Senior Hardware R&D Technician - AV Labs
About the Role
Uber is launching AV Labs to accelerate the autonomous technology ecosystem. We're building out a high-velocity team of multi-disciplinary experts to turn real-world operations into high-quality data for our autonomous partners. This team is focused on the hardest problem in AV today: unlocking real-world, long-tail driving data. Autonomy is now a data race-and Uber has an edge: We collect rare, real-world driving data at a scale and capital efficiency no one else can match.
Our AV Labs Hardware team is pioneering the next-generation E/E architecture for our cutting-edge L4 data collection vehicle fleet. Our R&D team is on a mission to accelerate the autonomous driving ecosystem by rapidly prototyping and iterating on complex electrical hardware systems. As a core member of this team, your hands-on expertise in PCBA rework and custom harness fabrication will directly bridge the gap between engineering designs and fully functional hardware. Your precision and problem-solving will have an immediate impact by accelerating our testing cycles and ensuring the safety and reliability of our autonomous vehicles on the road.
What the Candidate Will Do
- Execute PCBA Modifications & Assembly: Perform high-precision micro-soldering, component swaps, and complex SMT rework on prototype circuit boards to support rapid design iterations and bug fixes.
- Fabricate & Route Custom Harnesses: Build, crimp, and terminate intricate wire harnesses and cable assemblies from scratch using electrical schematics, and seamlessly integrate them into prototype vehicles and hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) test rigs.
- Collaborate on Testing & Debugging: Work alongside hardware and electrical engineers during initial board bring-up, utilizing benchtop equipment like multimeters, oscilloscopes, and power supplies to trace signals and troubleshoot hardware faults.
- Provide Engineering Feedback & Lab Support: Document physical assembly challenges, offer practical Design for Manufacturability (DFM) feedback to improve future iterations, and help maintain an organized, efficient, and fully stocked R&D lab environment.
Basic Qualifications
- PCBA Rework & Soldering: 3+ years of hands-on experience in an electronics R&D lab or manufacturing environment, demonstrating advanced micro-soldering skills for intricate PCBA rework and fine-pitch surface mount technology (SMT).
- Wire Harness Fabrication: Proven ability to confidently read and interpret electrical schematics and wiring diagrams to build, crimp, splice, and terminate custom wire harnesses.
- Lab Equipment & Troubleshooting: Proficiency using standard benchtop testing and diagnostic equipment (such as multimeters, oscilloscopes, and power supplies) to assist engineers with board bring-up and debugging.
Preferred Qualifications
- Automotive Domain Experience: Prior experience working in the autonomous vehicle, advanced robotics, or aerospace industries, including familiarity with automotive-grade connectors (e.g., TE Connectivity, Deutsch) and vehicle communication protocols (CAN, LIN, Automotive Ethernet).
- Rapid Prototyping Versatility: Additional hands-on experience with mechanical prototyping and fabrication, such as basic machine shop tools (drill presses, band saws), welding etc. to create custom brackets and test fixtures on the fly.
For Sunnyvale, CA-based roles: The base salary range for this role is USD $167,000 per year - USD $185,000 per year.
You will be eligible to participate in Uber's bonus program, and may be offered an equity award & other types of comp. All full-time employees are eligible to participate in a 401(k) plan. You will also be eligible for various benefits.