Prototyping Engineering Technician

About this role:

Pickle Robot is looking for a Prototype Engineering Technician to join our Engineering team. This role sits at the intersection of R&D, Manufacturing, and Design, providing hands-on support in building, testing, and refining prototype robotic systems. You will work closely with engineers and technicians to fabricate mechanical sub-systems, perform electromechanical assembly, and contribute to the development of next-generation robotic solutions.

What You’ll Accomplish:

• Prototype Fabrication & Assembly: Manufacture and assemble prototype and production parts using in-house machine shop equipment or external shops and vendors, including mills, lathes, laser cutters, and 3D printers.
• Machine Shop Operations: Assist with machine maintenance, setup, and cleanliness, ensuring smooth and safe operation of fabrication equipment.
• Electromechanical Assembly: Build and integrate mechanical sub-systems, including pneumatics, motors, sensors, drives, and robotic components.
• Testing & Validation: Work closely with engineers to debug, power up, and validate prototype robotic systems. Participate in design reviews, failure analysis, and risk assessments.
• Follow and update assembly instructions and technical documentation as needed.
• Record test results and troubleshooting steps for future reference.
• Occasionally travel to install, retrofit, or troubleshoot robotic systems in real-world environments.

Who You Are:

• 5+ years of hands-on experience in prototype fabrication, machine shop operations, or electromechanical assembly.
• Education: Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree in engineering, manufacturing, or related field, OR equivalent hands-on experience.
• Proficiency with mills, lathes, laser cutters, 3D printers, and common hand tools.
• Willingness to train in CNC mill and CNC lathe operations.
• Familiarity with industrial automation components such as pneumatics, motors, sensors, power trains, and general machine design.
• Ability to interpret part and assembly drawings; familiarity with ASME Y14.5 GD&T is a plus.
• Comfortable with basic documentation of assembly and test procedures.
• Experience with 3D CAD software such as Onshape, SolidWorks, Fusion 360, or equivalent preferred.
• Certifications in machining, welding, or electrical safety preferred.
• Strong problem-solving, organization, and communication skills. 
• Comfortable working in fast-paced, cross-functional environments.
• Willing and able to work from our Charlestown, MA warehouse and headquarters in Cambridge, MA at least 4 times per week

About Pickle Robot

Pickle Robot is a pioneer in Physical AI for supply chain applications. Today Pickle robots autonomously unload trucks, trailers, and import containers at human-scale or better performance. The alternative is manual work that is difficult, dirty, sometimes dangerous, and increasingly hard to staff at distribution centers around the globe. Pickle Robot is laser focused on automating truck unloading using generative AI, machine learning, computer vision, advanced sensors, and industrial robotics to deliver engineered products customers rely on. Pickle Robot Unload Systems work alongside people on loading docks to make the work safer, faster, and more efficient. Pickle robots are physical AI that unload trucks.

Pickle provides best-in-class benefits including health, dental, & vision insurance; unlimited vacation, along with all federal and state holidays; 401K contributions of 5% your salary, travel supplies, and other items to make your working life more fun, comfortable, and productive.