Hardware Engineer

Onepot•South San Francisco, CA

6d•$200,000 - $250,000•Onsite

About The Position

onepot is automating chemistry with the goal of enabling a self-improvement loop for chemistry by combining AI and advanced robotics. This involves AI systems designing experiments, robotic systems executing them, and the resulting data improving future models. The team is small, ambitious, and composed of individuals from diverse backgrounds including ML engineers, chemists, computer scientists, and hardware engineers. This role offers substantial ownership over the design and creation of real-world operating systems. Chemistry automation is particularly challenging due to the nature of reagents (corrosive, volatile, reactive) and the need for precise handling of liquids and solids, often requiring systems to be redesigned from first principles rather than adapting existing equipment. In this position, you will build key components of onepot's hardware stack, enabling previously inaccessible chemistry to be performed automatically. Your work will encompass designing bespoke hardware modules and integrating commercial equipment. Potential areas include liquid or solid dispensing, vial and plate handling, reaction setup, temperature control, inert-atmosphere operations, sampling, instrument loading, and automated analysis. This is a hands-on role involving prototype assembly, control software development, lab debugging, and close collaboration with chemists to understand tool failures. You will own systems from concept through fabrication, deployment, and iterative improvement, with an emphasis on reliable operation in a laboratory setting.

Requirements

Degree in an engineering discipline or physics (exceptional candidates without one will be considered).
Demonstrated engineering ability and a portfolio of built projects (e.g., drones, robotic arms, scientific instruments, manufacturing equipment, custom electronics, liquid-handling robots).
Experience taking a physical system from an initial idea to a functioning and reliable implementation.
Evidence of ability to move quickly, make good decisions with incomplete information, and solve difficult problems independently.
Experience in a startup, research group, competition team, or similar environment with significant ownership and limited resources.
Familiarity with CAD software.
Ability to develop electronic components and software that interfaces with physical hardware.
Strong capability in at least one of mechanical engineering, electronics, embedded systems, robotics, or controls.
Comfort working across disciplines and learning unfamiliar technical areas.
Experience working with motors, pumps, valves, sensors, microcontrollers, or other electromechanical components.
Strong written and verbal communication skills.
Curiosity and excitement about chemistry.
A strong bias toward building, testing, and learning from real systems.
Ability to work extended hours and weekends as necessary.
Ability to work safely in an active chemistry laboratory and around scientific equipment.

Nice To Haves

Experience in fluid handling and chemical compatibility.
Experience in motion control.
Experience in embedded systems and microcontrollers.
Experience in machine vision.
Experience with PLCs, ROS, or industrial communication protocols.
Experience with safety interlocks and fault-tolerant systems.
Experience in machining, fabrication, or rapid prototyping.
Experience designing systems that must operate reliably in harsh or unusual environments.

Responsibilities

Design bespoke hardware modules for chemistry automation.
Integrate commercially available equipment into automated systems.
Build systems for liquid or solid dispensing, vial and plate handling, reaction setup, heating and cooling, inert-atmosphere operations, sampling, instrument loading, or automated analysis.
Design parts, assemble prototypes, and write control software.
Debug systems in the lab and work directly with chemists to understand tool failures.
Own systems from initial concept through fabrication, deployment, failure, and improvement.
Ensure systems operate reliably under real laboratory conditions.