Lead Robotics Technician

Persona AI is developing and commercializing rugged, multi-purpose humanoid robots that perform real work. Persona’s founding team has a decades-long history in humanoid robotics, bionics, and product development delivering robust hardware that has touched the stars, worked miles below the surface of the ocean, roamed Disney Parks, and has even been featured on a US postage stamp. Our mission is focused squarely on shipping beautiful, reliable products at massive scale, while building a customer-focused team to achieve these aims.

Role Overview:

We are looking for a Lead Robotics Technician focused on actuators to support the development, testing, and refinement of electromechanical systems for our humanoid robot. This role involves setting up custom test infrastructure, maintaining precise data capture workflows, and supporting engineers with diagnostics, validation, and continuous improvement of actuator designs.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead the build and assembly of robotic systems and subsystems.

• Set up and maintain testing infrastructure (test benches, load rigs, environmental fixtures).

• Assist in the assembly, calibration, and debugging of custom actuators, including motor, gear train, and sensor integration.

• Collaborate with mechanical and controls engineers to execute detailed test plans for torque, speed, thermal performance, and reliability.

• Stay in lockstep with R&D and manufacturing, validating and optimizing designs for manufacturability.

• Collect, process, and organize actuator test data; contribute to root-cause analysis and design iteration.

• Perform mechanical and electrical rework (e.g., soldering, crimping, bearing swaps, housing mods) to support actuator prototyping.

• Maintain lab inventory of actuator-related parts: motors, encoders, gearboxes, bearings, torque sensors, cables, etc.

• Enforce safety procedures and maintain an organized, ESD-compliant lab environment.

• Document test setups, lab procedures, and hardware configuration changes.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical, Mechatronics, Robotics, or Electrical Engineering—or equivalent practical experience.

• 4+ years hands-on experience working with actuators or electromechanical assemblies in a lab or R&D environment.

• Strong mechanical aptitude—comfortable with tools, torque specs, alignment, and precision assembly.

• Familiarity with brushed/brushless motors, encoders, gearboxes, and force/torque sensors.

• Experience with test instrumentation (e.g., load cells, power analyzers, thermal cameras).

• Competency with data collection tools (Python, MATLAB, or LabVIEW experience a plus).

• Excellent attention to detail, documentation habits, and ability to follow engineering instructions.
  

Bonus Skills:

• Knowledge of actuator control tuning and closed-loop testing methodologies.

• CAD familiarity for modifying or inspecting actuator parts.

• Basic PCB rework or embedded system debug experience.

Why join Persona AI?

• You'll shape technology that's redefining the possibilities of robotics and human interaction.

• Work alongside passionate teammates who value diversity, creativity, and continuous learning.

• Enjoy full access to advanced prototyping tools, labs, and the freedom to experiment and innovate.

• We offer competitive compensation, excellent benefits, flexible work environment, and equity opportunities.

Not sure if you meet all the listed qualifications? That’s okay!
We encourage you to apply anyway. Our needs are constantly evolving, and we're always looking for talented individuals who can grow with us. You might be exactly who we’re looking for — even if it’s for a role we haven’t thought of yet.

Persona AI embraces diversity and equal opportunity in a serious way. We are committed to building a team that represents a variety of backgrounds, perspectives, and skills. We believe the more inclusive we are, the better our work will be.