Watney · San Francisco
Manufacturing & OperationsDeploymentFullTimeposted 11d ago
Expand human ambition in the physical world.
Critical infrastructure is constrained by labor shortages, hazardous working conditions, and operational complexity. Watney builds and deploys autonomous robotic systems that increase the speed and capacity of buildout, starting with data centers.
Role Description
As our Robot Technician, you'll be hands-on with cutting-edge autonomous systems from prototype to production deployment. This isn't traditional maintenance – you're a technical owner who will:
Build, test, and optimize robots that run continuously
Troubleshoot complex mechanical, electrical, and software issues in autonomous systems
Develop diagnostic procedures and predictive maintenance protocols
Configure and calibrate sensors, actuators, and control systems
Support field deployments and remote debugging of systems worldwide
Create assembly documentation and maintenance procedures as we scale
Help iterate on hardware designs based on real-world performance data
Interface with our software and hardware teams to improve robot behavior and reliability
What You Bring
Essential:
2+ years hands-on experience with robotic systems, automation equipment, automotive, or similar
Strong mechanical assembly and troubleshooting skills
Electrical debugging capabilities (reading schematics, using multimeters/oscilloscopes)
Experience with motors, sensors, and control systems
Detail-oriented approach to documentation and testing
Basic Linux skills - comfortable with CLI, SSH, log files, and system diagnostics
Bonus Points:
Experience with EtherCAT lines, CAN bus, or industrial communication protocols
Familiarity with autonomous systems and edge case handling
CAD software proficiency (SolidWorks, Fusion 360, etc.)
3D printing and rapid prototyping experience
Background in production scaling or manufacturing
Experience with 24/7 reliability systems
What Sets You Apart
You love taking things apart to understand how they work
Comfortable working on bleeding-edge technology with ambiguous requirements
Strong debugging instincts – you can isolate problems systematically
Excited by the challenge of making robots work reliably at scale
Pride in craftsmanship and building things that last
We’re committed to building a diverse, inclusive team. At Watney Robotics, we welcome people of all backgrounds and identities, and we make hiring decisions based on skills, experience, and potential. If you’re passionate about robotics but don’t meet every requirement, we still encourage you to apply!