Robotics Lab Technician

Workplace: On-site, 5 days per week
Location: San Francisco, CA (Dogpatch neighborhood)
Salary: $90,000-$105,000

We are seeking a Robotics Lab Technician to be the versatile builder at the center of our prototype lab. You'll move fluidly between precision assembly, wiring and electrical integration, system bring-up, and acceptance testing to take robots from a kit of parts to a validated, working system. You'll install software and read logs, bridging the gap between hardware and software during bring-up, and you’ll troubleshoot and solve integration issues during testing and validation.

We're looking for someone careful with their hands, organized about documentation, and comfortable collaborating with mechanical, electrical, controls, and software engineers in a fast-iterating environment.

Key Job Responsibilities

• Assemble electromechanical robotic systems and subsystems (actuators, gearboxes, sensors, vision systems, wiring harnesses, PCBAs) from mechanical drawings, schematics, and work instructions, following torque specs and assembly procedures.
• Kit parts against the BOM, stage hardware and fixtures, and set up assembly jigs and alignment rigs for each build.
• Build first articles from prototype kits, provide engineering with actionable build feedback (DFx), and execute rework and engineering change orders (ECOs) as designs iterate.
• Fabricate, route, and terminate wiring harnesses to documented pinouts with proper strain relief, bend radius management, and cable routing for moving assemblies.
• Perform pre-power-on electrical verification (continuity, pinout, insulation, polarity) and board-level integration under ESD discipline.
• Maintain build records, travelers, inspection checklists, and non-conformance reports (NCRs) ensuring full traceability. Redline and improve work instructions with each build.
• Bring up newly built assemblies, verify actuator and sensor function, and run acceptance testing and performance characterization using standard and custom test equipment.
• Use git and the Linux command line to install, configure, and run test and calibration software on robots; track software versions across the fleet.
• Read logs and source code well enough to localize problems and provide engineering with actionable triage reports.
• Collaborate with engineering to isolate integration issues, narrow root cause across mechanical, electrical, and software domains, and drive corrective actions into work instructions.
• Keep the lab safe, organized, and ESD-compliant; track tooling, consumables, and inventory.
• Drive continuous improvement and support prototype-to-production transitions by developing SOPs, assembly aids, and training materials.

Required Qualifications

• 3-5+ years of hands-on experience assembling and testing electromechanical systems such as robotics hardware, precision mechatronic assemblies, aerospace/automotive hardware, or electronics assembly in a lab, prototype, or manufacturing environment.
• Able to read and interpret mechanical drawings, electrical schematics, wiring diagrams, and written work instructions to build and test complex hardware.
• Proficient with hand and torque tools, basic crimping and soldering, and steady work with small fasteners and connectors.
• Demonstrated ability to perform functional and acceptance testing using standard test equipment such as multimeters, oscilloscopes, and power supplies.
• Experience performing quality inspections and maintaining detailed build records, including assembly travelers, inspection checklists, and non-conformance documentation.
• Comfortable at a Linux command line running scripts, and willing to grow those skills.
• Knowledge of ESD handling procedures and lab safety protocols for working with high-voltage electronics and heavy mechanical assemblies.
• Clear communication, careful record-keeping, and safe work habits.

Preferred Qualifications

• Associate's degree or technical certification in Electronics Technology, Mechatronics, Robotics, Mechanical Engineering Technology, or a related discipline, or equivalent hands-on experience.
• Experience assembling and testing robotic systems with high degrees of freedom, including familiarity with actuators, force/torque sensors, IMUs, encoders, and vision/camera systems.
• Wiring harness fabrication experience including building to a pinout, connector assembly, and cable routing on moving assemblies.
• Background in a robotics research lab, hardware startup, aerospace, or advanced electromechanical environment where rapid prototyping and tight engineering collaboration are standard.
• Mechatronics training/coursework or electromechanical troubleshooting experience.
• Some scripting ability (Python or bash) for test and calibration; basic familiarity with git, Docker, or networking.
• Experience with ERP systems, MES, PLM, or lab management tools for tracking inventory, build status, component traceability, and hardware/software revision control.

Work Environment & Physical Requirements

• On-site lab role; standing, bench work, and hands-on assembly for extended periods, including work in awkward positions and tight spaces.
• Fine motor precision and close-vision work with small fasteners, connectors, and board-level components.
• Lifting and maneuvering heavy robotic assemblies; use of required PPE.
• Work around high-voltage electronics, powered actuators, and moving machinery.

Salary Range

• $90,000-$105,000
• 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

Compliance Notice: Alten USA is a federal contractor subject to the requirements of the Vietnam Era Veterans’ Readjustment Assistance Act (VEVRAA) and Executive Order 11246. We are an Equal Opportunity Employer and consider all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or veteran status.

Drug Screening Requirement: As a federal contractor, Alten USA maintains a drug-free workplace. All candidates selected for employment will be required to successfully complete a pre-employment drug screening as a condition of hire.