Hardware Technician

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 hardware. A successful candidate in this role will contribute to the smooth daily operation of our engineering, ensuring equipment reliability, maintaining hardware documentation, and assisting in prototype builds and validation efforts. This role will be based on-site in Emeryville, CA and will report to the Lead Technician. Standard hours will be 40hrs per week, with the employee aiming to be onsite during the company’s core hours Monday-Friday, 10am-4pm.

Responsibilities

• Assemble, wire, and test mechanical, electrical, and optical (sub)assemblies for the purpose of development and/or maintenance.
• Maintain and organize equipment, hardware inventory, and component databases.
• Set up, calibrate, and troubleshoot experimental instruments and prototype systems, including in-house–developed devices and supporting measurement tools.
• Create and update documentation, including test reports, schematics, assembly procedures, and standard operating procedures (SOPs) for both commercial and Prolific-developed equipment.
• Manufacture components from 3D models and drawings using prototyping equipment and hand tools.
• Communicate promptly and effectively with teammates and system users, especially when performing maintenance or repairs.
• Perform other duties, as assigned, to support the broader 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 the candidate's specific experience.
• Have knowledge of and experience in basic electronics and mechanical assembly, and demonstrated proficiency in using hand tools, soldering, and reading wiring diagrams or mechanical drawings.
• 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.
• Experience working both independently and as part of a team.
• Excited to work with a multidisciplinary team of engineers and scientists to deliver reliable, high-performance hardware systems.
• Have strong communication skills, including documenting work clearly and discussing technical findings with colleagues across teams.
• Detail-oriented, proactive in problem-solving, and eager to learn new tools and technologies in a fast-paced, collaborative environment.
• Experience with workshop tools, such as bandsaws, circular saws, drill press, etc.

Nice to Haves

• Experience with 3D printers, CNC tools, or laser cutters
• Familiarity with test equipment such as oscilloscopes, multimeters, and power supplies.
• Experience working around biological and optical systems in a research environment.
• Familiarity with optical power meters
• Experience working with lighting systems
• Familiarity with coding languages (such as Python)

Compensation: Competitive salary ($28-$32/hour for Technician I and $32.50-$39.50 for Technician II; 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!