Hardware Systems & Lab Engineer, Robotics & Operations

About the role

The Hardware Systems & Lab Engineer at Basis Research owns the full lifecycle of physical AI infrastructure from concept to operation. You will design and construct the custom robotic platforms that embody our research hypotheses while simultaneously safeguarding the lab environment. This role requires you to balance creative hardware development with uncompromising adherence to safety and operational standards. You will translate abstract algorithmic requirements into concrete mechanical, electrical, and software systems that enable researchers to work efficiently. You are expected to treat safety as a primary design constraint rather than an afterthought. The position demands equal parts engineer and operations manager, ensuring the lab remains a productive and reliable testbed for advanced experimentation. You will work autonomously to manage multiple projects and prioritize tasks based on the needs of the research team. Ultimately, you will ensure that great research is supported by great infrastructure that is robust, maintainable, and safe.

Key facts

What you'll do

• Lead the design and fabrication of modular robotic platforms, including manipulators, mobile bases, and specialized end-effectors tailored for specific research testbeds.
• Integrate sensors, actuators, and compute hardware such as cameras, force sensors, IMUs, and custom actuator designs into cohesive experimental systems.
• Develop and maintain comprehensive safety protocols, including lockout/tagout procedures, risk assessments, and emergency response plans for the robotics laboratory.
• Manage vendor relationships and procurement processes, including sourcing components, negotiating budgets, coordinating deliveries, and maintaining an accurate spare-parts inventory.
• Establish and sustain laboratory organization standards, ensuring workspaces are clean, well-documented, and optimized for efficient experimentation.
• Create sensor and actuator modules with reliable electrical and mechanical interfaces that seamlessly integrate with research software stacks and control algorithms.
• Support hardware-software integration by collaborating closely with researchers to align physical system capabilities with algorithmic requirements and experimental goals.
• Implement and maintain equipment maintenance schedules, perform preventative maintenance, and diagnose complex electromechanical failures to minimize downtime.
• Document hardware designs thoroughly, maintain accurate bills of materials, and create systems that are understandable and modifiable by other team members.
• Rapidly prototype proof-of-concept systems, identify issues through iterative testing, and evolve designs based on experimental results and researcher feedback.
• Train lab users on proper equipment procedures, safety standards, and best practices to ensure consistent and responsible use of the robotics laboratory.
• Balance project autonomy with cross-functional coordination, prioritizing tasks to meet research deadlines without compromising safety or quality.
• Contribute to the development of a scalable laboratory infrastructure that can adapt to evolving research directions and increased experimental complexity.
• Ensure all operations comply with institutional policies, safety regulations, and ethical guidelines relevant to advanced robotics research.

Requirements

• Designing and building custom robotic platforms
• Integrating sensors, actuators, and compute systems
• Creating modular, reconfigurable hardware systems
• Troubleshooting complex electromechanical systems
• Possess strong mechatronics skills spanning mechanical design (CAD, fabrication, assembly), electrical engineering (circuit design, power systems, signal processing), and embedded systems (microcontrollers, real-time control, ROS).
• Have experience with lab management and safety including developing safety protocols, maintaining equipment inventories, organizing workspaces, and training users on proper procedures.
• Understand the research-hardware interface. You can translate researcher needs into hardware specifications, anticipate common failure modes, and design systems that balance capability with reliability.
• Be skilled at rapid prototyping and iteration. You can quickly build proof-of-concept systems, identify issues through testing, and iterate designs based on experimental results.
• Value documentation and maintainability. You create clear documentation for hardware designs, maintain accurate BOMs, and design systems that others can understand and modify.
• Progress with autonomy while ensuring safety. You can manage multiple hardware projects, prioritize based on research needs, and make decisions that balance speed with safety.
• Experience at leading robotics labs (academic or industry).
• Background in research environments with understanding of experimental needs.
• Expertise in specific areas like soft robotics, bio-inspired design, or micro-robotics.
• Experience with ROS 2 and modern robot software stacks.
• Teaching or training experience for lab safety and procedures.
• Project management experience for complex hardware builds.

Practical notes

Hours are standard full-time.

Travel is not required.

Employment eligibility verification will be conducted in accordance with laws and regulations in New York.

This role is not eligible for remote work.

This role is not eligible for visa sponsorship.