Hardware Technician

About the role

We are seeking a passionate Hardware Technician to join our team at unspun. In this role, you will play a crucial part in constructing, maintaining, and operating our sophisticated electro-mechanical weaving systems. Your work will be essential in advancing our proprietary 3D weaving technology, directly supporting our goal to reduce global carbon emissions by 1% through revolutionizing clothes manufacturing.

Responsibilities

• Machine assembly & builds: Assemble mechanical and electromechanical subsystems — precision mechanical assemblies, cable harnesses, and sensor installations — from drawings, schematics, and SOPs.
• Preventive & corrective maintenance: Execute scheduled maintenance on Vega systems, and diagnose and repair mechanical and electrical issues as they arise.
• Troubleshooting support: Work alongside test and systems engineers to reproduce failures, swap components, and isolate root causes on real hardware.
• Test infrastructure: Build and maintain test stands, fixtures, and cycle testers that support reliability and validation work.
• Machine commissioning: Support bring-up and acceptance testing of new machines, including subsystem checks and calibration procedures.
• Documentation: Keep build records, maintenance logs, and SOPs accurate and up to date, and flag recurring issues so they get fixed at the source.
• Shop & inventory upkeep: Keep tools, spare parts, and work areas organized so the team can move fast without chaos.

Requirements

• 3+ years of hands-on experience as a technician in robotics, industrial automation, manufacturing, or a similar electromechanical environment.
• Strong mechanical assembly skills: precision fits, fasteners, alignment, and use of hand and power tools.
• Electrical skills: wiring, crimping, soldering, cable harnessing, and reading electrical schematics.
• Proficiency in operating, setting up, and maintaining sophisticated machinery.
• Solid understanding of technical engineering drawings, and following (and improving) SOPs.
• Experience troubleshooting integrated systems with a methodical, root-cause mindset.
• Solid understanding of mechatronics, moving parts, and sensors.
• Knowledge of experimental measurement equipment and instrumentation.
• Strong problem-solving skills with a keen attention to detail.
• Clear written documentation habits and good communication with engineers.
• Excellent time management skills and ability to thrive in a fast-paced startup environment.
• Openness to feedback and eagerness to continuously learn and adapt.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or coursework in Mechanical Engineering Technology, Mechanical Engineering, Textile Technology, Textile Engineering, or related field.
• Experience with industrial machinery: motors, drives, PLCs, pneumatics, or CAN-based systems.
• Experience building or maintaining test stands and fixtures.
• Machining, 3D printing, or fabrication skills.
• Textile or weaving equipment experience.
• Experience with CAD, PLM, or MES software (e.g., OnShape, Arena, Ion).
• Familiarity with GD&T (Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing).

Skills

• Hands-on experience in robotics, industrial automation, manufacturing, or a similar electromechanical environment.
• Strong mechanical assembly skills.
• Electrical skills.
• Proficiency in operating, setting up, and maintaining sophisticated machinery.
• Understanding of technical engineering drawings and SOPs.
• Experience troubleshooting integrated systems.
• Knowledge of experimental measurement equipment and instrumentation.
• Problem-solving skills.
• Written documentation habits.
• Time management skills.
• Feedback and learning agility.

Benefits

• Hourly range: $38 - $46 USD (plus overtime and equity)
• Self-regulated vacation policy
• Comprehensive health/dental/vision insurance
• Company-sponsored 401(k) and FSA/HSA
• Monthly wellness or education grant up to $150
• Incentive stock options

Pay

• Hourly range: $38 - $46 USD (plus overtime and equity)

Schedule

• 5 days a week at our Emeryville facility, CA (On-site)