Engineering Technician

Department: Operations

Location: Santa Clara Office

Employment Type: FullTime

The Role

We're seeking an Engineering Technician to support the continuous operation and maintenance of our lab environments. You'll work alongside engineers across multiple disciplines to ensure our prototype robots, test fixtures, and facilities function flawlessly. This is a hands-on role where attention to detail and proactive problem-solving directly impact our ability to iterate and ship products. This is a full-time, on-site position in Santa Clara, CA.

What You'll Do

Lab Operations & Inventory Management

• Maintain comprehensive tracking systems for all robot units—serial numbers, configurations, locations, component status, and revision history

• Own the organization and maintenance of all hardware tools and equipment—ensuring everything is properly stored, labeled, calibrated, and ready for immediate use

• Manage lab facilities, workspaces, and ESD-safe workstations to support uninterrupted engineering work

• Conduct routine inspections of lab equipment and coordinate preventative maintenance schedules

Safety & Compliance

• Serve as a point of contact for lab safety protocols and Environmental Health and Safety (EHS) compliance

• Manage the inventory, labeling, storage, and proper disposal of hazardous materials and electronic waste

• Maintain meticulous documentation and logs to ensure audit readiness

• Enforce and adhere to lab safety protocols, always ensuring a safe and organized work environment

Prototype Support & Testing Assistance

• Assist engineers with assembly and disassembly of robot prototypes and subassemblies

• Support test setup and execution, helping to instrument and prepare engineering prototypes for validation testing

• Conduct visual and functional inspections of components and assemblies to identify defects, irregularities, and areas for improvement

• Help gather data during testing procedures and document findings using tools like MS Excel

• Troubleshoot basic mechanical and electrical issues under engineering guidance

Logistics & Vendor Coordination

• Coordinate shipping of robots and components, including specialized packaging, hazmat documentation (lithium batteries), and carrier selection

• Receive, inspect, and process incoming hardware, parts, and materials

• Work with external vendors for equipment procurement, calibrations, repairs, and shipping services

• Maintain inventory of spare parts, consumables, and facility-related hardware

• Manage the layout and installation of new lab equipment, ensuring proper power and utility hookups

Documentation & Process Improvement

• Document and continuously improve lab processes, procedures, and safety protocols as we scale

• Maintain meticulous records to ensure operational efficiency and audit readiness

• Create and update standard operating procedures (SOPs) for lab equipment and processes

• Assist in developing test procedures and protocols alongside engineering teams

What You'll Bring

Required

• Associate's degree in a technical field (Electronics, Mechanical Systems, Mechatronics) or equivalent hands-on experience

• 2+ years of experience in lab operations, inventory management, logistics, or technician roles—preferably in a hardware, electronics, or robotics environment

• Exceptional organizational skills and attention to detail—you take pride in a well-maintained workspace where every tool has a home

• Hands-on experience handling delicate electronics, precision hardware, or robotic components

• Proficiency with shipping logistics, packaging standards, and documentation

• Physical ability to lift up to 50 lbs regularly and work in a lab environment

• Self-directed, reliable, and comfortable working independently in a fast-paced setting

Bonus

• Experience with hazardous materials shipping regulations (especially lithium batteries)

• Familiarity with inventory management systems or CMMS software (e.g., maintenance management platforms)

• Previous work in a robotics, manufacturing, or R&D lab environment

• Understanding of ESD protocols, calibration procedures, or GLP/GMP practices

• Ability to read technical drawings, assembly instructions, or electrical schematics

• Familiarity with environmental stress testing or automated test systems

• Experience with LabVIEW, Python, or similar data acquisition tools
  

Core Competencies

• The "Fixer" Mindset: Proactively identify and resolve issues before they impact operations

• Communication: Ability to collaborate effectively with engineers and external partners

• Adaptability: Comfortable with changing priorities in a rapidly evolving startup environment