Hardware Support Engineer II

About the role

You will take a leading role in ensuring the reliability, scalability, and quality of our robotic systems by independently driving hardware builds, diagnostics, validation efforts, and quality control initiatives. You will improve lab processes while supporting cross-functional engineering initiatives and maintaining rigorous standards across all hardware operations. This position requires strong hands-on technical skills, the ability to troubleshoot complex electro-mechanical systems, and a proactive mindset toward continuous improvement. You will own the full lifecycle of hardware readiness from prototype to deployment.

Key facts

What you'll do

Independently fabricate, assemble, integrate, and validate robotic prototypes, including mechanical assemblies, electrical systems, wire harnesses, and electro-mechanical subsystems.

Maintain and enforce hardware quality standards across builds, repairs, and deployments to ensure consistency and reliability.

Perform detailed inspections and functional validation to ensure all systems meet internal and client-facing quality benchmarks before release.

Lead root cause investigations for mechanical, electrical, and system-level failures; document findings and drive corrective actions to prevent recurrence.

Develop, execute, and refine comprehensive test plans to ensure repeatability, reliability, and compliance with defined quality metrics across diverse operating conditions.

Design and fabricate assembly jigs, test fixtures, and validation systems to improve consistency, reduce defect rates, and accelerate build cycles.

Support and optimize bench-top electrical system builds, ensuring adherence to safety and quality standards for both high- and low-voltage systems in all hardware configurations.

Own setup, calibration, validation, and maintenance of teleoperation rigs for data collection in both lab and client site environments.

Ensure deployed systems meet operational readiness standards before client use, performing thorough checks and adjustments in situ.

Serve as on-site technical lead during client deployments, maintaining high reliability and resolving issues while upholding company quality standards and customer expectations.

Collaborate with data collection teams to improve robot uptime, operational efficiency, and data integrity through iterative process improvements.

Develop and maintain Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), quality checklists, training materials, and serviceability documentation to support scalable operations.

Improve lab organization, inventory tracking, and sourcing workflows to maintain traceability, reduce errors, and support consistent hardware quality.

Establish and track hardware performance and defect metrics; identify trends and drive process improvements using data-driven decision-making.

Implement structured documentation practices for test results, repairs, and configuration changes to ensure auditability and knowledge retention.

Work closely with Mechanical, Electrical, Software, and Systems Engineering teams to resolve integration issues while maintaining strict quality standards across all disciplines.

Provide detailed written and verbal updates to stakeholders, including quality reports, build readiness updates, and deployment summaries for transparent communication.

Mentor junior technicians on best practices for workmanship, inspection procedures, and quality control to elevate team capability and consistency.

Requirements

3+ years of experience as an Engineering Technician, Hardware Technician, or similar role in Robotics, Automotive, Medical Devices, R&D, or Manufacturing.

Demonstrated experience maintaining and improving hardware quality standards in a lab or production environment through defined procedures and continuous improvement.

Strong experience assembling and troubleshooting complex electro-mechanical systems with attention to detail and accuracy.

Proven ability to independently diagnose and resolve system-level mechanical, electrical, and basic software issues using structured methods.

Hands-on experience with hand and power tools for mechanical assembly, modification, and repair in a demanding operational environment.

Hands-on experience with high- and low-voltage systems, including safe installation, testing, and troubleshooting practices.

Hands-on experience with wire harness assembly and repair, including terminal crimping, connector termination, and signal integrity checks.

Hands-on experience with soldering and rework of through-hole and surface-mount components as needed for hardware maintenance.

Hands-on experience using DMMs, oscilloscopes, and power supplies to measure, analyze, and validate electrical characteristics and performance.

Hands-on experience with electro-mechanical devices and actuators, including sensors, motors, and control mechanisms common in robotic systems.

Ability to interpret mechanical drawings, electrical schematics, and 3D CAD models to understand design intent and assembly requirements.

Working knowledge of Linux, command line tools, Python scripting, and networking debugging to support hardware-software integration and diagnostics.

Strong analytical problem-solving skills, including structured root cause analysis, failure mode documentation, and quality reporting for continuous improvement.

Ability to be onsite in Redwood City five days per week, with occasional travel to client locations for deployment, validation, and support activities.

Nice to have

Direct experience with robotic systems, automation platforms, or autonomous hardware in commercial or research settings.

Experience implementing or working within structured quality systems such as ISO-based processes or formal validation procedures to ensure compliance and traceability.

Proficiency in CAD tools with a preference for Onshape, and experience with SolidWorks, CATIA, or similar platforms for design review and documentation.

Practical notes

You must be available to work onsite in Redwood City, California five days per week.

Occasional travel to client locations may be required for deployment, validation, and support activities.

This role operates during standard business hours with flexibility to support critical hardware issues as needed.