Lab Associate Jobs in Novato, CA (NOW HIRING)

We're ALTEN Technology USA, an engineering company helping clients bring groundbreaking ideas to life-from advancing space exploration and life-saving medical devices to building autonomous electric vehicles. With 3,000+ experts across North America, we partner with leading companies in aerospace, medical devices, robotics, automotive, commercial vehicles, EVs, rail, and more.
As part of the global ALTEN Group-57,000+ engineers in 30 countries-we deliver across the entire product development cycle, from consulting to full project outsourcing.
When you join ALTEN Technology USA, you'll collaborate on some of the world's toughest engineering challenges, supported by mentorship, career growth opportunities, and comprehensive benefits. We take pride in fostering a culture where employees feel valued, supported, and inspired to grow.
Robotics Lab Technician (Assembly & Test)
About the role
You'll run the hardware acceptance, functional, and performance testing that proves our robots work - and build the systems you test. Precision assembly of actuators, sensors, harnesses, and PCBAs is a core part of the job. Expect to work shoulder-to-shoulder with mechanical, electrical, and controls engineers, turning rough prototypes into characterized, documented, repeatable hardware.
What you'll do
• Test and characterize.
• Execute acceptance, functional-verification, and performance-characterization testing on robotic components and full systems using standard and custom equipment (multimeters, oscilloscopes, power supplies, custom fixtures). Capture results in test records and quality systems.
• Operate test equipment.
• Set up and run the lab's instrumentation and custom test fixtures; flag calibration or maintenance needs to the lab owner.
• Assemble robotic hardware.
• Perform precision assembly of electromechanical systems - actuators, gearboxes, force/torque sensors, vision systems, wiring harnesses, and PCBAs - from drawings, schematics, and work instructions.
• Debug integration issues.
• Partner with engineering to find and resolve problems surfaced during test and build, drive corrective actions, and fold fixes back into the work instructions.
• Support prototype builds end-to-end.
• Carry builds from kit prep through final checkout; keep schedules and communicate status, risks, and blockers proactively.
• Own quality and traceability.
• Run inspections and maintain build records, traveler documents, and non-conformance reports (NCRs) for full traceability and compliance.
• Work safely.
• Follow all ESD, lab-safety, and high-voltage/heavy-assembly protocols.
• Improve and document.
• Streamline test and assembly processes, and write and refine SOPs and assembly aids.
Basic qualifications
• 3+ years hands-on testing
• And building electromechanical systems, robotics hardware, or precision mechatronic assemblies in a lab, prototype, or manufacturing environment.
• Proficiency with standard test equipment (multimeters, oscilloscopes, power supplies) for functional and acceptance testing.
• Ability to read and work from mechanical drawings, electrical schematics, assembly diagrams, and wiring documentation.
• Experience with quality inspection and documentation - travelers, inspection checklists, and non-conformance reports.
• Working knowledge of ESD handling, lab safety, and safe practices around high-voltage electronics and heavy mechanical assemblies.
Preferred qualifications
• Experience testing and building high-DOF robotic systems - actuators, force/torque sensors, IMUs, encoders, and vision systems.
• Background in a robotics research lab, hardware startup, aerospace, or advanced electromechanical environment with rapid iteration and tight engineering collaboration.
• Experience supporting prototype-to-production transitions (SOPs, work instructions, training materials).
• Familiarity with ERP, MES, or lab-management tools for inventory, build status, and traceability.
• Experience using Terminal for running test and calibration scripts.
• Associate's degree or technical certification in Electronics Technology, Mechatronics, Robotics, Mechanical Engineering Technology, or a related field.
• Work environment & physical requirements
• On-site lab role; standing and hands-on work for extended periods.
• Lifting and maneuvering heavy robotic assemblies; use of required PPE.
Work around high-voltage electronics, powered actuators, and moving machinery.
Salary Range: $90,000-$100,000/K
The actual salary offered is dependent on various factors including, but not limited to, location, the candidate's combination of job-related knowledge, qualifications, skills, education, training, and experience
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment and will not be discriminated against on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, age, genetic information, or pregnancy.
Please beware of job seeker scams and see this important notice on our careers page for more information about our recruiting process.
Compliance Notice: Alten USA is a federal contractor subject to the requirements of the Vietnam Era Veterans' Readjustment Assistance Act (VEVRAA) and Executive Order 11246. We are an Equal Opportunity Employer and consider all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or veteran status.
Drug Screening Requirement: As a federal contractor, Alten USA maintains a drug-free workplace. All candidates selected for employment will be required to successfully complete a pre-employment drug screening as a condition of hire.