Quick overview
Job description
About Us
Nidus is building autonomous manufacturing systems powered by AI and robotics. U.S. manufacturers are under growing pressure to increase output while navigating workforce constraints, underutilized equipment, and increasingly complex supply chains. We believe the next generation of manufacturing will be enabled by more intelligent, flexible automation—systems that help people and machines work together to expand capacity and improve productivity.
We're building the intelligence layer that makes that possible.
Our team comes from the intersection of defense technology and AI. We've built and shipped products to DoD customers, and we bring deep experience across ML, robotics, product development, and defense.
We're a small, in-person team in New York City working on hard problems that matter. If you want to build the future of American manufacturing, we'd love to hear from you.
About the Role
We are looking for a hands-on Lab Technician to help keep our robotics lab, hardware, and data-collection systems running smoothly.
You will assemble and maintain robotic systems, prepare workcells for experiments and data collection, manage tools and components, and handle the many practical tasks required to keep a fast-moving robotics team productive. You will work closely with hardware, robotics, and machine learning engineers to turn designs into working systems and make sure the lab is safe, organized, and ready for use.
This is a highly practical role for someone who enjoys building things, solving mechanical and electrical problems, and creating order in a busy hardware environment. The ideal candidate takes pride in careful workmanship, notices problems before they become blockers, and is happy to take ownership of whatever the lab needs.
What You’ll Do
Robot Assembly and Maintenance
Assemble mechanical, electrical, and electromechanical components for robots, end effectors, teleoperation systems, and data-collection workcells
Install motors, sensors, cameras, actuators, wiring harnesses, computers, and other robot hardware
Follow engineering drawings, wiring diagrams, bills of materials, and written assembly procedures
Perform routine inspections, preventive maintenance, repairs, and component replacements
Support robot bring-up, calibration, configuration, and functional testing
Identify and document mechanical, electrical, and integration issues
Work with engineers to troubleshoot failed or degraded systems
Rework assemblies and make minor mechanical or wiring modifications when needed
Build simple fixtures, mounts, brackets, cables, and other lab hardware
Lab Operations
Keep workbenches, tools, equipment, robot workcells, and storage areas clean and organized
Make sure tools, batteries, robots, computers, and test equipment are charged, functional, and ready for use
Maintain an inventory of parts, fasteners, tools, consumables, and spare components
Label and organize parts, shelves, cables, assemblies, and work-in-progress systems
Monitor inventory levels and coordinate the ordering and receiving of supplies
Receive, inspect, record, and store incoming components and equipment
Package and prepare hardware for transport to customer sites or other facilities
Coordinate equipment repairs, calibration, and maintenance when outside support is required
Help improve lab layouts and workflows as the team and robot fleet grow
Engineering and Data-Collection Support
Prepare robots and workcells for experiments, demonstrations, and data-collection sessions
Reset, repair, and maintain systems between data-collection runs
Assist engineers with prototype builds, experiments, hardware testing, and failure investigations
Record build issues, test results, repairs, and equipment status
Create and maintain assembly instructions, checklists, maintenance logs, and standard operating procedures
Provide feedback on assembly difficulty, serviceability, component quality, and recurring hardware failures
Help train employees and contractors on the safe use of tools, robots, and lab equipment
Take on miscellaneous hands-on tasks needed to keep the lab operating effectively
Safety
Maintain a safe working environment around robots, machinery, batteries, electrical systems, and hand tools
Conduct routine checks of safety equipment and work areas
Make sure aisles, exits, emergency stops, and robot operating zones remain clear
Report hazards and help implement practical safety improvements
Follow and reinforce lab procedures for tool use, equipment operation, lifting, and material handling
What We’re Looking For
1–3+ years of experience in a robotics lab, machine shop, hardware startup, manufacturing environment, automotive shop, research lab, or similar hands-on setting
Experience assembling mechanical or electromechanical systems
Comfort using common hand and power tools, including drills, drivers, torque wrenches, crimpers, soldering irons, and multimeters
Ability to read and follow assembly instructions, mechanical drawings, wiring diagrams, and bills of materials
Basic mechanical and electrical troubleshooting skills
Strong attention to detail and commitment to producing reliable, repeatable work
Excellent organizational habits and willingness to maintain shared tools and workspaces
Ability to document work clearly and communicate problems to engineers
Comfort working in a fast-paced environment where priorities and hardware designs evolve quickly
A proactive attitude and willingness to handle both technical work and everyday lab tasks
High school diploma or equivalent experience; a technical certificate or associate degree is welcome but not required
Nice to Have
Experience working with industrial robot arms, collaborative robots, mobile robots, or teleoperation systems
Experience with sensors, cameras, actuators, motor controllers, pneumatics, or electrical enclosures
Cable fabrication, soldering, connector crimping, and wire-harness assembly experience
Experience with 3D printers, laser cutters, drill presses, or other light fabrication equipment
Familiarity with CAD models or tools such as SolidWorks, Onshape, or Fusion 360
Experience maintaining inventory in Notion, Airtable, spreadsheets, or another inventory system
Experience supporting robotics data collection, testing, or field deployments
Forklift, first-aid, electrical safety, or other relevant technical certifications
Physical Requirements
Ability to work on-site in a robotics lab
Ability to stand, bend, reach, and work at a bench for extended periods
Ability to safely lift and move equipment weighing up to 50 pounds
Ability to use hand tools and work around moving robotic equipment
Occasional schedule flexibility to support important experiments, builds, or demonstrations
Compensation & Benefits
Base Salary: $85k - $120k
The listed range reflects base salary only. Total compensation also includes meaningful equity and benefits:
Equity: Meaningful ownership in what we’re building.
Health coverage: Medical, dental and vision through Thatch.
Team lunches: Lunch in the office with the team.
Our benefits will keep growing as we do. If the work excites you, please apply. We’d love to talk!
Nidus Technologies is an equal opportunity employer, and qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender perception or identity, national origin, age, marital status, protected veteran status, or disability status.
We encourage candidates from all backgrounds to apply, even if you don't feel like you're a perfect fit. If you're passionate about contributing to our mission, we'd love to hear from you!