The Role
The Hardware Reliability Engineer ensures the robustness of robotic systems through testing, analysis, and collaboration across teams to improve designs and reduce risks.
Summary Generated by Built In
About Multiply Labs
Multiply Labs is a cutting-edge startup based in San Francisco, California, supported by top-tier tech and life science investors such as Casdin Capital, Lux Capital, and Y Combinator. Our mission is to build the best robots in the world, and use them to make the most advanced life-saving therapies accessible to all.
We are revolutionizing the manufacturing of cell therapies by developing advanced robotic systems designed to automate and scale the production of these life-saving treatments. Our robots empower biopharma companies to produce cell therapies at scale without significantly changing their existing processes, reducing regulatory barriers and risks. While traditional approaches are time-consuming and lead to extremely high costs for patients (typically $1M+ per patient), using robotics can make these transformative treatments more accessible and affordable to patients in need.
To learn more and to view a video of our robots in action, visit us at www.multiplylabs.com and follow us on LinkedIn.
Position Overview
We are seeking a Hardware Reliability Engineer to play a vital role in ensuring the robustness and reliability of Multiply Labs’ robotic systems. You will be a founding member of our Reliability Engineering team, and will work side-by-side with the Hardware Product and Systems Integration teams to improve our designs across the entire design cycle, from initial prototypes to deployed GMP production systems. You will contribute directly to the accessibility of life-saving therapies by ensuring our robots perform flawlessly in a high-stakes biotech environment.
Essential Responsibilities
- Architect and carry out tests to characterize the long-term performance of electromechanical assemblies, including robotic end-effectors, automated valves, pumping stations, and other mechanisms
- Design mechatronic systems to perform accelerated life cycle tests
- Spearhead FMEA efforts to identify risks and drive corrective actions
- Use statistical analysis methods to determine how to efficiently carry out focused testing
- Compile data and present feedback to cross-functional teams such as hardware, software, and bio to drive design improvements
- Lead failure investigations and root cause analysis when issues arise on deployed manufacturing clusters at customer sites
- Work closely with the robotics software team to conduct system integration tests in our manufacturing clusters
- Generate and take ownership of test protocols for hardware verification and validation
- High level of independence and judgment in identifying technical risk areas, solving complex problems, and leading cross-functional teams through decision-making processes
- Authority to influence technical stakeholders on design and process improvements and risk mitigation strategies
Minimum Qualifications
- Bachelors of Science in Mechanical Engineering, Robotics, Mechatronics, or related field
- 2-5+ years of experience in a reliability or test engineering organization
- Experience designing and building test setups for precision machines or robotic systems
- Experience conducting accelerated life cycle tests and applying statistical methods
- Excellent communication skills to effectively collaborate across hardware, software, product, and bio teams
- Detail-oriented, organized, independent, and able to take initiative in blank-slate projects
- Proven ability to apply critical thinking to complex products and lead technical teams through failure investigations
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience with FDA and/or EMA regulated industries
- Experience developing tests for medical consumables
- Proficiency with Onshape CAD
- Proficiency with Python or other software for automated testing and data analysis
- Hands on experience with machine shop and prototyping tools
Physical & Working Conditions
- Ability to reach, stoop, crouch, and kneel; this specifically includes the need to physically enter, stand, or crouch inside a robotic cluster for testing, debugging, or manual intervention.
- Ability to lift up to 25 pounds (e.g., test fixtures, replacement parts, tools) and lift up to 5 pounds overhead.
- Manual dexterity required for building and adjusting mechatronic assemblies.
- Comfortable in a machine shop environment when necessary.
- Work is split between a standard office setting and a manufacturing/lab area. When working in the manufacturing area, adherence to safety protocols and awareness of surroundings is required.
- Occasional proximity to hazardous materials (e.g., biological agents, cryogenic materials) may occur during specific cell testing validation phases, though direct handling is rare.
- Ability to wear Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), including lab coats, safety glasses, and gloves, when accessing specific lab or manufacturing zones.
- This role generally follows a standard schedule but may necessitate occasional evening or weekend work to support critical cluster integration milestones or time-sensitive troubleshooting.
Travel
- While our headquarters is located in San Francisco, CA, this position will require up to 10-20% domestic and international travel.
Benefits
- 401K with 4% company match
- Health Insurance
- Dental Insurance
- Vision Insurance
- Life Insurance
- Partial Health Insurance for Child Dependents
- HSA or FSA
- Twice weekly catered lunch (for team members in SF office)
- Pre-tax Commuter Benefit
- 10 Paid Holidays
- Flexible PTO
- Paid Parental Leave
Multiply Labs will review the benefit offerings periodically and the benefit options are subject to change to meet employee and business needs.
Closing
We take pride in cultivating an environment that fosters collaboration, open communication, and authenticity. We are an equal opportunity employer; we do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status. We are diverse in background and singular in mission.
Top Skills
Onshape Cad
Python
Am I A Good Fit?
Get Personalized Job Insights.
Our AI-powered fit analysis compares your resume with a job listing so you know if your skills & experience align.
Success! Refresh the page to see how your skills align with this role.
The Company
What We Do
Multiply Labs develops advanced robotic systems that manufacture individualized drugs at scale. Our products are enabled by the combination of pharmaceutical science with robotics technology.
Multiply Labs has built and operates a unique robotic pharmaceutical manufacturing facility in San Francisco.









