

Mars Rover Design Team

Electronics Team Lead

Aug 2013 - Dec 2014

• Recruited and led the technical development and field operation teams • Designed and manufactured custom PCB that contains a main ARM architecture processor, an AVR data processor, GPS sensor, Bluetooth radio, and other communication hardware • Developed real-time software in C for both ARM and AVR processors to control the operation of the rover

Miners in Space Design Team

President

Jul 2011 - Aug 2012

• Led team of 20 in proposing, designing, constructing, conducting, and evaluating micro-gravity research in partnership with NASA • Authored winning technical proposals for NASA • Developed a new method for single rescuer C.P.R. in micro-gravity in which the rescuer positions themselves behind the victim and performs Active Decompression C.P.R. using a suction cup device • Tested propellant management device in R-134a cold gas propulsion system for a micro-satellite in micro-gravity