{"id":3866388,"url":"https://alion.io/job/google-staff-hardware-engineer-fixed-term-contract","title":"Staff Hardware Engineer (Fixed-Term Contract)","company":{"id":82,"name":"Google","domain":"google.com","url":"https://alion.io/company/google","size_band":null,"is_staffing_agency":false,"employer_type":"direct","is_intermediary":false,"listed_via":null,"ats_vendor":"Career site","truth_index":{"grade":"B","score":78,"open_postings":134,"ghost_share":0.045,"stale_share":0.739,"repost_share":0.045,"time_to_fill_p50_days":30,"computed_at":"2026-11-07T05:47:08Z"}},"role":"Hardware","role_family":"Hardware","seniority":"staff","employment_type":"contractor","work_mode":"on_site","remote_scope":null,"remote_scope_basis":null,"remote_working_hours":null,"hiring_geo_confidence":"structured","locations":["San Francisco, United States"],"countries":["US"],"hiring_countries":[],"hiring_countries_total":0,"salary":null,"salary_estimate":null,"experience_years_min":6,"visa_sponsorship":false,"relocation_package":false,"has_equity":false,"technologies":[],"status":"live","first_seen_at":"2026-11-06T11:43:23Z","employer_posted_date":"2026-11-06","last_verified_at":"2026-11-07T16:44:00Z","board_verified":true,"closed_at":null,"days_open":1,"trust":{"level":"ok","repost_count":null,"flags":[],"days_open":1},"description":"About the job\nBe part of a team that pushes boundaries, developing custom silicon solutions that power the future of Google's direct-to-consumer products. You'll contribute to the innovation behind products loved by millions worldwide. Your expertise will shape the next generation of hardware experiences, delivering unparalleled performance, efficiency, and integration.\nAs a Mechatronics Engineer on a 1-year fixed-term contract, you will focus on modifying platforms, rapid prototyping, and experimenting with new designs to inform our robotics efforts. You will be working in a cross-functional team of designers, AI researchers, HRI scientistics to develop experiential proof points. In this role, you will leverage expertise in 3D design, rapid prototyping tools, actuators, mechanisms, motor controllers, and simulation to rapidly prototype, assemble, and bring up next-generation characterful robots.\nAndroid is Google’s mobile operating system powering more than 3 billion devices worldwide. Android is about bringing computing to everyone in the world. We believe computing is a super power for good, enabling access to information, economic opportunity, productivity, connectivity between friends and family and more. We think everyone in the world should have access to the best computing has to offer. We provide the platform for original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) and developers to build compelling computing devices (smartphones, tablets, TVs, wearables, etc) that run the best apps/services for everyone in the world.Individual pay is determined by factors including job-related skills, experience, and relevant education or training.US: $176000 - $256000 (USD) + 20% bonus target\nLearn more about benefits at Google.\nResponsibilities\nLead efforts for the documentation of the hardware design, its implementation, or test/validation results throughout the product life cycle. \nDesign and prototype new robot form factors in collaboration with designers and AI researchers, utilizing 3D design tools, fabrication methods (3D printing), motor controllers, and simulation.\nModify existing small robotic platforms (e.g., Open Duck Mini, Reachy Mini, Microduck) to enhance capabilities for expressivity and AI control, including upgrading servos and hardware components.\nDesign, integrate, and test electronic sub-systems, including motor controllers and sensors, to support custom physical mechanisms.\nQualifications\nMinimum qualifications:\nBachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Mechatronics, Robotics, or equivalent practical experience.\n6 years of experience in rapid prototyping, physical assembly, and electromechanical testing.\nExperience with structural and kinematic systems or CAD design for physical mechanisms.\nExperience with rapid prototyping tools (3D printing, fabrication, CNC) and custom electronics/motor controllers.\nExperience working with actuators, motors, motor drivers, and software simulation.\nPreferred qualifications:\nPhD degree in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Physics, a related field, or equivalent practical experience.\nExperience working with animatronics or characterful robots.\nExperience working in Human Robot Interaction labs. \nExperience with kitting, wire routing, and board integration in a 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