Robotics Lab Technician

HireArt; San Francisco (CA); On-site; USD 39,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

HireArt is assisting our client in finding a Robotics Lab Technician to build, maintain, and troubleshoot hardware for robotics data collection operations in a San Francisco lab. You will support lab infrastructure from robot arms to cameras and compute systems, keeping stations operational and calibrated.

The ideal candidate is hands-on with robotics or hardware prototyping, and you are a methodical troubleshooter who can work across mechanical, electronics, and basic computer setup.

Qualifications

• Hands-on robotics or hardware prototyping experience in a lab, R&D, or fabrication setting.
• Proven ability to troubleshoot and document hardware issues clearly.
• Experience with 3D printing, basic fabrication, and safe lab practices.

Responsibilities

• Assemble, configure, and maintain robotics data collection stations and related hardware.
• Operate 3D printers and fabricate fixtures, maintaining calibration and stock.
• Diagnose hardware/connectivity issues and document resolutions for the team.
• Perform preventive maintenance and keep service records up to date.
• Manage spare parts inventory and coordinate replenishment risks.
• Set up new task environments per research specs and support pilot tests.
• Create technical documentation including wiring diagrams and setup checklists.
• Ensure lab and equipment safety practices are followed.

Skills

Robotics experience

Troubleshooting

Documentation

Lab safety

Inventory management

Tools

3D printing

Fusion 360

SolidWorks

Onshape

Linux

Job description

HireArt is helping our client find a Robotics Lab Technician to build, maintain, and troubleshoot the hardware and equipment used in robotics data collection operations.

In this role, you'll support robotics lab infrastructure ranging from robot arms and teleoperation devices to VR headsets, cameras, motion-capture sensors, compute systems, and custom-fabricated components. You'll keep data collection stations operational, diagnose hardware issues, perform preventive maintenance, and help configure new task environments in partnership with the research team.

The ideal candidate is a hands‑on technician with experience in robotics, hardware prototyping, or a similar technical environment. You are a methodical troubleshooter who is comfortable working across mechanical systems, electronics, fabrication, and basic computer setup, and you take pride in maintaining an organized and safe lab.

As a Robotics Lab Technician, you'll:

• Assemble, configure, and maintain robotics data collection stations, including robot arms and manipulators, teleoperation devices, VR headsets, cameras, motion‑capture sensors, mounts, cabling, and compute hardware.
• Operate and maintain 3D printers and fabrication tools to produce, post‑process, and fit custom parts, fixtures, and jigs, ensuring equipment remains calibrated and properly stocked.
• Diagnose and resolve hardware and connectivity issues, including sensor dropouts, calibration drift, cable or connector failures, teleoperation network issues, and mechanical wear.
• Perform scheduled preventive maintenance and calibration on robots and collection rigs, maintaining accurate service and maintenance records.
• Manage parts, consumables, and spare inventory, identifying replenishment needs and potential lead‑time risks.
• Set up new task environments based on research specifications and support pilot testing before tasks are deployed to operators.
• Create and maintain technical documentation, including build instructions, wiring diagrams, setup and teardown checklists, and troubleshooting guides.
• Follow and help enforce established lab and equipment safety practices.

Requirements

• 2+ years of hands‑on experience in a robotics, hardware prototyping, R&D lab, maker or fabrication shop, or similar technical environment
• Hands‑on experience with 3D printing, including slicing, printer maintenance, material selection, and post‑processing, as well as basic fabrication tools and techniques
• Experience assembling and disassembling mechanical systems according to specifications or drawings, including fasteners, mounts, and cable management
• Practical electronics experience, including soldering, crimping, harnesses, connectors, and basic multimeter diagnostics
• Strong troubleshooting skills with the ability to systematically isolate, resolve, and document technical issues
• Comfort with basic computer and software setup, including installing drivers and applications, pairing devices, basic networking, and running provided setup scripts
• Strong organizational skills and commitment to maintaining a safe, orderly lab and inventory
• Ability to lift up to approximately 50 lbs and stand, kneel, and reach for extended periods while working safely around moving robotic equipment

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with robot arms or manipulators, teleoperation hardware, VR headsets, or motion‑capture systems
• Basic CAD experience using Fusion 360, SolidWorks, Onshape, or similar tools to modify or design simple parts, fixtures, and jigs
• Basic Python or Bash scripting experience for setup and diagnostic tasks and familiarity with Linux environments
• Experience with cameras and sensor calibration
• Experience helping establish or launch a new lab, production line, or technical workspace
• Flexible Spending Account for healthcare‑related costs
• HireArt covers all costs for short and long‑term disability and life insurance
• 401k package

Commitment

This is a full‑time, 6‑month contract position staffed via HireArt. The role is onsite and available to candidates local to the San Francisco, CA area.

HireArt values diversity and is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are interested in every qualified candidate who is eligible to work in the United States. Unfortunately, we are not able to sponsor visas or employ corp‑to‑corp.