Prototype Specialist, Robotics

Planted Solar; Oakland (CA); On-site; USD 110,000 - 125,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

11 paid holidays

Office lunches

Stock options

Medical benefits

Vision benefits

Dental benefits

401(k)

Job summary

Planted Solar is seeking a senior Robotics Specialist to lead hands-on assembly and integration of robotic platforms, turning parts and schematics into production machines. You will document processes, manage procurement, and scale robot platforms to meet global energy demand.

As the role matures, you will advance each robot version tackling diverse issues in utility-scale solar deployments, with autonomy and strong attention to detail.

Qualifications

• 3+ years experience in robotics assembly or related field.
• Associates degree or trade school preferred.
• Electrical-Mechanical assembly experience in robotics/manufacturing.
• Ability to communicate complex ideas to engineering and manufacturing teams.
• Experience with hand tools, drill press, mill, lathe, welding.
• Forklift certification a plus.
• Located in SF Bay Area or willing to relocate; in-person 5 days a week.
• Experience in robotics development, energy systems, infrastructure, or field operations.

Responsibilities

• Assemble and troubleshoot Planted's fleet of production and R&D robots.
• Handle component sourcing, purchasing, and inventory management.
• Prepare assembly documentation and implement Engineering Change Orders.
• Travel up to 10% to implement ECOs and perform field maintenance.
• Operate robots at the local Bay Area R&D site.

Skills

Electrical-Mechanical assembly

Hands-on aptitude

Communication skills

Ownership mindset

Education

Associates degree or trade school

Tools

SolidWorks

NX

OnShape

Job description

Energy is the binding constraint on human progress. Solar and storage are the lowest cost sources of new generation, but the conventional project delivery model has not changed in 30 years and deployment cannot keep pace with demand.

Planted is the execution layer between a parcel of land and a powered facility. We digitize sites, optimize designs, and deploy robots to build the lowest cost and fastest new power systems at the speed of manufacturing.

We're expanding our team of ambitious, curious, and hands-on engineers and operators who want to accelerate that transition. Come take ownership of large parts of our product, company, and business development as we help power the world with "100% clean and abundant energy."

About The Role

The Robotics Specialist is a senior hands-on builder on the Integration Engineering team, responsible for independent electrical and mechanical assembly of Planted's robotic vehicle platforms. You operate with a high degree of autonomy, taking builds from parts and schematics to a production machine. Your documentation, procurement, and attention to detail will be pivotal in scaling Planted's robot platforms to meet the global energy demand.

As the role matures, you will continue to develop each version of Planted's robots that are tackling a separate problem within utility scale solar deployment.

The salary range for this full-time position is $110,000-125,000 plus stock options and benefits. Pay within the range is based on candidate experience, job-specific skills, education, and work location. The target experience for the position is 3-7+ years

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Assemble and troubleshoot Planted's fleet of production and R&D Robots
• Component sourcing, purchasing, and inventory management
• Assembly documentation and Engineering Change Order implementation
• Up to 10% travel to implement in field ECOs and technical maintenance
• Operate robots at local Bay Area R&D site

QUALIFICATIONS

• 3+ years experience
• Associates degree or trade school preferred
• Electrical-Mechanical assembly (Automotive, Aerospace, Robotics)
• Ability to communicate complex ideas effectively and succinctly to technical engineering and manufacturing
• Experience fabricating with hand tools, drill press, mill, lathe, welding etc
• Forklift or heavy equipment certification a plus — training available
• Hands-on aptitude, strong ownership mentality, and resourcefulness
• Located in the SF Bay Area or able to relocate, and able to be in-person 5 days a week with flexible starting times for commute optimization
• A depth of experience in one or more of the following areas: robotics development, energy systems, infrastructure, and hands-on field operations

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Electrical panel building (Industrial PLC, Industrial Mobile Platforms, Aerospace)
• Strong computer skills, including CAD (SolidWorks, NX, OnShape), BOM generation, documentation, 3D Printing and task management software (Jira, Asana)
• A track record of organization, attention to detail, and self management skills to enable autonomy and success
• Ability to navigate ambiguity, reduce reasonable risks, and make good decisions with imperfect knowledge

*A note on qualifications: Many people only apply for jobs if they believe they can perform every task in the job description. We are most interested in finding the best candidate for the job and will consider equivalent combinations of knowledge, skills, education, and experience to meet minimum qualifications. If you are interested in applying, we encourage you to think broadly about your background and skill set for the role.

PHYSICAL AND SENSORY REQUIREMENTS

• 80% active work in an industrial warehouse performing mechanical and electrical builds
• The position will require intermittent travel to project sites to maintain and fix Planted's fleet of robots

What We Offer

• 11 paid company holidays and flexible Paid Time Off (PTO)
• Company-paid in-office lunches
• Stock options
• Medical, vision, dental, and other benefits
• 401(k)
• A chance to have an empowered, meaningful, and early role in climate

This will be a great fit if:

• You want to solve challenging problems
• You are biased towards action and focus on the vital work that drives the most impact
• You prioritize the physical and psychological safety of yourself and those around you
• You are humble, embrace change, and deliver and receive candid feedback
• You are optimistic about the future and can make tough decisions to help get there
• You have high expectations and coach, develop, and make time to help others

Planted is an equal opportunity employer committed to growing inclusively, regardless of race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, medical condition, age, or veteran status. However you identify, or whatever background you bring with you, please apply. We look forward to hearing from you.