Lab Engineer – Robotics & Automation

ZipStaff Inc.; Woburn (MA); On-site; USD 83,000 - 124,000; Part time

Job summary

ZipStaff is seeking a Lab Engineer for system verification and validation of next-generation robotics. This on-site role is based in MA (Wilmington, North Reading, or Woburn) and focuses on a physical lab environment with hands-on robot work.

You will own test-lab uptime, fixtures, PLC/IO, motion capture, and robot repair, ensuring robust lab operations and accurate test results.

Qualifications

• 5+ years in a technical lab, robotics, electro-mechanical, or automation environment.
• 5+ years troubleshooting electro-mechanical systems, PLC/IO, or lab equipment.
• 3+ years hardware rework, repair, prototype fabrication, component testing, and LOTO / interlock safety.

Responsibilities

• Operate, maintain, and troubleshoot test environments, fixtures, PLC/IO controls, and lab equipment.
• Perform hardware rework, repair, prototype fabrication, and robot repairs.
• Set up, calibrate, operate, and troubleshoot optical motion capture (OptiTrack, Vicon) systems.
• Manage lab resources, stock, and station PC/webcam systems under safety rules.
• Read CAD, electrical schematics, specs, and SOPs.
• Write test reports, work instructions, and lessons learned.

Skills

Technical lab experience

Robotics troubleshooting

PLC/IO troubleshooting

LOTO / interlock safety

On-site work

Tools

OptiTrack

Vicon

Job description

Job Title: Lab Engineer – Robotics & Automation (System V&V).

Location: Wilmington, North Reading, or Woburn, MA (On-site).

Employment Type: Contract (W2 through ZipStaff - No C2C or 1099).

About the Opportunity:

ZipStaff is seeking a Lab Engineer for system verification and validation of next-generation robotics at a global e-commerce and robotics organization north of Boston.

You will own test-lab uptime: fixtures, PLC/IO, motion capture, and hands-on robot repair. This is a physical lab seat, not a software-only robotics role.

What You’ll Do:

• Operate, maintain, and troubleshoot test environments, fixtures, PLC/IO controls, and lab equipment.
• Perform hardware rework, component testing, prototype fabrication, and robot repairs.
• Set up, calibrate, operate, and troubleshoot optical motion capture (OptiTrack, Vicon) and devices such as force plates.
• Manage lab resources, stock, and station PC/webcam systems under lockout/interlock safety rules.
• Read CAD, electrical schematics, specs, and SOPs.
• Write test reports, work instructions, and lessons learned.

Required Qualifications:

• 5+ years in a technical lab, robotics, electro-mechanical, or automation environment.
• 5+ years troubleshooting electro-mechanical systems, PLC/IO, or lab equipment.
• 3+ years hardware rework, repair, prototype fabrication, component testing, and LOTO / interlock safety.
• Ability to work on-site at Wilmington, North Reading, or Woburn, MA.
• Must be legally authorized to work in the United States without sponsorship now or in the future.

Preferred Qualifications:

• OptiTrack or Vicon (rigid body/skeleton setup and post-processing).
• Python and/or C++ for data streaming or lab automation.
• Force plates, gantry controls, or other instrumentation in a mocap environment.
• Multi-site lab operations.

About ZipStaff

ZipStaff partners with leading organizations to connect skilled technology professionals with high-impact contract opportunities. We focus on quality matches, clear communication, and long-term success for candidates and clients.