Basis Research Institute ยท 1 month ago
Hardware Systems & Lab Engineer, Robotics & Operations
New York Office
Full-time
Onsite
Mid, Senior LevelBasis is a nonprofit applied AI research organization focused on understanding and building intelligence to solve complex societal problems. The Hardware Systems & Lab Engineer will design and build robotic hardware systems while managing the lab's safe and efficient operation, ensuring a productive environment for researchers.
Artificial Intelligence (AI)CharityDatabaseInformation TechnologyNon Profit
Responsibilities
Design and build custom robotic platforms for experiments, including manipulators, mobile robots, and specialized end-effectors for research tasks
Develop modular hardware systems for testbeds that can be reconfigured to test different morphologies and validate co-designed robot architectures
Create sensor and actuator modules that integrate with research software, including cameras, force sensors, IMUs, and custom actuator designs
Manage vendor relationships and procurement including sourcing components, managing budgets, coordinating with suppliers, and maintaining spare parts inventory
Support hardware-software integration by working with researchers to ensure reliable communication between physical systems and control algorithms
Establish and maintain safety protocols including lockout/tagout procedures, emergency stops, safety interlocks, and personal protective equipment requirements
Organize and maintain lab infrastructure including workbenches, tool organization, storage systems, and specialized equipment like 3D printers and test fixtures
Manage lab inventory and supplies ensuring adequate stock of common components, maintaining organization systems, and coordinating purchasing
Train researchers on safe equipment use including robot operation procedures, tool usage, safety protocols, and emergency responses
Maintain lab equipment including preventive maintenance schedules, calibration procedures, and coordinating repairs when needed
Ensure compliance with institutional safety requirements, building codes, and relevant regulations for robotics laboratories
Qualification
Required
Have demonstrated expertise in robotic hardware development
Designing and building custom robotic platforms
Integrating sensors, actuators, and compute systems
Creating modular, reconfigurable hardware systems
Troubleshooting complex electromechanical systems
Possess strong mechatronics skills spanning mechanical design (CAD, fabrication, assembly), electrical engineering (circuit design, power systems, signal processing), and embedded systems (microcontrollers, real-time control, ROS)
Have experience with lab management and safety including developing safety protocols, maintaining equipment inventories, organizing workspaces, and training users on proper procedures
Understand the research-hardware interface
Be skilled at rapid prototyping and iteration
Value documentation and maintainability
Progress with autonomy while ensuring safety
Preferred
Experience at leading robotics labs (academic or industry)
Background in research environments with understanding of experimental needs
Expertise in specific areas like soft robotics, bio-inspired design, or micro-robotics
Experience with ROS 2 and modern robot software stacks
Teaching or training experience for lab safety and procedures
Project management experience for complex hardware builds
Company
Basis Research Institute
Basis is a nonprofit applied research organization with two mutually reinforcing goals. The first is to understand and build intelligence.
Founded in 2022
11-50 employees
H1B Sponsorship
Basis Research Institute has a track record of offering H1B sponsorships. Please note that this does not
guarantee sponsorship for this specific role. Below presents additional info for your
reference. (Data Powered by US Department of Labor)
Distribution of Different Job Fields Receiving Sponsorship
Represents job field similar to this job
Trends of Total Sponsorships
2024 (2)
2022 (5)
2020 (1)
Funding
Current Stage
Early StageLeadership Team
Zenna Tavares
Founder
Company data provided by crunchbase