Hardware Technician
Emeryville, California
Hardware /
Full time /
On-site
Prolific Machines is ushering in a new era of biotechnology with light. Our first-of-its-kind photomolecular platform delivers unprecedented control, precisely guiding cellular behavior when and where it matters most. Unlike existing tools used to control biology, our technology unlocks dynamic control over virtually any cellular function in any cell type. We're enabling partners to unlock robust efficiency, quality, reproducibility, and sustainability advantages across pharmaceuticals and therapeutic proteins. Prolific is supported by leading investors, including Bill Gates’s Breakthrough Energy Ventures, Mayfield and SOSV.
Help us create a brighter tomorrow with biology. We're looking for mission-driven, talented, and kind people to join our team.
We’re looking for a Hardware Technician to support the assembly, maintenance, and troubleshooting of our growing fleet of custom devices. A successful candidate in this role will help stabilize and scale our device operations by performing hands-on technical work supporting engineers to deliver a variety of improvements and innovations to the device fleet. This role will be based on-site in Emeryville, CA and will report to the Mechatronics Engineer of the company
Responsibilities
- Build, assemble, and calibrate bioreactor illuminator systems using a variety of techniques such as soldering, 3D printing, cable making, laser cutting, and mechanical joining processes
- Troubleshoot and repair issues related to electrical, mechanical, and software/connectivity faults
- Support documentation efforts: provide feedback, help improve troubleshooting guides, and escalate systemic issues
- Coordinate with scientific teams to install and service devices, and act as a responsive frontline support contact
- Maintain a clean, safe, and organized lab and workshop environmentParticipate in team-wide efforts to reduce technical debt and improve system robustness
- Other duties as assigned to support the full Hardware team
About You
- Have 2+ years of experience in technical roles involving hands-on work with custom electronics, mechanical assemblies, or biotech devices, ideally in a startup or laboratory environment. Associate’s Degree or Bachelor’s Degree in a relevant field preferred but not required. Various levels will be considered depending on candidate’s specific experience, with the requirement for Technician II typically being at least 2+ years relevant experience and demonstration of solid foundation of technical knowledge and skills, and the requirement for Sr. Technician typically being at least 5+ years relevant experience and demonstration of substantial understanding of technical knowledge and skills
- Comfortable reading schematics and troubleshooting basic electrical circuits, and have practical experience with soldering, multimeter use, and cable harness manufacturing
- Familiar with basic mechanical principles; experience with power tools, fabrication techniques, and part fit/finish
- Able to follow and improve upon standard operating procedures and safety protocols in both lab and workshop settings
- Comfortable interfacing with scientists and end users, understanding their needs, and translating feedback into actionable improvements
- Enjoy creative problem solving, taking initiative, and are energized by the dynamics of a startup environment– where guidance and established systems may be limited
- The kind of person who likes taking things apart and putting them back together, with a natural curiosity and a steady hand under pressure
$32.50 - $46 an hour
Competitive salary ($32.50-$39.50/hour for Technician II, $40-$46/hour for Sr. Technician; semi-monthly payments). This is a non-exempt, hourly position and eligible for over-time pay with pre-approval from the Manager. Standard hours will be 40hrs per week, with the employee aiming to be onsite during the company’s core hours Monday-Friday, 10am-4pm.
Diversity: We value diverse people, perspectives, and knowledge. To this end, we aim to foster a sense of belonging that enables everyone to bring their whole, authentic self to work everyday. We are committed to growing a diverse and inclusive team that encompasses all types of people. We believe this can only be achieved by acknowledging the ancestral, historic, and current systemic and communal inequities.
Location: The San Francisco Bay Area (Emeryville, CA)
Benefits: Company-covered medical, dental, and vision insurance for employee and spouse, generous equity package, retirement plan with company contribution, flexible PTO with healthy time off minimums, career coaching and mental health support, and plentiful snacks and free lunch every day!
