Robotics Lab Technician: Hands-On Hardware & Testing

ThoughtForge; Oakland (CA); On-site; USD 37,000 - 52,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Potential for full-time position

Job summary

ThoughtForge is seeking a hands-on hardware enthusiast to join its robotics lab in Oakland. You will help hardware testing, capture data from real robots, and assist remote engineers via ROS bag workflows. The role includes hands-on fabrication, 3D printing, and cabling work to keep test rigs ready.

The position is on-site in Oakland for 20–30 hours per week, with a path toward full-time as the company grows. A strong knack for practical troubleshooting is essential.

Qualifications

• Local to the SF Bay Area and able to work on-site 20-30 hours per week.

Responsibilities

• Support hardware testing in the lab: set up test rigs, run test procedures, capture results, and flag issues.
• Act as the on-site hands for remote engineers: record and collect ROS bags, run robots through scenarios, and join live pair-debugging sessions on real hardware.
• Support fabrication: 3D printing (prepping, printing, post-processing parts) and building/assembling workcells, fixtures, and cabling.
• Keep the lab organized and test-ready: manage hardware, cables, and fixtures, and handle basic setup and maintenance.
• Document test setups, results, and observations clearly so a distributed team stays unblocked.

Skills

Hands-on hardware

Troubleshooting

Communication

Python exposure

Tools

ROS/ROS2

Linux terminal

3D printing prep

Job description

ThoughtForge is seeking a hands-on hardware enthusiast to join its robotics lab in Oakland. You will help hardware testing, capture data from real robots, and assist remote engineers via ROS bag workflows. The role includes hands-on fabrication, 3D printing, and cabling work to keep test rigs ready.

The position is on-site in Oakland for 20–30 hours per week, with a path toward full-time as the company grows. A strong knack for practical troubleshooting is essential.