Hardware & Robotics Prototyping Engineer
Location: Menlo Park, California (On-Site Preferred)Company: Manovia Robotics, Inc.About Manovia RoboticsManovia Robotics is building a manufacturing-first general-purpose humanoid labor platform designed for real-world industrial deployment. Our mission is to become the industrial standard for humanoid labor by enabling scalable, safe, and cost-effective human-robot collaboration across manufacturing, logistics, and critical infrastructure.Our technology combines advanced dexterous manipulation, tactile sensing, embedded electronics, perception systems, and AI-driven autonomy to create humanoid robots capable of performing complex physical tasks in demanding industrial environments.We are seeking passionate engineers, makers, and builders who want to help shape the future of humanoid robotics.Position OverviewWe are looking for a Hardware & Robotics Prototyping Engineer who enjoys turning ideas into working systems. This is a highly hands-on role focused on rapid prototyping, electronics development, embedded systems, PCB design, and robotic hardware integration.The ideal candidate is comfortable working across multiple engineering disciplines, learning new technologies quickly, and independently solving challenging technical problems. You do not need to be an expert in every area, but you must be excited about building, testing, debugging, and iterating on real physical systems.This role offers the opportunity to work directly on next-generation humanoid robots, dexterous robotic hands, sensing systems, and advanced mechatronic platforms.Responsibilities· Design, build, and test electronic and robotic prototypes· Develop and debug embedded systems for sensors, actuators, and control electronics· Design schematics and PCB layouts for prototype and production-oriented hardware· Integrate hardware, firmware, and mechanical systems into functioning robotic platforms· Assemble, modify, troubleshoot, and repair robotic and electromechanical systems· Support rapid prototyping efforts from concept through validation· Work closely with software, AI, controls, and mechanical engineering teams· Conduct system-level testing, diagnostics, and root-cause analysis· Document designs, test procedures, and engineering resultsRequired QualificationsMust-Have Skills· 2+ years of practical experience in robotics, hardware development, embedded systems, mechatronics, electrical engineering, or a related technical field· Equivalent hands-on experience demonstrated through personal projects, startups, research, competitions, or open-source contributions will also be considered· Strong electronics prototyping skills, including:o Solderingo Wiring and harnessingo Oscilloscope and multimeter usageo Hardware troubleshooting and debugging· Ability to read, understand, and create electrical schematics· PCB design experience, including schematic capture and board layout· Embedded programming experience involving:o Microcontrollerso Sensorso Actuatorso Communication buses (SPI, I2C, UART, CAN, Ethernet, etc.)o Control systems· Experience assembling, modifying, diagnosing, and debugging robotic or electromechanical systems· Strong problem-solving skills and willingness to learn independentlyPreferred QualificationsHardware Innovation & Competition ExperienceWe highly value candidates who have demonstrated exceptional initiative through:· Robotics competitions· Hardware-focused hackathons· Engineering design competitions· Maker projects· Startup projects· Research prototypesParticularly relevant experiences include:· Original hardware development· Robotic systems· Embedded electronics· PCB design· Sensor integration· Mechatronic systems· Physical product prototypingAwards, competition wins, patents, publications, or notable project outcomes are a strong plus.Additional Technical Skills· Mechanical design and CAD experience· Rapid prototyping and fabrication experience· 3D printing, CNC machining, or manufacturing knowledge· Robot kinematics, controls, or motion systems· Computer vision and perception systems· AI and machine learning applications in robotics· ROS 2, robotic middleware, or robotic software integration· Sensor fusion and real-time systemsCreative & Product Development SkillsCandidates with multidisciplinary backgrounds are encouraged to apply, including experience in:· Industrial design· Product design· User experience (UX)· User interface (UI)· Visual design· Concept development· Human-centered product developmentWhat We ValueAt Manovia Robotics, we value builders over credentials. We look for people who:· Take ownership of difficult technical challenges· Learn quickly and adapt to new domains· Enjoy working with physical hardware· Are comfortable getting their hands dirty in the lab· Demonstrate creativity, curiosity, and persistence· Want to help build the future of humanoid roboticsWhy Join Manovia Robotics?· Work on cutting-edge humanoid robotics technology· Contribute directly to next-generation dexterous robotic systems· Collaborate with a small, highly technical team· Build products that solve real industrial problems· Gain exposure across hardware, software, AI, and robotics disciplines· Help define the future of physical AI and intelligent automationIf you are passionate about building real robots and transforming ambitious ideas into working systems, we would love to hear from you.