Robotics Lab Technician

About the role

You'll run the hardware acceptance, functional, and performance testing that proves our robots work — and build the systems you test. Precision assembly of actuators, sensors, harnesses, and PCBAs is a core part of the job. Expect to work shoulder-to-shoulder with mechanical, electrical, and controls engineers, turning rough prototypes into characterized, documented, repeatable hardware.

What you'll do

• Test and characterize.
• Execute acceptance, functional-verification, and performance-characterization testing on robotic components and full systems using standard and custom equipment (multimeters, oscilloscopes, power supplies, custom fixtures). Capture results in test records and quality systems.
• Operate test equipment.
• Set up and run the lab's instrumentation and custom test fixtures; flag calibration or maintenance needs to the lab owner.
• Assemble robotic hardware.
• Perform precision assembly of electromechanical systems — actuators, gearboxes, force/torque sensors, vision systems, wiring harnesses, and PCBAs — from drawings, schematics, and work instructions.
• Debug integration issues.
• Partner with engineering to find and resolve problems surfaced during test and build, drive corrective actions, and fold fixes back into the work instructions.
• Support prototype builds end-to-end.
• Carry builds from kit prep through final checkout; keep schedules and communicate status, risks, and blockers proactively.
• Own quality and traceability.
• Run inspections and maintain build records, traveler documents, and non-conformance reports (NCRs) for full traceability and compliance.
• Work safely.
• Follow all ESD, lab-safety, and high-voltage/heavy-assembly protocols.
• Improve and document.
• Streamline test and assembly processes, and write and refine SOPs and assembly aids.

Basic qualifications

• 3+ years hands-on testing
• And building electromechanical systems, robotics hardware, or precision mechatronic assemblies in a lab, prototype, or manufacturing environment.
• Proficiency with standard test equipment (multimeters, oscilloscopes, power supplies) for functional and acceptance testing.
• Ability to read and work from mechanical drawings, electrical schematics, assembly diagrams, and wiring documentation.
• Experience with quality inspection and documentation — travelers, inspection checklists, and non-conformance reports.
• Working knowledge of ESD handling, lab safety, and safe practices around high-voltage electronics and heavy mechanical assemblies.

Preferred qualifications

• Experience testing and building high-DOF robotic systems — actuators, force/torque sensors, IMUs, encoders, and vision systems.
• Background in a robotics research lab, hardware startup, aerospace, or advanced electromechanical environment with rapid iteration and tight engineering collaboration.
• Experience supporting prototype-to-production transitions (SOPs, work instructions, training materials).
• Familiarity with ERP, MES, or lab-management tools for inventory, build status, and traceability.
• Experience using Terminal for running test and calibration scripts.
• Associate's degree or technical certification in Electronics Technology, Mechatronics, Robotics, Mechanical Engineering Technology, or a related field.

Work environment & physical requirements

• On-site lab role; standing and hands-on work for extended periods.
• Lifting and maneuvering heavy robotic assemblies; use of required PPE.
• Work around high-voltage electronics, powered actuators, and moving machinery.

Pay

The actual salary offered is dependent on various factors including, but not limited to, location, the candidate’s combination of job-related knowledge, qualifications, skills, education, training, and experience.