Robotics Hardware Technician

Full-time, exempt Boston, Massachusetts On-site, five days per week Reports to the CEO

ABOUT US Cleo Robotics builds unconventional autonomous robotic systems designed to operate in the world’s most challenging and inaccessible environments. Our mission is to deploy intelligent machines into critical environments to improve operational efficiency, reduce unplanned downtime, and keep people out of harm’s way. Our technology is used across industries including energy, oil and gas, manufacturing, public safety, and defense. We’re a growing team of experts in robotics and autonomous systems with diverse backgrounds and skills. We value making an impact, thinking big, leading with empathy, and having fun along the way.

If you get excited about solving big problems and building robots straight from science fiction, and you thrive in a fast-paced environment, this role might be for you!

ABOUT THE ROLE This role is ideal for an experienced assembly or production technician who enjoys working hands-on with complex electronics and mechanical systems.

In this role, you will be responsible for physically assembling our drones from the ground up — transforming engineered designs into fully built systems that are tested, shipped to customers, and deployed in real-world environments. This is a hands-on manufacturing role for someone who enjoys building complex hardware and takes pride in precision craftsmanship.

You will spend the majority of your time assembling drone systems that are as cool as they look, working with electronics, sensors, wiring, batteries, and structural components. You will also collaborate closely with our engineering team to support new builds, prototype iterations, and design improvements that make our systems easier to manufacture and maintain.

Beyond assembly, you will help maintain the operational heartbeat of our production floor — managing inventory, receiving and organizing parts, supporting shipping and fulfillment, documenting processes, and identifying opportunities to improve how we build.

Success in this role requires someone who takes pride in building high-quality hardware, thrives in a fast-moving startup environment, and brings a high level of precision and attention to detail. The work you do will directly impact the quality, reliability, and performance of the systems our customers rely on.

WHAT YOU’LL DO Drone Assembly

• Perform precision assembly of drone systems and subassemblies from components to fully built units ready for testing and shipment
• Execute high-quality soldering and electrical integration for production builds
• Follow and refine assembly procedures to ensure consistent, repeatable builds

Prototype Support & Engineering Collaboration

• Work closely with engineers to support prototype builds and new hardware iterations
• Provide feedback on assembly processes to improve manufacturability and serviceability
• Assist with hands-on testing, tweaks, and adjustments during development cycles

Repair & Maintenance Builds

• Diagnose and repair returned drone systems
• Replace or repair electronic components, wiring, and assemblies as needed
• Ensure repaired systems meet operational standards before redeployment

Inventory & Production Operations

• Receive incoming inventory and verify counts and component quality
• Organize and maintain production inventory and storage systems
• Track inventory levels and notify the team when components need to be reordered

Shipping & Fulfillment

• Prepare finished systems and components for outbound shipment to customers and vendors
• Manage inbound and outbound shipping logistics for hardware and parts
• Ensure all shipments are properly packaged, documented, and tracked

Documentation & Process Improvement

• Maintain clear assembly documentation and build procedures
• Track builds, repairs, and production activity to support production visibility and continuous improvement
• Identify opportunities to improve efficiency, quality, and repeatability in the production process

Workspace & Production Readiness

• Maintain a clean, organized, and efficient production workspace
• Ensure tools, workstations, and assembly areas are ready for daily production work
• Ensure that all production activities comply with safety regulations and company policies.

WHAT YOU BRING

• 5+ years of hands-on experience assembling, repairing, or manufacturing hardware systems (robotics, electronics, aerospace, automotive, drones, or similar)
• Highly detail-oriented and meticulous, taking pride in clean, precise builds and high-quality workmanship
• Advanced soldering skills and strong experience working with electronic components, wiring, sensors, batteries, and PCBs
• Comfortable building complex hardware assemblies from documentation or engineering instructions
• Experienced troubleshooting and repairing electrical and mechanical systems
• Able to work independently and take ownership of your work in a fast-paced startup environment
• Highly organized with the ability to manage parts, inventory, and assembly workflows
• Strong communicator who collaborates well with engineers and teammates to solve problems
• Comfortable working with tools commonly used in hardware assembly, testing, and repair
• Familiar with 3D printing and rapid prototyping tools
• Naturally curious and proactive about improving build processes and production efficiency

BONUS POINTS

• Experience assembling or maintaining drones, robotics systems, or aerospace hardware
• Prior work in hardware manufacturing, robotics, defense, or advanced hardware startups
• Experience supporting prototype builds or early-stage hardware production
• Familiarity with inventory or manufacturing systems (PLM, MRP, ERP)
• Experience working with embedded electronics or microcontrollers (Arduino, STM32, etc.)
• Familiarity with CAD tools used for reference or assembly documentation

WHAT WE OFFER

• The opportunity to build autonomy that moves beyond simulation and operates on real robots in challenging, mission-critical environments
• Meaningful ownership of a core product capability, with the ability to influence Cleo’s autonomy architecture, technical direction, and roadmap
• A high-impact role on a small, talented team where your ideas can move rapidly from development to real-world deployment
• The opportunity to expand your technical scope, take on greater ownership, and grow alongside the company
• Competitive compensation and a comprehensive benefits package, including health, dental, and vision insurance
• Equity for every new hire, giving everyone the opportunity to share in Cleo’s growth
• Flexible paid time off and company holidays
• A collaborative, energetic workplace with a fully stocked kitchen and regular team gatherings