Role: Robotics Hardware Technician IV
Job Summary:
The Senior / Lead Robotics Hardware Technician / Support Engineer is a leadership role responsible for defining the system-level hardware architecture for major product lines. This position drives the technical direction of hardware projects from concept to production, mentors the hardware team, and establishes organization-wide standards for reliability and validation.
Ideal Candidates: The ideal candidate should be comfortable with travel 30-50% of the time and have prior experience with hand tools and basic power tools. This role will require travel between the Seattle, WA location and the Spokane, WA location. Please let us know if you also have the ability to also travel for short term work (up to 90 day trip) in Germany or other locations outside of the US (not required).
Responsibilities:
- Define and own hardware architecture for complete robots or major product lines (actuators, sensors, power, safety, interfaces).
- Make key trade-off decisions among performance, cost, and reliability to meet business objectives.
- Lead multi-phase hardware projects from concept to production, owning the entire project lifecycle.
- Set technical direction, schedules, and milestones while coordinating across mechanical, electrical, controls, and manufacturing teams.
- Align daily technician tasks with critical project milestones to ensure effective resource utilization.
- Inspire respect and motivation within the team by ensuring all members are aligned on high-level goals.
- Champion Agile methodologies and utilize software relevant tools to streamline lab and engineering operations.
- Lead the implementation of robust QA/QC and issue-tracking processes.
- Define and oversee advanced analyses, including FEA (Finite Element Analysis), tolerance stackups, and reliability modeling.
- Establish system-level validation plans, including worst-case operating scenarios and regression tests.
- Create hardware standards, libraries, and best practices to guide the work of Tech I-III staff.
- Sponsor exploratory efforts to evaluate and integrate new hardware technologies.
- Mentor and coach staff, performing rigorous design reviews to ensure technical excellence and safety.
- Foster a culture of collaboration, respect, safety and ownership within the engineering pool.
- Maintain proactive communication with stakeholders to prevent silos and ensure alignment.
- Demonstrate proficiency in technical communication by writing comprehensive SOPs and maintaining accurate project documentation.
- Actively support and integrate into the company culture by consistently upholding its core values, purpose, and mission
- Exhibits behaviors that reflect a commitment to quality, continuous improvement, and high performance to achieve client and company goals
- Participates in on-site meetings and training as needed
Qualifications:
- High School Diploma or GED required; Bachelor's degree in Mechanical, Electrical, or Mechatronics Engineering preferred
- 3+ years of experience in robotics hardware design, systems architecture, or a related high-tech field
- Ability to travel 30-50% of the time between Seattle and Spokane with additional availability to travel to areas outside of the US desirable. (Please do not use this as a dis-qualifier. If you believe you have the right skillets, we do have other opportunities and positions we would love to talk to you about.)
- Proven experience serving in previous leadership capacities
- Expert-level knowledge of robotic systems architecture and full-lifecycle product development
- Proficiency in FEA and reliability analysis
- Strong project management capabilities with the ability to manage complex workflows
- Proficiency in using Solidworks (CAD) software for design and analysis
- Advanced ability to read and interpret technical and electrical schematics
- Exceptional leadership and communication skills with the ability to justify technical decisions to stakeholders
- Strategic thinking skills for developing and maintaining long-term product roadmaps
- Ability to work independently as well as lead and contribute to a cohesive team environment
- Ability to follow instructions from an engineer or supervisor precisely and consistently
- Possess a friendly and collaborative demeanor to work effectively as part of a team
- Possess strong initiative, reliability, and common sense
- Demonstrated work ethic and a history of reliable attendance
- Ability to work flexible schedules and shifts to meet company demands and client deadlines
- Ability to stand or remain on your feet for long periods of time
- Ability to remain mobile throughout labs and various workspaces
- Must be able to lift and carry up to 50 pounds unassisted and without accommodation
- Authorized to work for any employer in the U.S. without current or future visa sponsorship
- Ability to successfully pass a comprehensive background check
Benefits:
- Employer pays 60% premiums of Health/ Dental/ Vision Insurance for employee and dependents
- Access to supplemental plans such as GAP, Disability, Accident, Whole Life, Identity Protection & more
- Paid leave and paid holidays
- 401(k) matching (up to 4%)
- Educational Reimbursement
- Supportive environment & company hosted events
