Lab Technician

Nidus Technologies; New York (NY); On-site; USD 85,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Equity ownership

Health coverage through Thatch

Team lunches

Job summary

Nidus Technologies in New York City seeks a hands-on Lab Technician to keep our robotics lab, hardware, and data-collection systems running smoothly. You will assemble and maintain robotic systems, prepare workcells for experiments, manage tools, and support engineers to turn designs into working systems.

This role suits someone who enjoys solving mechanical and electrical problems and taking ownership of lab readiness, with a focus on safety, efficiency, and reliability.

Qualifications

• Hands-on robotics lab or similar hands-on setting experience.
• Ability to assemble mechanical or electromechanical systems.
• Comfort with common hand and power tools and safety practices.
• Ability to read assembly instructions, drawings and BOMs.
• Strong attention to detail and problem-solving mindset.

Responsibilities

• Assemble robots, end effectors, and data-collection workcells.
• Maintain lab tools, test equipment, and workspaces.
• Prepare workcells for experiments and data collection.
• Coordinate with engineers on prototypes and testing.
• Document issues, repairs, and status of equipment.
• Help train staff on safe use of tools and robots.

Skills

Robotics lab experience

Mechanical assembly

Electrical troubleshooting

Read assembly drawings

Tool usage

Documentation of work

Communication with engineers

Fast-paced environment adaptability

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Associate degree welcome

Tools

CAD tools (SolidWorks / Onshape / Fusion 360)

Notion / Airtable inventory

Job description

About Us

Nidus is building autonomous manufacturing systems powered by AI and robotics. U.S. manufacturers are under growing pressure to increase output while navigating workforce constraints, underutilized equipment, and increasingly complex supply chains. We believe the next generation of manufacturing will be enabled by more intelligent, flexible automation—systems that help people and machines work together to expand capacity and improve productivity.

We're building the intelligence layer that makes that possible.

Our team comes from the intersection of defense technology and AI. We've built and shipped products to DoD customers, and we bring deep experience across ML, robotics, product development, and defense.

We're a small, in-person team in New York City working on hard problems that matter. If you want to build the future of American manufacturing, we'd love to hear from you.

About the Role

We are looking for a hands-on Lab Technician to help keep our robotics lab, hardware, and data-collection systems running smoothly.

You will assemble and maintain robotic systems, prepare workcells for experiments and data collection, manage tools and components, and handle the many practical tasks required to keep a fast-moving robotics team productive. You will work closely with hardware, robotics, and machine learning engineers to turn designs into working systems and make sure the lab is safe, organized, and ready for use.

This is a highly practical role for someone who enjoys building things, solving mechanical and electrical problems, and creating order in a busy hardware environment. The ideal candidate takes pride in careful workmanship, notices problems before they become blockers, and is happy to take ownership of whatever the lab needs.

What You’ll Do

Robot Assembly and Maintenance

• Assemble mechanical, electrical, and electromechanical components for robots, end effectors, teleoperation systems, and data-collection workcells
• Install motors, sensors, cameras, actuators, wiring harnesses, computers, and other robot hardware
• Follow engineering drawings, wiring diagrams, bills of materials, and written assembly procedures
• Perform routine inspections, preventive maintenance, repairs, and component replacements
• Support robot bring-up, calibration, configuration, and functional testing
• Identify and document mechanical, electrical, and integration issues
• Work with engineers to troubleshoot failed or degraded systems
• Rework assemblies and make minor mechanical or wiring modifications when needed
• Build simple fixtures, mounts, brackets, cables, and other lab hardware

Lab Operations

• Keep workbenches, tools, equipment, robot workcells, and storage areas clean and organized
• Make sure tools, batteries, robots, computers, and test equipment are charged, functional, and ready for use
• Maintain an inventory of parts, fasteners, tools, consumables, and spare components
• Label and organize parts, shelves, cables, assemblies, and work-in-progress systems
• Monitor inventory levels and coordinate the ordering and receiving of supplies
• Receive, inspect, record, and store incoming components and equipment
• Package and prepare hardware for transport to customer sites or other facilities
• Coordinate equipment repairs, calibration, and maintenance when outside support is required
• Help improve lab layouts and workflows as the team and robot fleet grow

Engineering and Data-Collection Support

• Prepare robots and workcells for experiments, demonstrations, and data-collection sessions
• Reset, repair, and maintain systems between data-collection runs
• Assist engineers with prototype builds, experiments, hardware testing, and failure investigations
• Record build issues, test results, repairs, and equipment status
• Create and maintain assembly instructions, checklists, maintenance logs, and standard operating procedures
• Provide feedback on assembly difficulty, serviceability, component quality, and recurring hardware failures
• Help train employees and contractors on the safe use of tools, robots, and lab equipment
• Take on miscellaneous hands-on tasks needed to keep the lab operating effectively

Safety

• Maintain a safe working environment around robots, machinery, batteries, electrical systems, and hand tools
• Conduct routine checks of safety equipment and work areas
• Make sure aisles, exits, emergency stops, and robot operating zones remain clear
• Report hazards and help implement practical safety improvements
• Follow and reinforce lab procedures for tool use, equipment operation, lifting, and material handling

What We’re Looking For

• 1–3+ years of experience in a robotics lab, machine shop, hardware startup, manufacturing environment, automotive shop, research lab, or similar hands-on setting
• Experience assembling mechanical or electromechanical systems
• Comfort using common hand and power tools, including drills, drivers, torque wrenches, crimpers, soldering irons, and multimeters
• Ability to read and follow assembly instructions, mechanical drawings, wiring diagrams, and bills of materials
• Basic mechanical and electrical troubleshooting skills
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to producing reliable, repeatable work
• Excellent organizational habits and willingness to maintain shared tools and workspaces
• Ability to document work clearly and communicate problems to engineers
• Comfort working in a fast-paced environment where priorities and hardware designs evolve quickly
• A proactive attitude and willingness to handle both technical work and everyday lab tasks
• High school diploma or equivalent experience; a technical certificate or associate degree is welcome but not required

Nice to Have

• Experience working with industrial robot arms, collaborative robots, mobile robots, or teleoperation systems
• Experience with sensors, cameras, actuators, motor controllers, pneumatics, or electrical enclosures
• Cable fabrication, soldering, connector crimping, and wire-harness assembly experience
• Experience with 3D printers, laser cutters, drill presses, or other light fabrication equipment
• Familiarity with CAD models or tools such as SolidWorks, Onshape, or Fusion 360
• Experience maintaining inventory in Notion, Airtable, spreadsheets, or another inventory system
• Experience supporting robotics data collection, testing, or field deployments
• Forklift, first-aid, electrical safety, or other relevant technical certifications

Physical Requirements

• Ability to work on-site in a robotics lab
• Ability to stand, bend, reach, and work at a bench for extended periods
• Ability to safely lift and move equipment weighing up to 50 pounds
• Ability to use hand tools and work around moving robotic equipment
• Occasional schedule flexibility to support important experiments, builds, or demonstrations

Compensation & Benefits

Base Salary: $85k - $120k

The listed range reflects base salary only. Total compensation also includes meaningful equity and benefits:

• Equity: Meaningful ownership in what we’re building.
• Health coverage: Medical, dental and vision through Thatch.
• Team lunches: Lunch in the office with the team.

Our benefits will keep growing as we do. If the work excites you, please apply. We’d love to talk!

Nidus Technologies is an equal opportunity employer, and qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender perception or identity, national origin, age, marital status, protected veteran status, or disability status.

We encourage candidates from all backgrounds to apply, even if you don't feel like you're a perfect fit. If you're passionate about contributing to our mission, we'd love to hear from you!