What are the responsibilities and job description for the Engineering Technician position at Swarmbotics AI?
Position Description
Swarmbotics is looking for a hands-on Engineering Technician to support the assembly, testing, and maintenance of advanced autonomous ground vehicle fleets for defense applications. This position involves hands-on work with robotic systems, including soldering, mechanical assembly, troubleshooting, welding, basic machining, and providing valuable design feedback. The Engineering Technician will play a critical role in building and refining cable harnesses, connectors, and other hardware components to ensure the reliability and readiness of Swarmbotics' robotic platforms. A high level of mechanical aptitude—particularly with an aerospace, automotive, or motorsports background—is highly desirable.
Required Qualifications
- Proven experience performing soldering and assembly of electronic and mechanical components, including cable harnesses, connectors, and wiring diagrams
- Strong knowledge of DC electrical systems and ability to read and interpret technical schematics and drawings
- Experience with conventional machining equipment (mills, lathes, CNC) to fabricate custom parts for new builds, prototypes, and repairs
- Experience welding (steel, aluminum, and alloys) and ability to perform metal fabrication in an R&D setting
- Familiarity with mechanical assembly (use of hand and power tools) and ability to troubleshoot and repair robotic systems and subassemblies
- Comfortable providing feedback on design improvements to engineering teams and supporting testing, calibration, and validation activities
- High level of mechanical aptitude (aerospace, automotive, or motorsports background is a plus)
- Able to perform paint and prep work on prototype robots
- Ability to manage parts inventory effectively
- Proven track record of documenting work performed and assisting in the development of assembly and repair procedures
- Strong attention to detail and commitment to high-quality work in a fast-paced, iterative development environment
- Excellent communication and collaboration skills for working with cross-functional engineering teams
- Ability to work onsite in the Phoenix, AZ area
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience with 3D printing for prototyping
- Experience working in a robotics or manufacturing environment
- Familiarity with autonomous ground vehicles or similar systems
- Familiarity with sensors (LIDAR, radar, cameras, IMUs) and their mounting/calibration.
- Basic understanding of actuator types (electric motors, servos, hydraulic/pneumatic systems) and how to install, test, and troubleshoot them.
- Experience with automotive communication protocols (e.g., CAN bus, LIN bus) for interfacing with electronic control units (ECUs)
- Ability to install and troubleshoot antennas, coax cables, and modems to ensure reliable comms
- Basic understanding of mechanical drive systems, suspensions, and differentials as they apply to ground vehicles. Ability to integrate and troubleshoot drivetrains, steering mechanisms, and braking systems on UGV platforms.
The preceding description is not designed to be a complete list of all duties and responsibilities required for the position. Swarmbotics is an equal-opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will be treated with respect and receive equal consideration for employment without regard to race, color, caste, creed, religion, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, ancestry, disability, uniform service, Veteran status, age, or any other protected characteristic per federal, state, or local law.
