R&D Autonomous Vehicle Technician

Foundation· Vehicle Team
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📍 San Francisco, CAFULL TIME

About this role

Why We Are Hiring for This Role:

  • Assemble, install, and maintain mechanical components on electric autonomous ATVs, including suspension, chassis, drivetrain, and enclosures.
  • Build, route, and terminate wiring harnesses (low-voltage and high-voltage) following schematics, drawings, and best practices.
  • Perform mechanical fabrication tasks: drilling, cutting, tapping, mounting brackets, basic machining, and fitting custom hardware.
  • Support sensor, compute, and actuator integration (cameras, LiDAR, GNSS, ECUs, motor controllers, power electronics).
  • Conduct vehicle bring-up, troubleshooting, and rework during prototype builds.
  • Diagnose mechanical and electrical issues using standard tools (multimeter, continuity tester, CAN tools).
  • Execute test procedures for functional checks, autonomous systems tests, and field shakedowns.
  • Maintain detailed documentation of builds, changes, and inventory.
  • Keep the shop and vehicle workspace organized, safe, and properly stocked.
  • Collaborate closely with mechanical, electrical, and software engineers to rapidly iterate on designs.
  • Assist with on-site deployments, demos, and field support as needed


What Kind of Person We Are Looking For:


  • 3-5 years of hands-on experience as a technician in robotics, automotive, electric vehicles, heavy equipment, motorsports, aerospace, or similar hardware fields.
  • Strong mechanical assembly skills: torque procedures, bearings, fasteners, drivetrains, suspension, alignment.
  • Ability to read mechanical drawings, wiring diagrams, and basic schematics.
  • Familiarity with basic electrical systems: 12–48V, DC power distribution, grounding, isolation, and safe HV handling.
  • Proficiency using standard shop tools (hand tools, power tools, torque tools, drill press, etc.).


Benefits

We provide market standard benefits (health, vision, dental, 401k, etc.). Join us for the culture and the mission, not for the benefits.


Salary

The annual compensation is expected to be between $85,000 - $130,000. Exact compensation may vary based on skills, experience, and location.

About Foundation:

Foundation is developing the future of general purpose robotics and electric mobility with the goal to save lives and augment human labor. 

Our mission is to create an autonomous, crewless ATV built to be truly all-terrain. Designed for commercial and defense use, it can save lives and take on heavy transport across mining, agriculture, construction, and more.

We are on the lookout for extraordinary engineers and scientists to join our team. Your previous experience in robotics isn't a prerequisite — it's your talent and determination that truly count.

We expect that many of our team members will bring diverse perspectives from various industries and fields. We are looking for individuals with a proven record of exceptional ability and a history of creating things that work.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the salary disclosed for the R&D Autonomous Vehicle Technician position at Foundation?
The salary for this R&D Autonomous Vehicle Technician role at Foundation is not publicly listed. Click "Apply Now" to learn more about the compensation package on their official careers page.
Where is the R&D Autonomous Vehicle Technician position at Foundation located?
This R&D Autonomous Vehicle Technician role at Foundation is based in San Francisco, CA. The position is listed as on-site or hybrid. Check the full job description or apply directly to confirm the work arrangement.
Is the R&D Autonomous Vehicle Technician role at Foundation full-time or part-time?
This is listed as a FULL TIME position. It is posted as a R&D Autonomous Vehicle Technician role in the Vehicle Team department at Foundation.
Which team or department does the R&D Autonomous Vehicle Technician at Foundation belong to?
This R&D Autonomous Vehicle Technician position is part of the Vehicle Team department at Foundation. See the full job description for more information about the team structure and responsibilities.
How do I apply for the R&D Autonomous Vehicle Technician position at Foundation?
Click the "Apply Now" button on this page. You will be redirected to Foundation's official application portal hosted on rippling where you can submit your application directly.
When was the R&D Autonomous Vehicle Technician job at Foundation posted?
This R&D Autonomous Vehicle Technician position at Foundation was posted on Aug 11, 2026. Apply as soon as possible — early applications are often reviewed first.
R&D Autonomous Vehicle Technician
Foundation
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