Senior Prototype Engineer

Senior Prototype Engineer

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

  • Tasks: Lead the development and troubleshooting of advanced humanoid robots in a hands-on role.
  • Company: Join Humanoid, a pioneering tech company shaping the future of robotics.
  • Benefits: Enjoy competitive equity, generous paid leave, private healthcare, and free meals.
  • Other info: Dynamic startup environment with opportunities for real ownership and career growth.
  • Why this job: Make a real impact on cutting-edge robotics and work with world-class engineers.
  • Qualifications: Experience in rapid prototyping and troubleshooting complex electrical systems required.

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.

As a Senior Prototype Engineer on the Core Platform team, you will rapidly iterate, assemble, diagnose, and evolve advanced robotic platforms for real-world use. In this hands-on role, you'll drive results across the full hardware lifecycle - concepting, prototyping, root-cause analysis, documentation, and field repair with a strong emphasis on reliability and repeatable processes.

What You'll Do

  • Lead troubleshooting and resolution of complex electrical issues in prototype humanoid robots, including operational and in-development systems; perform detailed failure analysis and share learnings with hardware/software engineering teams.
  • Collaborate closely with multidisciplinary engineers on prototype design, assembly, and bring-up, especially high-density electromechanical integrations.
  • Create, maintain, and execute clear test procedures, troubleshooting guides, and repair runbooks for the prototyping lab to ensure high standards and rapid iteration cycles.
  • Design, document, and iterate on cable assemblies, test jigs, and harnesses optimized for repeated use on dynamic robotic platforms.
  • Identify and own opportunities for continuous process and product improvement—minimizing downtime and improving test/repair efficiency.
  • Contribute to robust feedback loops across design, build, and test, driving first-pass yield and manufacturability.

What We're Looking For

  • Demonstrated experience in rapid physical prototyping, hands-on debug of custom hardware, and troubleshooting complex electrical systems in robotics or similar domains.
  • Working knowledge of low-voltage and mixed-signal circuits, connectors, sensors, and compact electromechanical systems.
  • Track record communicating concisely via documentation—procedures, test plans, diagnostics, and lessons learned.
  • Adept collaborating across mechanical, electrical, and software engineering boundaries to solve urgent, ambiguous issues.
  • Comfortable in a high-velocity, high-ambiguity startup setting where priorities shift fast.

Preferred

  • Experience designing for manufacturability and reliability in the context of human-sized or mobile robotics.
  • Familiarity with automated test and diagnostic tools used in modern hardware labs.
  • Prior mentoring or technical leadership responsibility within a prototyping or field engineering team.

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.

Senior Prototype 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 Senior Prototype Engineer

Dive into Robotics Meetups

Get yourself out there and connect with others in the robotics-automation field by attending local meetups and industry events. These gatherings are where the magic happens, and you might just rub shoulders with someone from Humanoid or get insider tips on upcoming vacancies.

Showcase Your Projects

Create a portfolio that highlights your robotics projects, whether they're personal, academic, or freelance. Share this on platforms like GitHub or your personal website, as it shows potential employers, like Humanoid, what you're made of and your hands-on experience in the field.

Utilise University Resources

If you're fresh out of university or still connected, don't underestimate your career services. They often have exclusive access to job fairs and employer networking events in technical fields like ours, so make sure you tap into those resources to discover openings at companies like Humanoid.

Engage in Online Communities

Join online communities that focus on robotics and automation, such as forums or LinkedIn groups. Engage in conversations, ask questions, and share insights. This not only builds your visibility but could also lead to direct connections at firms like Humanoid, which might have the full-time role you're after.

We think you need these skills to ace Senior Prototype Engineer

Rapid Physical Prototyping
Troubleshooting Complex Electrical Systems
Failure Analysis
Documentation Skills
Test Procedure Creation
Cable Assembly Design
Electromechanical Integration

Some tips for your application 🫡

Showcase Your Technical Skills:In the robotics and automation field, it's crucial to highlight your technical skills on your CV. Include specific programming languages, software platforms, and any relevant robotics experience. Don’t forget to mention any projects or systems you've developed – this info can really make you stand out!

Portfolio Perfection:Having a polished portfolio can speak volumes for a role in robotics. Include any relevant case studies, designs, or prototypes you've worked on. If you've participated in competitions or hackathons, showcase these achievements as well – they show initiative and problem-solving skills!

Tailored Cover Letter Magic:In your cover letter, don’t just tell us that you love robotics—tell us why you’re passionate about automation specifically! Explain how your skills can contribute to Humanoid’s projects and remember to connect your past experiences to what you'll be doing in this role.

Certifications Matter:If you’ve got any relevant certifications, such as in robotic process automation or machine learning, make sure they’re front and centre on your CV. These credentials show you're dedicated to your field and keep you up to date with industry standards – we love to see that!

How to prepare for a job interview at Humanoid

Showcase Your Technical Wizardry

For a role in robotics and automation at Humanoid, it's crucial to demonstrate your technical skills. Be prepared to dive into specifics about the programming languages and tools you’ve used, like Python or ROS (Robot Operating System). Brush up on your knowledge of algorithms and control systems, as these might come up during technical questions.

Bring Your Projects to Life

With a full-time position in robotics, you should have a portfolio of your projects ready to show. Whether it's a robot you built for a competition or a simple automation script, make sure you can discuss the challenges you faced and how you solved them. This hands-on experience is gold and shows you can apply theoretical knowledge in real-world scenarios.

Think Like an Engineer

Expect some problem-solving scenarios during your interview. You might be asked to design a basic automation solution on the spot or troubleshoot a robotic system. Practising these types of technical questions can really set you apart, as they require critical thinking and a systematic approach to tackle problems.

Culture Fit Is Key!

Don’t underestimate the importance of cultural fit at Humanoid. They might ask about your teamwork experience and how you handle challenges with peers. Be ready to share examples of working in diverse teams, as collaboration is often central to projects in robotics and automation.