hero

Opportunities in the Upfront Portfolio

companies
Jobs

Lab Technician

Brightai

Brightai

Palo Alto, CA, USA
Posted on Jan 21, 2026

Lab Technician


BrightAI is a high-growth Physical AI company transforming how businesses interact with the physical world through intelligent automation. Our platform processes data from billions of real-world events—captured through edge devices, mobile sensors, and large-scale cloud infrastructure—to deliver intelligent, real-time decisions.

We are looking for a hands-on Lab Technician to support rapid prototyping, debugging, testing, and lab operations across our hardware programs. This role is critical to keeping our engineering teams moving fast and shipping high-quality systems.


Responsibilities

Hardware Assembly & Rework

  • Perform fine-pitch SMT soldering (down to 0201, QFN, and BGA rework).

  • Hand-solder through-hole and surface-mount components.

  • Rework and repair PCBs using hot air, reflow techniques, and proper flux management.

  • Build and repair cables, harnesses, and connectors (USB-C, coax, JST, Molex, ribbon, etc.).

Test & Measurement

  • Use and interpret measurements from oscilloscopes, DMMs, logic analyzers, and protocol analyzers (USB, I²C, SPI, UART, CAN).

  • Operate power supplies, electronic loads, and function/arbitrary waveform generators.

  • Support electrical bring-up, validation, and failure analysis.

Troubleshooting & Debug

  • Isolate faults using schematics, block diagrams, and signal tracing.

  • Verify power rails, clocks, resets, and communication buses.

  • Identify shorts, opens, and marginal components.

  • Use tools such as thermal cameras or freeze spray to diagnose failing parts.

  • Understand common hardware failure modes (power sequencing, clocking issues, bus failures).

Firmware Interaction (Technician Level)

  • Flash firmware via SWD, JTAG, UART, or USB.

  • Use debugging tools such as ST-Link, J-Link, Segger, and Nordic tools.

  • Run automated test scripts and capture logs over serial or USB.

  • Collaborate with firmware engineers during bring-up and debugging.

Fabrication & Prototyping

  • Perform PCB trace cuts, bodge wiring, and small circuit modifications.

  • Build custom adapters, breakout cables, and test fixtures.

  • Use 3D printers and standard mechanical hand tools to support prototyping.

Documentation & Process

  • Maintain accurate test logs, lab notebooks, and build records.

  • Track serial numbers, part revisions, and test conditions.

  • Update build instructions and diagrams as needed.

  • Follow ESD procedures and lab safety standards.

  • Execute structured test procedures, collect data, and report results.

Lab & Team Support

  • Keep lab benches organized and safe.

  • Track inventory, labeling, and PCB rework status.

  • Manage tool calibration schedules.

  • Work closely with electrical, firmware, mechanical, and validation engineers.

  • Support fast-paced sprint cycles, demos, and rapid iteration efforts.


Qualifications

  • Strong hands-on experience with electronics assembly, rework, and debugging.

  • Solid understanding of basic electronic components and circuits (analog and digital).

  • Ability to read and interpret schematics, datasheets, BOMs, and assembly drawings.

  • Comfortable working in a fast-moving lab environment with minimal supervision.

  • Clear written and verbal communication skills, especially when reporting issues and observations.

  • Highly organized, detail-oriented, and safety-conscious.


Nice to Have

  • Experience supporting early-stage hardware bring-up or startup environments.

  • Familiarity with automated test setups or validation workflows.

  • Experience working alongside cross-functional engineering teams.