Prototyping Engineer

Prototyping Engineer

Full-Time 40500 - 49500 £ / year (est.) No working from home possible
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Build and maintain hardware prototypes for cutting-edge humanoid robots.
  • Company: Join Humanoid, a leader in robotics innovation.
  • Benefits: Competitive equity, 30+ paid days off, private healthcare, and free meals.
  • Other info: Fast-paced environment with real ownership and growth opportunities.
  • Why this job: Shape the future of robotics while working with world-class engineers.
  • Qualifications: Experience in mechanical engineering or hands-on hardware prototyping.

The predicted salary is between 40500 - 49500 £ per year.

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 Alpha - our rapidly developed humanoid platform now running in real industrial pilots - and we’re growing the team to take it even further.

About the Role

We're looking for a hands‑on Tech/Prototyping 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.

Prototyping Engineer employer: Humanoid

Humanoid is an exceptional employer located in the vibrant city of London, offering a dynamic work culture that fosters innovation and collaboration. With a strong commitment to employee growth, we provide ample opportunities for professional development and advancement within the rapidly evolving field of robotics and AI. Our focus on delivering cutting-edge technology ensures that you will be part of a team that is not only shaping the future of industrial applications but also making a meaningful impact in the industry.

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Contact Details:

Humanoid Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Prototyping Engineer

Get Involved with Mechatronics Communities

Dive into the mechatronics community! Attend local meetups or workshops, where you can connect with professionals and learn about upcoming opportunities. Joining forums or social media groups specific to mechatronics can also help you tap into the job market in a more focused way.

Showcase Your Skills through Projects

Work on personal or collaborative projects that highlight your mechatronics skills. Whether it's building a robot or developing a smart device, these projects can serve as fantastic talking points during interviews and even make their way into your portfolio. Trust us, employers love to see practical evidence of what you can do!

Research Potential Employers

Before applying to roles like the one at Humanoid, do a bit of homework. Understand their projects and technologies they are using. Tailor your application to reflect how you can contribute specifically to their goals and challenges. Even mentioning specific projects during interviews can impress.

Connect Directly with Hiring Managers

When you find a job opening that excites you—like the Prototyping Engineer at Humanoid—consider reaching out directly to the hiring manager. A quick and polite message expressing your enthusiasm and a bit about your background can set you apart from the crowd. Who knows, it might just catch their eye!

We think you need these skills to ace Prototyping Engineer

Prototyping Hardware
3D Printing
CNC Operation
Workshop Tools
MCU Prototyping (ESP32, Raspberry Pi)
Test Rig Construction
Hardware Testing Support

Some tips for your application 🫡

Showcase Your Technical Skills:In the field of mechatronics, it's crucial to highlight your technical competencies. Make sure your CV lists relevant skills like programming languages, control systems, and any software you’re proficient in. Don’t forget about any projects you’ve successfully completed that illustrate your hands-on experience!

Include Relevant Certifications:If you’ve got certifications in areas like robotics or automation, definitely mention them! These can set you apart from other candidates and show your commitment to ongoing learning. We want to see that you’re not just relying on your degree but actively expanding your knowledge in mechatronics.

Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:In your cover letter, don’t just repeat your CV; tell us why you're passionate about mechatronics! Share your motivations for wanting to work at Humanoid and how you can contribute to the team. Highlight any specific experiences that led you to pursue a full-time role in this exciting field.

Tailor Your Application for the Role:Make sure to tailor every application to the specific role of Prototyping Engineer. Mention how your particular experiences and education align with the requirements listed in the job description. We appreciate when candidates take the time to connect their skills to our needs at Humanoid!

How to prepare for a job interview at Humanoid

Master Your Technical Skills

In mechatronics, they’ll likely throw some technical questions your way, so make sure you're up to speed on the fundamentals. Brush up on your knowledge of robotics, control systems, and automation technology. Think about practical applications of these concepts too—real-world examples can really set you apart!

Showcase Your Projects

Prepare a portfolio that highlights your hands-on projects, whether from uni or personal work. This could include anything from robotics systems you've built to programming projects. Being able to talk through your thought process and problem-solving methods will show them that you not only know your stuff but can also apply it practically.

Prepare for Teamwork Scenarios

Since full-time roles can often involve collaboration, be ready to discuss how you've worked in teams before. Think about experiences where you’ve tackled complex projects, clarified roles, or resolved conflicts. It's important to demonstrate that you're not just a technical whizz, but also a team player.

Understand Industry Trends

Keep an eye on emerging technologies and recent advancements in mechatronics. If you’re aware of the latest in AI within engineering, for example, you can ask insightful questions or reference how you’d adapt your skills to new developments. This shows not only your passion for the field but also that you’re prepared for the future!