Prototype Engineer

Here at Humanoid, we believe in a future where robots amplify human potential. That’s why we’ve set out on a mission to build the world’s most capable, commercially-scalable, and safe humanoid robots. We’re bringing that mission to life with HMND‑01 - our rapidly developed humanoid platform being deployed in real industrial environments - and we’re growing the team to take it even further.
ABOUT THE ROLE
We're looking for a hands-on Prototype Engineer to build, assemble and maintain hardware prototypes for the end effectors on our robots and the human-worn devices operators use to interface with them. You'll run our prototyping shop, build and maintain test rigs, and support hardware testing and trial sessions — turning CAD files and BOMs into working units, fast. This is a high-paced environment where turnaround is tight and your work directly shapes what the design team builds next.
WHAT YOU'LL DO
– Build Prototype Hardware: Build, assemble and maintain prototype hardware from CAD/BOM through to working units.
– Operate Workshop Equipment: Operate 3D printers, CNC and general workshop tools to produce prototype parts quickly and to spec.
– Prototype with MCUs: Quickly wire up and prototype with MCU platforms such as ESP32 and Raspberry Pi to support test rigs and hardware validation.
– Build & Run Test Rigs: Build, set up and run test rigs and validation jigs for durability, calibration and functional testing.
– Support Hardware Testing: Support hardware testing, internal trials and demo sessions, providing hands-on troubleshooting and repair.
– Turn Around Fast: Deliver prototype builds within tight timelines to keep pace with rapid design-iteration cycles.
– Manage the Shop: Maintain an organised prototyping shop and parts inventory, including fasteners, connectors and components.
– Feed Back to Design: Document build issues and feed practical build, assembly and serviceability feedback directly into design decisions.
WHAT WE'RE LOOKING FOR
– Background in mechanical/mechatronic engineering, technician training, or equivalent hands-on hardware experience, with 2-4 years' experience prototyping physical hardware or robotics products.
– Practical skills with 3D printing, hand tools, basic machining, soldering and cable/harness assembly.
– Ability to prototype quickly with MCU platforms (e.g. ESP32, Raspberry Pi and similar), plus basic breadboarding and circuit assembly skills.
– Comfortable reading CAD drawings and BOMs and translating them into a physical build; any level of CAD design capability is a plus.
– Experience building test rigs and supporting hardware testing, trials or demos of prototype hardware.
– A practical, get-it-working mindset with good organisational habits, comfortable in a high-paced, iterative environment.

Nice to have

– Any level of CAD design capability — not just reading drawings, but creating or modifying simple parts/fixtures

– Basic electronics debugging skills (multimeter, continuity checks, simple rework)

– Experience assembling wearable or compact electromechanical devices

– Experience in a robotics or hardware startup lab environment

WHAT WE OFFER
– Competitive equity: stock options with meaningful upside as we scale.
– 30+ paid days off, including 23 days of annual leave, all UK bank holidays, and additional company closure days (including Christmas–New Year shutdown).
– Private healthcare, including virtual and in-person care.
– Pension scheme with 8% total contribution (5% employee, 3% employer) on full earnings.
– Free daily breakfast, catered lunch, and snacks in-office.
– Work at the frontier - collaborate daily with world-class engineers, researchers, and product experts building the next generation of AI and humanoid robotics.
– Real ownership - direct access to founding leadership, meaningful input on product direction, and the ability to drive key initiatives from day one.