Lab Technician

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!