What are the responsibilities and job description for the Senior Embedded Hardware Technician position at Eccentric Machines?
Eccentric Machines is building Sentor, a patent-pending AI-native motion platform for robotics and complex electromechanical systems.Sentor is designed to move intelligence closer to the physical motion layer. Instead of treating actuation as a passive output from a central controller, we are building hardware and software that can sense local conditions, adapt to changing loads, and respond in real time.We recently closed our seed round and are building the founding technical team.
- Assemble, solder, modify, and test electromechanical components and systems, including but not limited to printed circuit boards (PCB), motors, enclosures, and more.
- Perform mechanical assembly and finishing using methods such as:
- UV printing
- 3D printing
- Sonic welding
- Laser cutting
- Painting
- Adhesives and mechanical fasteners
- Support product testing and data collection
- Design, build, and use simple programming/test jigs and circuits
- Manage inventory, organize components, and prepare shipments
- Document test results, procedures, and build instructions
Technicians are expected to contribute not just technically, but also as reliable, adaptable team members. Key expectations include:
- Write clear updates to customers and teammates
- Record results and process changes in organized documentation
- Ask questions and bring attention to issues when appropriate
- Take ownership of assigned tasks and see them through
- Identify and suggest improvements to assembly, testing, or workflow
- Troubleshoot issues independently when possible
- Consistently arrive on time (Mon–Fri schedule)
- Stay organized in physical and digital workspaces
- Maintain attention to detail in repetitive and custom work
- Work well with teammates on shared goals
- Capable of completing assigned tasks independently with minimal supervision
- Willingness to learn from others and to teach when able
- Conduct data-collection tests for product development
- Ship high-volume product batches
- Assist with firmware and hardware testing
- Design mechanical enclosures and jigs for electronic products
- Set up internal servers or networked systems
- Send professional update emails to clients
- Assemble and prepare units
- Create internal documentation for complex assemblies, sometimes with video
A common project may involve steps like:
- Gathering all necessary parts – electronics, mechanicals, and tools
- Referencing internal documents to streamline the build and testing workflow
- Modifying PCBAs – removing ICs/resistors/capacitors and jumping connections
- Programming each unit using a custom-designed, in-house programmer PCB
- Building test jigs and programming stations (technician-designed/fabricated)
- Final mechanical assembly – batteries and antennas installed, sonic welding for sealing
- Serial verification – matching printed and firmware-assigned serial IDs
- Functional Testing – charging verification, OTA firmware updates, impact response checks
- Provisioning, packaging, and shipment to the customer
Technical Skills
- Basic soldering of PCBAs and electronics
- Use of test instruments to capture circuit behavior
- Operation of small hand and power tools for fabrication
- Documentation of test results and build steps (Google Workspace or similar)
- Preparation of mechanicals using tools like 3D printers, laser cutters, etc.
- Basic understanding of circuit diagrams and layout interpretation
- Basic circuit design for testing, programming, and automation
- Proficiency in Altium Designer (electrical CAD)
- Ability to create 3D mechanical models (e.g., Fusion 360, SolidWorks)
- Experience reading datasheets, schematics, and wiring diagrams
- Fabrication of test boards using in-house LPKF PCB milling equipment
- Understanding of embedded systems and interface protocols
Soft Skill Requirements
- Willingness to learn and take direction
- Punctuality and reliability
- Ability to work both independently and with team support
- Consistent reliability and time management
- Strong communication with clients and team
- Independent ownership of projects and processes
- Desire for continuous improvement and cross-disciplinary learning
- Altium Designer
- 3D CAD software (e.g., Fusion 360)
- LPKF PCB milling equipment
- Multimeters, oscilloscopes, and test jigs
- 3D printers, UV printers, laser cutters
- Programming/debugging tools for microcontrollers