Lab Technician

About the role:

The Lab Technician role will support critical engineering initiatives by executing test plans, performing reliability experiments, and assisting with device troubleshooting and data collection. In addition, this role will support engineers by building and maintaining test stations, assisting with failure analysis and RMA inventory, performing lab maintenance, and supporting custom fixturing and builds across all R&D functions

This is an on-site position open to candidates residing in the San Francisco Bay Area. Relocation assistance will not be provided for this role.

You should apply if:

• You want to impact the industries that run our world: The software, firmware, and hardware you build will result in real-world impact – helping to keep the lights on, get food into grocery stores, and most importantly, ensure workers return home safely.


• You want to build for scale: With over 2.3 million IoT devices deployed to our global customers, you will work on a range of new and mature technologies driving scalable innovation for customers across industries driving the world's physical operations.


• You are a life-long learner: We have ambitious goals. Every Samsarian has a growth mindset as we work with a wide range of technologies, challenges, and customers that push us to learn on the go.


• You believe customers are more than a number: Samsara engineers enjoy a rare closeness to the end user and you will have the opportunity to participate in customer interviews, collaborate with customer success and product managers, and use metrics to ensure our work is translating into better customer outcomes.


• You are a team player: Working on our Samsara Engineering teams requires a mix of independent effort and collaboration. Motivated by our mission, we’re all racing toward our connected operations vision, and we intend to win – together.

In this role, you will: 

• Learn the ins and outs of Samsara hardware devices across multiple product lines.


• Set up and maintain testbeds for long-term product testing.


• Perform reliability testing (e.g., thermal, vibration, impact) by following documented test plans.


• Maintain the lab space and keep equipment operational, safe, and orderly.


• Follow the written instructions to use the test jigs and tools to retrieve data and firmware logs 


• Work with engineers to define and execute tests, experiments, and validation steps for new products.


• Execute test drives to collect data and support engineering efforts.


• Assemble prototype assemblies and wire harnesses (using standard lab tools).


• Install Samsara equipment and outfit fleet vehicles to support testing and validation 


• Organize and test customer-returned hardware, using Samsara’s online dashboards


• Root-cause device issues using engineering guides and tools, such as power supplies and multimeters


• Occasionally, conduct off-site testing with engineers to collect data and support product design improvements.


• Champion, role model, and embed Samsara’s cultural principles (Focus on Customer Success, Build for the Long Term, Adopt a Growth Mindset, Be Inclusive, Win as a Team) as we scale globally and across new offices

Minimum requirements for the role:

• Ability to work at our San Francisco office 5 days a week


• 1-2+ years of experience working in a shop, lab, or test environment.


• Ability to follow instructions and read and understand documented procedures.


• Working knowledge of common lab and shop tools, including hand tools, power tools, drill presses, belt sanders, and basic electrical tools.


• Experience using, or willingness to learn to use, a variety of test and measurement instruments (e.g., microscopes, DAQ, thermal chambers, oscilloscopes, optical tools).


• Experience operating vehicles and equipment such as forklifts, box trucks, and pickup trucks, or willingness to learn.


• Strong attention to detail when documenting procedures and test results.


• Working proficiency with Microsoft Excel and Google Sheets.


• Must have a valid driver’s license.


• Flexibility and adaptability to shifting priorities.

An ideal candidate also has:

• 1-2+ years of direct experience as a lab, shop, or test technician in a R&D environment


• Familiarity with electronic troubleshooting and soldering


• Mechanical aptitude, with hands-on experience working on or around vehicles.


• Experience with 3D printers and/or basic prototyping.


• Exposure to hands-on testing and data acquisition equipment.


• Basic familiarity with command-line tools