Systems Engineering Technician

Cerebras Systems; Sunnyvale (CA); On-site; USD 180,000 - 240,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Equity options

Continuous learning opportunities

Stability with startup vitality

Job summary

Cerebras Systems in Sunnyvale, California is seeking a Senior Systems Engineering Technician to play a critical role in building, testing, and troubleshooting complex systems. The ideal candidate will have over 5 years of hands-on experience and strong skills in mechanical assembly and electrical testing.

This position offers a competitive salary range of $180,000 to $240,000 annually. Join Cerebras to be at the forefront of AI advancements and work in a dynamic environment.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of hands-on experience as an engineering technician in mechanical, electrical, or multidisciplinary hardware environments.
• Proven ability to work independently with minimal supervision in a dynamic R&D or prototype lab setting.
• Strong proficiency in mechanical assembly and interpreting mechanical drawings.
• Demonstrated experience with electrical testing and troubleshooting.

Responsibilities

• Build, assemble, and align complex mechanical systems.
• Perform electrical diagnostics and root-cause analysis on PCBs and control systems.
• Install, test, and maintain water-cooled subsystems.
• Execute hands-on work in a lab environment with minimal direction.
• Create or refine build instructions and troubleshoot guides.

Skills

Mechanical assembly

Electrical testing

Troubleshooting

Fluid-cooled systems

Communication

Problem-solving

Education

Associate degree or technical certification

Tools

Multimeters

Oscilloscopes

Torque tools

Calipers

Flow meters

Job description

Cerebras Systems builds the world's largest AI chip, 56 times larger than GPUs. This architecture allows Cerebras to deliver industry‑leading training and inference speeds; over 10 times faster than GPU‑based hyperscale cloud inference services.

This order of magnitude increase in speed is transforming the user experience of AI applications, unlocking real‑time iteration and increasing intelligence via additional agentic computation.

Cerebras works with the leading model labs, global enterprises, and cutting‑edge AI‑native startups. OpenAI recently announced a multi‑year partnership with Cerebras, to deploy 750 megawatts of scale, transforming key workloads with ultra high‑speed inference.

Position Summary

The Senior Systems Engineering Technician plays a critical role in building, testing, and troubleshooting complex mechanical and electrical systems in a fast‑paced environment. This role requires a highly skilled, self‑directed technician capable of working with minimal supervision, interpreting incomplete documentation, and driving hands‑on solutions across multidisciplinary systems—including mechanical assemblies, electrical subsystems, and water‑cooled components.

You will be a key contributor to prototype builds, system diagnostics, and iterative testing, partnering closely with engineers to bring advanced hardware concepts into reality.

Key Responsibilities

• Mechanical Assembly & Integration – Build, assemble, and align complex mechanical systems consisting of large and small components, precision hardware, and multistage assemblies.
• Electrical Testing & Troubleshooting – Perform electrical diagnostics, continuity checks, power testing, and root‑cause analysis on wiring, PCBs, sensors, and control systems.
• Water‑Cooled System Support – Install, test, and maintain water‑cooled subsystems, including pumps, manifolds, flow sensors, and leak‑detection components.
• Prototype & Lab Operations – Execute hands‑on work in a lab environment with minimal direction, often using incomplete drawings or evolving engineering inputs.
• Instrumentation & Data Collection – Set up test equipment, log performance data, and provide clear feedback to engineering teams.
• Documentation & Process Improvement – Create or refine build instructions, test procedures, and troubleshooting guides. Open issue tickets with clear observations, supporting data, and recommended next steps.
• Cross‑Functional Collaboration – Work closely with mechanical, electrical, and systems engineers to validate designs, identify issues, and propose practical solutions.
• Safety & Compliance – Maintain safe working practices around high‑voltage systems, rotating equipment, pressure systems, and thermal management hardware.

Required Qualifications

• 5+ years of hands‑on experience as an engineering technician in mechanical, electrical, or multidisciplinary hardware environments.
• Proven ability to work independently with minimal supervision in a dynamic R&D or prototype lab setting.
• Strong proficiency in mechanical assembly, including torquing, alignment, precision fitting, and interpreting mechanical drawings.
• Demonstrated experience with electrical testing, troubleshooting, and safe handling of energized systems.
• Experience working with water‑cooled or fluid‑cooled systems, including installation, leak testing, and flow verification.
• Ability to read and interpret schematics, wiring diagrams, mechanical drawings, and test procedures.
• Skilled with lab tools such as multimeters, oscilloscopes, torque tools, calipers, flow meters, and data‑logging equipment.
• Excellent communication skills and the ability to provide clear, actionable feedback to engineering teams.
• Strong problem‑solving mindset with the ability to diagnose ambiguous issues across mechanical and electrical domains.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience supporting prototype hardware, early‑stage product development, or research environments.
• Experience with thermal systems, heat exchangers, or coolant loop design.
• Ability to create or update work instructions, test plans, and build documentation.
• Comfort working with large assemblies, tight tolerances, and high‑precision components.
• Associate degree, technical certification, or equivalent hands‑on experience.

Why This Role Matters

This position is ideal for a technician who thrives on autonomy, complexity, and hands‑on engineering challenges. You’ll be a key contributor in transforming engineering concepts into functional, testable hardware—often serving as the first person to assemble, test, or operate new systems.

The base salary range for this position is $180,000 to $240,000 annually. Actual compensation may include bonus and equity, and will be determined based on factors such as experience, skills, and qualifications.

Why Join Cerebras

1. Build a breakthrough AI platform beyond the constraints of the GPU.
2. Publish and open source their cutting‑edge AI research.
3. Work on one of the fastest AI supercomputers in the world.
4. Enjoy job stability with startup vitality.
5. Our simple, non‑corporate work culture that respects individual beliefs.

Apply today and become part of the forefront of groundbreaking advancements in AI!

Find out more about what it's like to work at Cerebras here!

Cerebras Systems is committed to creating an equal and diverse environment and is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate different backgrounds, perspectives, and skills. We believe inclusive teams build better products and companies. We try every day to build a work environment that empowers people to do their best work through continuous learning, growth and support of those around them.

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