Production Technician

ABOUT TROSSEN ROBOTICS

Trossen Robotics is a leading designer and manufacturer of robotic arm manipulators and physical AI hardware. Our product lines include the Interbotix X-Series research arms, ROS-compatible manipulators used in university labs, classrooms, and research facilities worldwide and the Trossen AI lineup, a series of advanced bimanual manipulation systems purpose-built for physical AI data collection, model training, and embodied AI research. Our platforms are trusted by organizations including Google DeepMind, Stanford University, and Fortune 100 technology companies worldwide.

We are a fast-moving, technically driven team that values precision, cross-functional ownership, and continuous improvement. Every team member plays a direct role in delivering reliable, well-engineered products to customers around the world.

POSITION OVERVIEW

The Production Technician serves as the critical technical link between R&D and Production. This role is responsible for ensuring that new and existing products are manufacturable, well-documented, and consistently executable at scale. The ideal candidate brings both hands-on technical ability and a structured, process-oriented mindset, someone who identifies root causes, closes gaps in documentation, and actively improves the reliability of production outcomes.

This is a high-impact, cross-functional role that touches engineering, procurement, quality, and the production floor on a daily basis. If you thrive in a dynamic environment and want to see your work translate directly into better products, this role is for you.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Design for Manufacturability (DFM) & Production Readiness

• Review engineering designs prior to production release and provide actionable feedback on manufacturability, assembly efficiency, and risk reduction
• Identify tolerance stack issues, tooling constraints, and assembly sequencing problems before they impact the production floor
• Partner with engineering during new product introductions (NPI) to validate readiness and drive smooth handoffs into production
• Participate in design reviews and provide a manufacturing perspective that improves first-pass yield and reduces rework

BOM Management & Data Integrity

• Own and maintain accurate BOM structures, revision histories, and component data within the ERP system (Ordertime)
• Ensure all components carry complete sourcing data including primary vendors, approved alternates, and current lead times
• Audit BOMs proactively to identify gaps, obsolete parts, or sourcing risks before they impact production schedules
• Work cross-functionally with procurement and engineering to resolve BOM discrepancies and maintain data integrity

RMA Processing & Failure Analysis

• Diagnose returned units and components to determine root cause of failure through systematic, methodical analysis
• Document findings clearly and escalate to engineering with supporting data to drive corrective action
• Identify patterns across RMAs to surface systemic product reliability issues and contribute to long-term design improvements
• Maintain RMA records and close feedback loops between field returns and production or engineering teams

Production Support & Technical Troubleshooting

• Provide real-time hands-on support to the production floor for mechanical, electrical, and assembly-level issues
• Troubleshoot subassemblies and system-level failures with a structured diagnostic approach
• Support rework, validation, and functional test processes as required to maintain build quality and schedule commitments
• Serve as a knowledgeable resource for production staff navigating unfamiliar assemblies or new product configurations

Documentation & Process Improvement

• Develop and maintain work instructions, assembly guides, test procedures, and QC checklists to production-ready standards
• Document non-conformances (NCRs) and track corrective actions to closure in a timely, accountable manner
• Identify opportunities to reduce variation, increase throughput, and eliminate rework through process improvements
• Contribute to a culture of continuous improvement by surfacing issues with data and proposing structured solutions

Cross-Functional Collaboration & Safety

• Collaborate daily with production, engineering, procurement, and supply chain to meet build and ship commitments
• Communicate clearly across departments — flag blockers early, provide status updates proactively, and escalate when needed
• Uphold all company safety protocols and maintain a clean, organized, and OSHA-compliant work environment
• Support team onboarding by sharing technical knowledge and contributing to training documentation

REQUIREMENTS

Education & Experience

• Associate’s degree in a technical field preferred; high school diploma or equivalent required
• 2 years of experience in a manufacturing, production technician, or hands-on technical role
• Experience working with BOMs and structured product data in an ERP or PLM system is a strong plus

Technical Skills

• Strong mechanical and/or electrical aptitude with demonstrated hands-on troubleshooting ability
• Proficient in CAD software; Onshape and/or Fusion 360 experience strongly preferred
• Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings, assembly schematics, and technical specifications
• Familiarity with basic test and measurement equipment, hand tools, and production fixtures
• Strong proficiency in Microsoft PowerPoint; ability to produce clear, well-structured assembly guides, work instructions, and training materials
• Experience with robotics, electromechanical assemblies, or similar products is advantageous

Work Style & Competencies

• Highly detail-oriented with a genuine commitment to quality and process compliance
• Strong problem-solving skills approaches issues methodically and documents findings clearly
• Comfortable working independently and managing multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment
• Proactive communicator who flags issues early and keeps stakeholders informed without being asked
• Eager to learn new tools, systems, and processes; adaptable to evolving workflows
• Reliable transportation required; this role is fully on-site in Downers Grove, IL

WHAT WE OFFER

• Competitive base salary
• Primary schedule Monday–Friday, 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM with occasional weekend availability required based on production demand
• Hands-on work with robotic arm manipulators and physical AI hardware used by world-class research and technology organizations
• A collaborative, technically driven team that values precision, accountability, and continuous improvement
• Opportunity to grow your expertise across mechanical, electrical, and systems-level domains in a scaling company
• Direct visibility into the full product lifecycle from engineering design through production and field support