Hardware Technician

unspun's mission is to reduce global carbon emissions by 1% by revolutionizing the way we make clothes. We envision a world where every garment is made on-demand, eliminating overproduction and reconnecting people with the clothing they wear.

We've developed the world's first 3D weaving technology, capable of transforming yarn into clothes in minutes. Our proprietary and patent-pending technology sits at the crossroads of 3D printing and automated textile manufacturing, allowing us to additively build custom apparel products from the ground up - straight from yarn to final product.

Why This Role Matters

We are seeking a passionate Hardware Technician to join our team at unspun. In this role, you will play a crucial part in constructing, maintaining, and operating our sophisticated electro-mechanical weaving systems. Your work will be essential in advancing our proprietary 3D weaving technology, directly supporting our goal to reduce global carbon emissions by 1% through revolutionizing clothes manufacturing.

What You’ll Do

• Machine assembly & builds: Assemble mechanical and electromechanical subsystems — precision mechanical assemblies, cable harnesses, and sensor installations — from drawings, schematics, and SOPs.

• Preventive & corrective maintenance: Execute scheduled maintenance on Vega systems, and diagnose and repair mechanical and electrical issues as they arise.

• Troubleshooting support: Work alongside test and systems engineers to reproduce failures, swap components, and isolate root causes on real hardware.

• Test infrastructure: Build and maintain test stands, fixtures, and cycle testers that support reliability and validation work.

• Machine commissioning: Support bring-up and acceptance testing of new machines, including subsystem checks and calibration procedures.

• Documentation: Keep build records, maintenance logs, and SOPs accurate and up to date, and flag recurring issues so they get fixed at the source.

• Shop & inventory upkeep: Keep tools, spare parts, and work areas organized so the team can move fast without chaos.

Who You Are

You're happiest with tools in your hands and a machine in front of you. You take pride in clean wiring, correct torque specs, and assemblies that work the first time. You notice when something sounds or looks off, and you say something before it becomes a failure. You're organized, you document what you do, and you like working shoulder-to-shoulder with engineers on hardware that's genuinely new.

What Makes You a Great Fit?

• 3+ years of hands-on experience as a technician in robotics, industrial automation, manufacturing, or a similar electromechanical environment

• Strong mechanical assembly skills: precision fits, fasteners, alignment, and use of hand and power tools

• Electrical skills: wiring, crimping, soldering, cable harnessing, and reading electrical schematics

• Proficiency in operating, setting up, and maintaining sophisticated machinery

• Solid understanding of technical engineering drawings, and following (and improving) SOPs

• Experience troubleshooting integrated systems with a methodical, root-cause mindset

• Understanding of mechatronics, moving parts, and sensors

• Knowledge of experimental measurement equipment and instrumentation

• Strong problem-solving skills with a keen attention to detail

• Clear written documentation habits and good communication with engineers

• Ability to work autonomously and take initiative in solving complex problems

• Excellent time management skills and ability to thrive in a fast-paced startup environment

• Openness to feedback and eagerness to continuously learn and adapt

Bonus points

• Degree or coursework in Mechanical Engineering Technology, Mechanical Engineering, Textile Technology, Textile Engineering, or related field

• Experience with industrial machinery: motors, drives, PLCs, pneumatics, or CAN-based systems

• Experience building or maintaining test stands and fixtures

• Machining, 3D printing, or fabrication skills

• Textile or weaving equipment experience

• Experience with CAD, PLM, or MES software (e.g., OnShape, Arena, Ion)

• Familiarity with GD&T (Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing)

• Experience in an R&D or startup environment where things change fast

Benefits

The hourly range for this role is $38 - $46 USD (plus overtime and equity)

Benefits include:

• Self-regulated vacation policy

• Comprehensive health/dental/vision insurance

• Company sponsored 401k and FSA/HSA

• Monthly wellness or education grant up to $150

• Pre-tax commuter benefits

• Incentive stock options

unspun's compensation philosophy centers on transparency, fairness, and alignment with our company values. We aim to offer competitive pay that reflects both market standards and individual contributions, fostering an environment where employees feel valued and motivated. Our holistic approach ensures that compensation decisions are consistent and justifiable across all levels to attract and retain top talent, support employee growth, and maintain a positive organizational culture.

Our Philosophy

We won't roll our eyes if your socks don't match. We get it. But then, if you spend those extra few minutes in the morning matching your socks and shirt, we get that too. Our workspaces are sometimes spotless and sometimes chaotic, and we celebrate messy exploration. We work through complex problems but generate simple and elegant solutions. We strive to look at things differently, and never do anything solely because "that's the way it's always been done."

We're a team of designers and engineers, industry-veterans and serial entrepreneurs, artists and developers. We're aspiring chess masters and climbers, bakers and photographers. Originally spun out of Stanford and the University of Colorado, we now call the SF Bay Area home, with strong ties to Hong Kong. We are looking for teammates who share our desire to work on ambitious problems and leave the world better than we found it.

unspun is an equal opportunity employer, and we are committed to being a diverse team that reflects a broad range of background, thought, and experience. We do not discriminate based on race, color, religion, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, national origin, status as an individual with a disability, status as protected veteran, or any other legally protected characteristics. Women, minorities, and people from underrepresented backgrounds are strongly encouraged to apply.

Location

5 days a week at our Emeryville facility, CA (On-site)