Hardware Systems & Lab Engineer, Robotics & Operations

About this role

Basis, a nonprofit AI research organization, seeks a Hardware Systems & Lab Engineer to design and build custom robotic platforms for AI research while managing safe laboratory operations. This hybrid role combines hands-on mechatronics development with operational oversight, requiring expertise across mechanical design, electrical engineering, and embedded systems to support rapid experimentation.

What you'll do

• Design and build custom robotic platforms including manipulators, mobile robots, and specialized end-effectors
• Develop modular, reconfigurable hardware systems for testbeds and experimental validation
• Integrate sensors, actuators, and compute systems into functional mechatronic systems
• Establish and maintain safety protocols, equipment inventories, and organized lab workspace
• Translate researcher needs into hardware specifications and troubleshoot electromechanical issues
• Create technical documentation, maintain bills of materials, and ensure system maintainability

What they're looking for

• Robotic hardware design and fabrication
• Mechanical CAD and 3D modeling
• Electrical engineering and circuit design
• Embedded systems and microcontroller programming
• ROS and real-time control systems
• Rapid prototyping and iteration
• Lab management and safety protocols
• Mechatronics systems integration