Hardware Lab Technician

Mindrobotics

Palo Alto, CA

On-site

Who this role is best for

Geared toward mid-level technical professionals comfortable with mechanical and electrical hardware maintenance and collaboration with engineering teams.

Best fit for

Mid-level professionals with lab or manufacturing experience and strong diagnostic skills
— “3+ years of hands-on technical experience in a lab, prototyping/pre-production, manufacturing, or field service environment”
Individuals who can bridge engineering and lab operations through clear communication
— “Clear communication, verbal and written — you can explain what you found to an engineer and write it down so the next person understands it”
Candidates who are proactive in identifying and resolving potential bottlenecks
— “Partner with engineering to scope and fulfill build requests, and flag equipment or capability needs before they become bottlenecks”

Things to consider

This role demands physical stamina for extended lab work involving repetitive motions
— “Standing, walking, bending, and kneeling for extended periods”
The position requires a high level of independence and initiative in problem-solving
— “Inquisitive - someone who asks why and how, and isn't afraid to speak up.”

How to stand out

Highlight your ability to systematically diagnose hardware issues rather than trial-and-error methods
— “Strong diagnostic instincts: able to isolate a problem systematically rather than swapping parts until it works”
Emphasize experience with lab documentation, particularly build procedures and maintenance records
— “Document everything: build procedures, maintenance records, test setups, and inventory”
Showcase your ability to translate practical lab findings into actionable feedback for engineers
— “Support data collection efforts with feedback on test setups and practical alternatives when a plan meets reality”
Demonstrate familiarity with electrical fundamentals and bench instruments in your resume
— “Working knowledge of electrical fundamentals — reading schematics, wiring and harnessing, using a multimeter and basic bench instruments”
Include experience with mechanical assembly of precision hardware in your application materials
— “Comfort with hand and power tools, and mechanical assembly of precision hardware”

Pace · SteadyCollaboration · HighAutonomy · MediumDecision Impact · TeamLevel · Mid

Derived from job-description analysis by Serendipath's career intelligence engine.

What success looks like

assemble and maintain lab equipment
support data collection efforts
diagnose and repair equipment

Typical background

lab operationsmechanical assemblydiagnostic skills

Skills & requirements

Required

Lab OperationsMechanical AssemblyDiagnostic SkillsCommunicationDocumentation

Preferred

SolderingRobotics3D PrintingCAD

Stack & domain

Soldering3D PrintingMachiningFabricationCADRobotics

About the role

Original posting from Mindrobotics via Ashby

ABOUT MIND:
Mind Robotics is building Physical AI for real-world industrial deployment, starting with the factory floor. We believe the hardest problems in AI are solved when researchers and engineers are hands-on with the physical world every day - and we're looking for people who are passionate about robotics, value ownership, and are excited to tackle difficult problems. Join us if you want to move beyond digital intelligence and put intelligence into motion.
ABOUT THE TEAM AND THE ROLE:
Looking for high energy, ambitious, inquisitive individual to help facilitate any and all lab operations for Mind Robotics. Communicating and working directly with engineering to provide assistance in any capacity and anticipate and prevent blockers. Meanwhile building and maintaining the lab facility.
Responsibilities:
Assemble, commission, and maintain lab equipment, machines, test rigs, and tooling
Work with the development team on tasks, goals, and benchmarks — including calling out when an approach won't survive the shop floor
Partner with engineering to scope and fulfill build requests, and flag equipment or capability needs before they become bottlenecks
Support data collection efforts with feedback on test setups and practical alternatives when a plan meets reality
Diagnose and repair tooling, equipment, and prototype hardware — mechanical, electrical, and everything in between
Document everything: build procedures, maintenance records, test setups, and inventory
REQUIREMENTS:
3+ years of hands-on technical experience in a lab, prototyping/pre-production, manufacturing, or field service environment
Standing, walking, bending, and kneeling for extended periods
Working knowledge of electrical fundamentals — reading schematics, wiring and harnessing, using a multimeter and basic bench instruments
Comfort with hand and power tools, and mechanical assembly of precision hardware
Strong diagnostic instincts: able to isolate a problem systematically rather than swapping parts until it works
Clear communication, verbal and written — you can explain what you found to an engineer and write it down so the next person understands it
Proficiency with Google Workspace and other digital recording/tracking tools
Inquisitive - someone who asks why and how, and isn't afraid to speak up.
Nice to have:
Soldering and rework experience (through-hole and SMD)
Familiarity with robotics, motion control, actuators, or sensor integration
Experience with 3D printing, machining, or fabrication
Basic scripting or comfort with test automation tooling
Experience with CAD

Source: Mindrobotics careers (Ashby)