Hardware Systems & Lab Engineer, Robotics & Operations

Hardware Systems & Lab Engineer, Robotics & Operations

Join to apply for the Hardware Systems & Lab Engineer, Robotics & Operations role at Basis Research Institute.

Basis is a nonprofit applied AI research organization with two mutually reinforcing goals: to understand and build intelligence, and to advance society’s ability to solve intractable problems. We aim to build a new technological foundation inspired by human reasoning and a collaborative organization that puts human values first.

The Hardware Systems & Lab Engineer combines two critical functions: designing and building robot hardware systems, and managing the safe, efficient operation of our robotics laboratory. You will create the physical platforms that embody our AI research while ensuring the lab environment enables rapid, safe experimentation. We are looking for someone who combines hands-on engineering skills with operational excellence, who can design modular hardware for testbeds, build sensor/actuator systems for experiments, and maintain the infrastructure that makes physical AI research possible.

This role requires balancing creative hardware development with rigorous safety and operational standards. You will work closely with researchers to translate algorithmic requirements into physical systems, while maintaining an organized, safe, and efficient laboratory environment. We seek individuals who excel at both building and operating, who treat safety as paramount, and who understand that great research requires great infrastructure.

We expect you to:

• Have demonstrated expertise in robotic hardware development, including designing and building custom robotic platforms, integrating sensors, actuators, and compute systems, creating modular, reconfigurable hardware systems, and troubleshooting complex electromechanical systems.
• Possess strong mechatronics skills spanning mechanical design (CAD, fabrication, assembly), electrical engineering (circuit design, power systems, signal processing), and embedded systems (microcontrollers, real-time control, ROS).
• Have experience with lab management and safety including developing safety protocols, maintaining equipment inventories, organizing work spaces, and training users on proper procedures.
• Understand the research-hardware interface, translating researcher needs into hardware specifications, anticipating common failure modes, and designing systems that balance capability with reliability.
• Be skilled at rapid prototyping and iteration, quickly building proof-of-concept systems, identifying issues through testing, and iterating designs based on results.
• Value documentation and maintainability by creating clear hardware design documentation, maintaining accurate BOMs, and designing systems that others can understand and modify.
• Progress with autonomy while ensuring safety, managing multiple hardware projects, prioritizing based on research needs, and making decisions that balance speed with safety.

In addition, the following would be an advantage:

• Experience leading robotics labs (academic or industry).
• Background in research environments with understanding of experimental needs.
• Expertise in areas such as soft robotics, bio-inspired design, or micro-robotics.
• Experience with ROS 2 and modern robot software stacks.
• Teaching or training experience for lab safety and procedures.
• Project management experience for complex hardware builds.

Responsibilities:

• Design and build custom robotic platforms for experiments, including manipulators, mobile robots, and specialized end-effectors.
• Develop modular hardware systems for testbeds that can be reconfigured to test different morphologies and validate co-designed robot architectures.
• Create sensor and actuator modules that integrate with research software, including cameras, force sensors, IMUs, and custom actuators.
• Manage vendor relationships and procurement, including sourcing components, budgeting, coordinating with suppliers, and maintaining spare parts inventory.
• Support hardware-software integration by ensuring reliable communication between physical systems and control algorithms.

• Establish and maintain safety protocols including lockout/tagout, emergency stops, safety interlocks, and PPE requirements.
• Organize and maintain lab infrastructure including workbenches, tool organization, storage systems, and equipment like 3D printers and test fixtures.
• Manage lab inventory and supplies, ensuring adequate stock and coordinating purchasing.
• Train researchers on safe equipment use, including robot operation procedures, tool usage, safety protocols, and emergency responses.
• Maintain lab equipment with preventive maintenance schedules, calibration procedures, and coordinating repairs when needed.
• Ensure compliance with institutional safety requirements, building codes, and relevant regulations for robotics laboratories.

Role Details

• FT/PT:
  Full-time
• In-person policy:
  On-site four days a week; be prepared to attend Basis-wide…