Hands-on Robotics Prototyping Technician

OpenAI; California (MO); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

OpenAI is seeking a hands-on hardware generalist to join our robotics team in San Francisco. You will prototype, test, and iterate on electromechanical and robotic systems, collaborating with hardware and software engineers to accelerate development.

In this on-site role, you will build fixtures, troubleshoot hardware, and help improve processes, tooling, and documentation while maintaining a safe, high-quality lab environment.

Qualifications

• Hands-on experience with electromechanical or robotic systems.
• Experience in high-velocity, early-stage hardware development.
• Ability to troubleshoot electrical systems and interpret schematics.
• Experience building and debugging wire harnesses and custom electronics.

Responsibilities

• Partner with engineers to support prototype development and hardware iteration.
• Build, modify, troubleshoot, and repair robotic systems and electromechanical assemblies.
• Design and fabricate fixtures and test equipment to accelerate development.
• Execute low-volume builds and rework across mechanical and electronic systems.
• Develop and support hardware experiments with engineering teams.
• Maintain lab equipment, tooling, inventory, and workspace.
• Improve build quality, repeatability, and documentation.
• Use software tools to configure hardware and collect data.
• Identify risks and provide feedback on reliability and manufacturability.

Skills

Hands-on hardware development

Electromechanical systems

Electrical troubleshooting

Schematic and wiring interpretation

Wire harnesses and custom electronics

Prototyping and fabrication

Linux command line

Tools

Oscilloscope

Multimeter

Bench power supply

Soldering equipment

Job description

OpenAI is seeking a hands-on hardware generalist to join our robotics team in San Francisco. You will prototype, test, and iterate on electromechanical and robotic systems, collaborating with hardware and software engineers to accelerate development.

In this on-site role, you will build fixtures, troubleshoot hardware, and help improve processes, tooling, and documentation while maintaining a safe, high-quality lab environment.