Robotics Lab Technician

Robotics Assembly Technician San Francisco, California, United States We're ALTEN Technology USA, an engineering company helping clients bring groundbreaking ideas to life—from advancing space exploration and life-saving medical devices to building autonomous electric vehicles. With 3,000+ experts across North America, we partner with leading companies in aerospace, medical devices, robotics, automotive, commercial vehicles, EVs, rail, and more. As part of the global ALTEN Group—57,000+ engineers in 30 countries—we deliver across the entire product development cycle, from consulting to full project outsourcing. When you join ALTEN Technology USA, you'll collaborate on some of the world's toughest engineering challenges, supported by mentorship, career growth opportunities, and comprehensive benefits. We take pride in fostering a culture where employees feel valued, supported, and inspired to grow. Workplace: On-site, 5 days per week Location: San Francisco, CA We are seeking a skilled Assembly Technician with strong experience assembling and testing hardware or electromechanical systems in a manufacturing or R&D setting to join our Robotic R&D Team. The ideal candidate will contribute to the development, build, integration, and full assembly of these electrical and mechanical systems helping us drive project development from concept to completion. This role offers the opportunity to work on cutting-edge technology while developing innovative solutions in a dynamic R&D environment. Key Job Responsibilities Perform precision assembly of electromechanical robotic systems and subsystems, including actuators, gearboxes, force/torque sensors, vision systems, wiring harnesses, and PCB assemblies, following engineering drawings, schematics, and assembly work instructions Execute hardware acceptance testing, functional verification, and performance characterization for robotic components and integrated systems using standard and custom test equipment, documenting results in test records and quality systems Collaborate with mechanical, electrical, and controls engineering teams to identify and resolve integration issues discovered during assembly and test, implementing corrective actions and updating work instructions to prevent recurrence Support prototype build cycles from initial kit preparation through final system checkout, maintaining build schedules and communicating proactively with engineering and program stakeholders on status, risks, and blockers Perform quality inspections and maintain detailed build records, traveler documents, and non-conformance reports (NCRs) to ensure full traceability and compliance with quality standards Maintain a safe, organized, and ESD-compliant lab environment; follow all safety protocols for handling high-voltage electronics, heavy robotic assemblies, and hazardous materials Operate and maintain lab equipment including torque tools, oscilloscopes, multimeters, power supplies, and custom test fixtures; escalate calibration and maintenance needs as required Contribute to continuous improvement initiatives by identifying opportunities to streamline assembly processes, reduce cycle times, and improve build quality across prototype and small-batch production runs Mentor and provide technical guidance to junior technicians, sharing best practices for precision assembly, test procedures, and quality documentation Support transition from prototype to higher-volume production by developing and refining standard operating procedures (SOPs), assembly aids, and training materials Required Qualifications 3+ years of hands-on experience assembling and testing electromechanical systems, robotics hardware, or precision mechatronic assemblies in a lab, prototype, or manufacturing environment Experience reading and interpreting mechanical drawings, electrical schematics, assembly diagrams, and wiring documentation to build and test complex hardware assemblies Demonstrated ability to perform functional and acceptance testing of electronic and electromechanical systems using standard test equipment such as multimeters, oscilloscopes, and power supplies Experience performing quality inspections and maintaining detailed build records, including assembly travelers, inspection checklists, and non-conformance documentation Knowledge of ESD handling procedures, lab safety protocols, and best practices for working safely with high-voltage electronics and heavy mechanical assemblies Preferred Qualifications Experience assembling and testing robotic systems with high degrees of freedom, including familiarity with actuators, force/torque sensors, inertial measurement units (IMUs), encoders, and vision systems Background in a robotics research lab, hardware startup, aerospace, or advanced electromechanical systems environment where rapid prototyping and tight engineering collaboration are standard Experience supporting prototype-to-production transitions, including the development and refinement of assembly SOPs, work instructions, and training materials for higher-volume build environments Familiarity with ERP systems, manufacturing execution systems (MES), or lab management tools for tracking inventory, build status, and component traceability Associate's degree or technical certification in Electronics Technology, Mechatronics, Robotics, Mechanical Engineering Technology, or a related technical discipline Salary Range: $100,000-$115,000 The actual salary offered is dependent on various factors including, but not limited to, location, the candidate's combination of job-related knowledge, qualifications, skills, education, training, and experience ALTEN Technology is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Our Policy is to extend opportunities to qualified applicants and employees on an equal basis regardless of an individual's age, race, color, sex, religion, national origin, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression or veteran status. Please beware of job seeker scams and see this important notice on our careers page for more information about our recruiting process. Compliance Notice: ALTEN USA is a federal contractor subject to the requirements of the Vietnam Era Veterans' Readjustment Assistance Act (VEVRAA) and Executive Order 11246. We are an Equal Opportunity Employer and consider all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or veteran status. Drug Screening Requirement: As a federal contractor, ALTEN USA maintains a drug-free workplace. All candidates selected for employment will be required to successfully complete a pre-employment drug screening as a condition of hire. ALTEN Technology USA