Hardware Reliability Engineer

Join the Future of Robotic Biomanufacturing!Multiply Labs is a robotics company on a mission to solve a significant bottleneck in modern medicine: the manufacturing of life-saving advanced biologics, from gene and cell therapies to antibodies and more.Today, these therapies are produced through manual, labor-intensive processes. Costs are extremely high—often $500K-$2M per patient—limiting access to only a small fraction of those who need them.As product complexity increases and the cost of failure and scientific labor rises, the industry is shifting toward automation. Robotics and AI are making automated biologics manufacturing feasible, reliable, and economically scalable.We believe the future of biomanufacturing is robotic—closed, automated, and scalable—ensuring critical therapeutics are accessible to every patient who needs them.Why This MattersWe don’t just build robots; we build the infrastructure for the next generation of biologics manufacturing. Our technology allows biopharma companies to scale production without redesigning their science, drastically lowering regulatory hurdles and bringing costs down to a level where these treatments can actually reach patients.The Stack & The ScaleThe Mission: Build the world’s best robots to make life-saving therapies accessible to all.The Technology: Advanced robotic orchestration, high-precision automation, cloud-integrated hardware-software systems, dextrous manipulation, and imitation learning.The Location: Headquartered in San Francisco, CA.The Backing: Supported by premier investors, including Casdin Capital, Lux Capital, and Y Combinator.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 OverviewWe 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 ResponsibilitiesArchitect and carry out tests to characterize the long-term performance of electromechanical assemblies, including robotic end-effectors, automated valves, pumping stations, and other mechanismsDesign mechatronic systems to perform accelerated life cycle testsSpearhead FMEA efforts to identify risks and drive corrective actionsUse statistical analysis methods to determine how to efficiently carry out focused testingCompile data and present feedback to cross-functional teams such as hardware, software, and bio to drive design improvementsLead failure investigations and root cause analysis when issues arise on deployed manufacturing clusters at customer sitesWork closely with the robotics software team to conduct system integration tests in our manufacturing clustersGenerate and take ownership of test protocols for hardware verification and validationHigh level of independence and judgment in identifying technical risk areas, solving complex problems, and leading cross-functional teams through decision-making processesAuthority to influence technical stakeholders on design and process improvements and risk mitigation strategiesMinimum QualificationsBachelors of Science in Mechanical Engineering, Robotics, Mechatronics, or related field2-5+ years of experience in a reliability or test engineering organizationExperience designing and building test setups for precision machines or robotic systemsExperience conducting accelerated life cycle tests and applying statistical methodsExcellent communication skills to effectively collaborate across hardware, software, product, and bio teamsDetail-oriented, organized, independent, and able to take initiative in blank-slate projectsProven ability to apply critical thinking to complex products and lead technical teams through failure investigationsPreferred QualificationsExperience with FDA and/or EMA regulated industriesExperience developing tests for medical consumablesProficiency with Onshape CADProficiency with Python or other software for automated testing and data analysisHands on experience with machine shop and prototyping toolsPhysical & Working ConditionsAbility 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 interventionAbility to lift up to 25 pounds (e.g., test fixtures, replacement parts, tools) and lift up to 5 pounds overheadManual dexterity required for building and adjusting mechatronic assembliesComfortable in a machine shop environment when necessaryWork 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 requiredOccasional proximity to hazardous materials (e.g., biological agents, cryogenic materials) may occur during specific cell testing validation phases, though direct handling is rareAbility to wear Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), including lab coats, safety glasses, and gloves, when accessing specific lab or manufacturing zonesThis role generally follows a standard schedule but may necessitate occasional evening or weekend work to support critical cluster integration milestones or time-sensitive troubleshootingTravelWhile our headquarters is located in San Francisco, CA, this position will require up to 10% domestic and international travel. Total Rewards & Life at Multiply LabsCompetitive Compensation: Salary range of $110,000 - $170,000 a year plus meaningful early-stage equity. We want our team to have a real stake in the future we’re buildingPremium Health: Premium Medical, Dental, and Vision plans with subsidies for child dependentsWealth Building: 401(k) with a 4% company match to help you plan for the long termPre-Tax Commuter Benefit: Pay for eligible transit and parking with pre-tax dollars to save on commuting costsParental Support: Robust Paid Parental Leave to support your family’s newest additionsTrue Flexibility: We offer Flexible PTO and 12 Paid Holidays, trusting you to manage your time and recharge when you need itNo Set Hours: Set your own schedule in alignment with your manager and team. We hold a high bar, measuring success by impact and outcomes - not hours loggedOffice Perks: A vibrant SF office culture featuring catered team lunches, stocked kitchen, and frequent team eventsH-1B and Green Card sponsorship available for exceptional talentReferral bonuses for helping us build a world-class teamGreat people, meaningful work, and a team that genuinely believes in what we're buildingCome build the world’s best robots—and help make life-saving therapies accessible to all.We actively seek candidates with diverse perspectives and lived experiences. We’re committed to building a team where everyone feels valued, respected, and empowered to do their best work.Multiply Labs encourages candidates from all backgrounds to apply — even if you don’t meet every qualification. If you’re excited about our mission and think you can contribute, we’d love to hear from you.Our headquarters is located in San Francisco’s vibrant Dogpatch neighborhood. Some roles may require 5-10% of domestic and international travel.Multiply Labs is an early-stage startup where equity is a major part of the compensation package.