Staff Technician
Rhoda AI
Location
Palo Alto
Employment Type
Full time
Department
Hardware
At Rhoda AI, we're building the full-stack foundation for the next generation of humanoid robots — from high-performance, software-defined hardware to the foundational models and video world models that control it. Our robots are designed to be generalists capable of operating in complex, real-world environments and handling scenarios unseen in training. We work at the intersection of large-scale learning, robotics, and systems, with a research team that includes researchers from Stanford, Berkeley, Harvard, and beyond. We're not building a feature; we're building a new computing platform for physical work — and with over $400M raised, we're investing aggressively in the R&D, hardware development, and manufacturing scale-up to make that a reality.
You will lead Rhoda's hardware integration and maintenance activities across our humanoid robot platforms. Acting as the technical anchor for the Technician team, you will define assembly standards, enforce ESD discipline, coordinate debugging and rework, and ensure that prototype and test hardware operate at peak reliability. This role reports directly to the VP of Hardware Engineering and plays a key role in standing up Rhoda's future Hardware Test & Maintenance organization.
What You'll Do
Lead all integration, assembly, and test activities for humanoid robot prototypes and subsystems
Develop, maintain, and enforce standard operating procedures (SOPs) for assembly and repair
Create calibration, alignment, and torque-validation routines
Troubleshoot complex mechanical and electrical integration issues
Manage inventory, tool calibration, and work-area organization
Coordinate failure analysis, rework, and maintenance logs with engineering
Mentor and supervise Technician Level 1 and contract technicians
Support system-level validation and field-test readiness of prototype robots
What We're Looking For
Technical diploma or Bachelor's degree in Mechatronics, Robotics, or Mechanical/Electrical Engineering
7+ years of hands-on experience in robotics, automation, or precision electromechanical systems
Proven leadership in technician or integration teams within R&D or prototype manufacturing contexts
Expertise in mechanical assembly, harness integration, and diagnostic testing with oscilloscopes, logic analyzers, and torque tools
Strong understanding of EtherCAT, CAN, and sensor networks
Ability to document and standardize procedures for repeatability and traceability
Nice to Have (But Not Required)
Experience in EVT/DVT/PVT hardware cycles and CM interface for rework management
Familiarity with safety standards, STO verification, and reliability tracking
Exposure to industrial robot or autonomous system maintenance processes
Why This Role
Be the technical anchor for hardware integration at a humanoid robotics company building one of the most complex electromechanical systems in the world — your hands-on work directly determines whether the robot ships on time and operates reliably
Foundational role with a direct path into leadership as Rhoda builds out a dedicated Hardware Test & Maintenance organization
Work at the intersection of cutting-edge robotics hardware and AI, where every assembly decision has real consequences for what the robot can do