Lead R&D Technician

About the role

As the Lead R&D Engineering Technician at Charge Robotics, you will head a team of roughly eight technicians to build, test, and deploy the next generation of solar‑installation robots. You will act as the bridge between engineering design and floor execution, ensuring projects are completed on schedule and to quality standards.

Key responsibilities

• Lead and people‑manage a team of ~8 technicians, approve hours/PTO, assign work, and conduct regular 1:1s and performance feedback.
• Own build execution, guaranteeing builds are complete, on schedule, and pass final inspection and sign‑off.
• Coach and upskill the team through hands‑on training, onboarding new technicians, and expanding technical and process capabilities.
• Support mechanical and software engineering teams in assembly, testing, and troubleshooting of robotic systems, translating engineering intent into clear build instructions.
• Develop and maintain engineering documentation, including assembly instructions and standard operating procedures.
• Maintain workshop organization and drive continuous‑improvement initiatives such as 5S, tooling/fixture planning, and build‑process efficiency.
• Enforce a strong safety culture by following and monitoring safety procedures.

Required profile

• Minimum 5 years of mechanical and/or electrical assembly experience, with prior experience leading or mentoring technicians.
• Strong mechanical, electrical, equipment, and safety intuition gained through personal or professional projects.
• Comfortable interpreting schematics and CAD drawings and assembling complex electromechanical systems independently.
• Positive attitude, enjoys in‑person work, and motivated to manage and inspire a small team.
• Committed to safety procedures and fostering a healthy safety culture.
• Available to work five days per week on‑site at the San Leandro, CA headquarters.

Required skills

• Mechanical assembly
• Electrical assembly
• Interpretation of schematics and CAD drawings
• Electromechanical system integration
• Industrial robot arms and end‑effectors
• Industrial automation systems