Application Guide

How to Apply for Hardware Engineer

at Built Robotics

🏢 About Built Robotics

Built Robotics is transforming the solar industry by automating heavy construction equipment, directly accelerating the transition to clean energy. Their remote-first culture and focus on rugged, real-world deployments make them a unique place for engineers who want to see their work in action.

About This Role

As a Hardware Engineer, you'll re-imagine and scale hardware systems for autonomous construction equipment, from sensor selection to manufacturing and field testing. Your work will directly impact the reliability and performance of robots deployed across the US and Australia, solving tough challenges in vibration, shock, and dust.

💡 A Day in the Life

You might start by reviewing field test data to identify a vibration issue, then iterate on a mount design in Onshape. After lunch, you could collaborate with a software engineer to debug a sensor communication problem, and end the day by preparing a manufacturing spec for a new sensor enclosure. Some weeks include travel to a solar site in the US or Australia to install and test systems.

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🎯 Who Built Robotics Is Looking For

  • Has 2+ years of CAD experience (Solidworks, Onshape, or Fusion 360) and can design mounts for rugged environments.
  • Possesses strong electrical design skills, including sensor integration and wiring harnesses for harsh conditions.
  • Enjoys hands-on fieldwork—installing systems, debugging in the field, and collaborating with software teams.
  • Familiar with Python, Linux, or ROS and eager to work at the intersection of mechanical, electrical, and software engineering.

📝 Tips for Applying to Built Robotics

1

Highlight any experience with vibration/shock analysis or life cycle testing in your resume or cover letter.

2

Mention specific sensors you've worked with (e.g., LiDAR, cameras, IMUs) and how you handled environmental challenges.

3

Showcase projects where you took a hardware design from concept to manufacturing, including any field testing.

4

If you have experience with autonomous systems or construction equipment, emphasize it—even if from a hobby or research.

5

Tailor your portfolio or GitHub to include CAD models, electrical schematics, or test results relevant to rugged robotics.

✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter

['Your passion for clean energy and how your hardware skills can speed up solar deployment.', 'Specific examples of designing for reliability in harsh environments (heat, cold, vibration, dust).', 'Your ability to work cross-functionally with software engineers and field teams to debug and iterate.', 'Experience scaling hardware from prototype to production, including creating manufacturing processes.']

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🔍 Research Before Applying

To stand out, make sure you've researched:

  • → Read Built Robotics' blog or news about their solar installation robots and field deployments.
  • → Understand the unique challenges of autonomous construction vs. autonomous cars (e.g., GPS-denied, dust, vibration).
  • → Look into their current sensor stack and how they handle environmental robustness (e.g., IP ratings, thermal management).
  • → Check their careers page for any recent talks or webinars about their hardware development process.

💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics

Based on this role, you may be asked about:

1 Describe a time you designed a mount or enclosure for a sensor in a high-vibration environment.
2 How would you test the reliability of a new sensor under extreme temperatures and dust?
3 Walk us through your process for sourcing and selecting a sensor for a rugged application.
4 How do you collaborate with software engineers to diagnose a hardware issue in the field?
5 Explain a project where you used Python or ROS to automate testing or data collection.
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⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Submitting a generic resume without highlighting rugged design or field experience.
  • Ignoring the remote aspect—failing to mention how you work independently or manage time zones.
  • Overemphasizing software skills without concrete hardware design examples (e.g., no CAD or electrical work shown).

📅 Application Timeline

This position is open until filled. However, we recommend applying as soon as possible as roles at mission-driven organizations tend to fill quickly.

Typical hiring timeline:

1

Application Review

1-2 weeks

2

Initial Screening

Phone call or written assessment

3

Interviews

1-2 rounds, usually virtual

✓

Offer

Congratulations!

Ready to Apply?

Good luck with your application to Built Robotics!

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