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Hardware Technician

unspun

unspun

Other Engineering
Oakland, CA, USA
USD 35-46 / hour + Equity
Posted on May 10, 2025
Operations · unspun // oakland factory

Hardware Technician

About unspun

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.

Who You Are

As our Hardware Technician, your core responsibility will be to support the development and operation of our advanced 3D weaving technology. You will work across multiple teams, with emphasis on the hardware and engineering teams, to realize the world's first 3D woven products on the market. Your key responsibilities include:

  • Master the build and commissioning of sub-assemblies for our Vega 2 system
  • Operate and maintain advanced prototype textile manufacturing machinery
  • Conduct experiments to evaluate loom performance and output quality
  • Analyze and communicate results of experiments and machine states
  • Assemble and validate complex electro-mechanical systems
  • Perform routine maintenance on sophisticated machinery
  • Use measurement equipment to troubleshoot and diagnose machine issues
  • Collaborate closely with engineers on experiments and results analysis
  • Create and maintain comprehensive documentation for internal communication and record keeping
  • Set up and adjust looms for prototype testing and limited production runs

What Makes You a Great Fit?

  • 2+ years of experience as a technician in mechanical assembly, operating complex machinery, or working with textile equipment
  • Strong problem-solving skills with a keen attention to detail
  • Proficiency in operating, setting up, and maintaining sophisticated machinery
  • Solid understanding of technical engineering drawings, schematics, and manuals
  • Hands-on experience with experimentation and testing techniques
  • Knowledge of experimental measurement equipment and instrumentation
  • Understanding of mechatronics, moving parts, and sensors
  • Strong verbal and written communication skills
  • 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
  • Previous experience in robotics, automotive, or aviation industries
  • Knowledge of basic statistical concepts as applied to experimentation
  • Experience with CAD, PLM, or MES software (e.g., OnShape, Duro, Ion)
  • Familiarity with GD&T (Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing)
  • Experience in fast-paced, early-stage companies
  • Autotech or robotics certifications

Benefits

The hourly range for this role is $35 - $46 USD (plus overtime and equity)

Benefits include:

  • Self-regulated vacation policy
  • Comprehensive (gold & platinum) 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

Emeryville, CA (On-site)

Department
Operations
Hourly salary
$35 - $46

About unspun™

The world's first 3D weaving technology for apparel and the key to fashion's waste problem.

Founded in 2017
Coworkers 74
Operations · unspun // oakland factory

Hardware Technician

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