Prototyping Engineer

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Prototyping Engineer

Company: Humanoid

Location: London, England, United Kingdom

Job Type: FULL_TIME

Category: Hardware Engineering / Robotics Operations

Date Posted: 2026-08-17

Experience Level: Mid-Level (2-5 years)

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• This role is crucial for accelerating the development lifecycle of advanced humanoid robots by rapidly building and iterating on physical hardware prototypes.

• You will be responsible for the end-to-end process of transforming design specifications (CAD/BOM) into functional hardware components for robot end-effectors and human-worn operator interfaces.

• This position requires a hands-on approach to operating a prototyping workshop, including advanced manufacturing techniques and MCU-based system integration.

• The Prototyping Engineer will play a key role in supporting hardware testing, validation, and pilot programs, directly influencing product design and functionality.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the job title is "Prototyping Engineer," the responsibilities and required skills strongly align with operational roles focused on the physical development and testing of hardware within a GTM (Go-To-Market) context for a robotics product. The emphasis on rapid iteration, workshop management, and supporting pilot programs makes this a unique operations-adjacent role.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Prototype Hardware Fabrication: Construct, assemble, and maintain diverse prototype hardware for end-effectors and human-worn operator devices, adhering strictly to CAD designs and Bills of Materials (BOMs).

• Workshop Operations & Equipment Management: Proficiently operate and maintain advanced workshop equipment, including 3D printers, CNC machines, and general fabrication tools, to produce parts with speed and precision.

• Embedded Systems Prototyping: Rapidly integrate and prototype with Microcontroller Unit (MCU) platforms such as ESP32 and Raspberry Pi to develop functional test rigs and support hardware validation efforts.

• Test Rig Design & Implementation: Design, build, set up, and operate specialized test rigs and validation jigs to rigorously assess durability, calibration accuracy, and functional performance of prototype components.

• Hardware Testing & Trial Support: Provide essential hands-on support during hardware testing phases, internal trials, and customer demonstration sessions, including immediate troubleshooting and repair of prototype units.

• Rapid Iteration & Delivery: Consistently deliver high-quality prototype builds within tight, fast-paced timelines to support aggressive design-iteration cycles and product development velocity.

• Prototyping Shop & Inventory Management: Maintain a meticulously organized prototyping workshop and manage inventory of necessary components, fasteners, connectors, and consumables to ensure seamless workflow.

• Design Feedback Loop: Systematically document build issues, assembly challenges, and serviceability concerns, providing actionable, practical feedback directly to the design team to inform future iterations.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities are highly operational, focusing on the execution and support of the physical product development process. The emphasis on "turning CAD files and BOMs into working units, fast" and "feeding back practical build, assembly and serviceability feedback directly into design decisions" highlights a critical operational loop that bridges design and functional reality.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Possess a professional certificate in Mechanical/Mechatronic Engineering, Technician Training, or a related field, or demonstrate equivalent hands-on hardware experience. Experience:

• Minimum of 2-4 years of progressive experience in prototyping physical hardware or robotics products, with a proven track record of delivering functional prototypes. Required Skills:

• Mechanical Prototyping: Demonstrated proficiency in building and assembling physical hardware prototypes from technical specifications.

• Workshop Equipment Operation: Hands-on experience with 3D printing, basic CNC operations, and general workshop tools for part fabrication.

• Soldering & Assembly: Strong skills in soldering, cable, and harness assembly for electromechanical systems.

• MCU & Embedded Systems: Ability to quickly wire up and prototype with MCU platforms (e.g., ESP32, Raspberry Pi), including basic breadboarding and circuit assembly.

• Technical Documentation Interpretation: Competence in reading and interpreting CAD drawings and Bills of Materials (BOMs) to guide physical builds.

• Test Rig Development: Experience in building functional test rigs and supporting hardware testing environments.

• Problem-Solving Mindset: A practical, "get-it-working" attitude with strong organizational habits, adept at thriving in a fast-paced, iterative development environment.

Preferred Skills:

• CAD Design Capability: Ability to create or modify simple CAD parts and fixtures, beyond just reading drawings.

• Basic Electronics Debugging: Familiarity with using multimeters, performing continuity checks, and basic electronic rework.

• Compact Electromechanical Assembly: Experience assembling wearable or other compact electromechanical devices.

• Robotics/Startup Environment: Prior experience working in a robotics or hardware startup lab setting.

📝 Enhancement Note: The required experience level and specific technical skills (3D printing, CNC, MCUs, soldering) are standard for a hands-on engineering operations role focused on early-stage product development. The preference for CAD design and electronics debugging further enhances the operational efficiency of the prototyping process.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Demonstrated Build Velocity: Showcase examples of rapid prototype development cycles, highlighting the speed from concept to functional unit.

• Technical Documentation Proficiency: Include examples of how Bills of Materials (BOMs) and CAD drawings were translated into physical builds, detailing any challenges and solutions.

• Test Rig & Validation Case Studies: Present case studies of test rigs or validation jigs built, detailing their purpose, design, and the data or insights they helped generate.

• MCU Integration Projects: Provide examples of projects where ESP32, Raspberry Pi, or similar MCUs were used for functional prototyping, demonstrating wiring, programming, and system integration.

Process Documentation:

• Workflow Design & Optimization: Document your approach to managing the prototyping workflow, from receiving design specifications to delivering a finished prototype, emphasizing efficiency improvements.

• Component Sourcing & Inventory Management: Detail your methods for managing parts inventory, sourcing components, and maintaining an organized workshop to prevent production bottlenecks.

• Feedback & Iteration Documentation: Illustrate how you capture and communicate build issues, assembly challenges, and serviceability feedback to design teams to drive product improvements.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a role like this, a portfolio is less about software systems and more about tangible hardware projects and process execution. The focus should be on demonstrating practical skills, problem-solving in a physical context, and the ability to contribute to an efficient development pipeline.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

• Based on industry benchmarks for Prototyping Engineers with 2-5 years of experience in London, UK, a competitive salary range is estimated to be between £45,000 - £65,000 per annum. This estimate considers the specialized hands-on skills, experience with robotics/hardware startups, and the high cost of living in London. Benefits:

• Competitive Equity: Meaningful stock options providing significant upside potential as the company scales.

• Generous Paid Time Off: Over 30 paid days off annually, including 23 days of annual leave, all UK bank holidays, and additional company-wide closure days (e.g., Christmas/New Year shutdown).

• Comprehensive Private Healthcare: Access to virtual and in-person healthcare services.

• Pension Scheme: A robust pension plan with an 8% total contribution (5% employee, 3% employer) calculated on full earnings.

• On-site Amenities: Daily free breakfast, catered lunch, and a variety of snacks provided in the office.

• Frontier Technology Exposure: Opportunity to collaborate with world-class engineers and researchers at the forefront of AI and humanoid robotics development.

• Direct Impact & Ownership: Meaningful input on product direction, direct access to founding leadership, and the ability to drive key initiatives from inception.

Working Hours:

• Standard full-time working hours, typically 40 hours per week. The environment is fast-paced, requiring flexibility to meet tight project deadlines, but aims to maintain a sustainable work-life balance.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range is an estimate based on market data for similar roles in London. The benefits package is detailed and competitive, reflecting a startup environment focused on attracting and retaining top talent in a high-demand field.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Robotics / Artificial Intelligence / Hardware Development

Company Size: The company is a growing startup, likely in the range of 50-150 employees based on the provided information, indicating a dynamic and agile environment. This size allows for significant individual impact and cross-functional collaboration.

Founded: Humanoid was founded with a clear mission to build commercially scalable and safe humanoid robots, driven by a vision of robots amplifying human potential. This foundational goal shapes a culture of innovation, ambition, and problem-solving.

Team Structure:

• Operations Team: The Prototyping Engineer will likely be part of a broader Hardware Engineering or Product Development team. This team is expected to be lean and highly collaborative, with close ties to the Design, Mechanical, and Electrical Engineering functions.

• Reporting Structure: The role will report to a Hardware Engineering Lead or a Prototyping Manager, who oversees the physical development processes and workshop operations.

• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Expect close collaboration with CAD designers, mechanical engineers, electrical engineers, and potentially software engineers integrating with the hardware. Feedback loops are critical and direct interaction is encouraged.

Methodology:

• Data-Driven Design Iteration: The company emphasizes a rapid iteration cycle, heavily influenced by practical feedback from hardware testing and prototyping.

• Agile Hardware Development: The approach is likely agile, prioritizing speed and flexibility to adapt to new discoveries and design changes.

• Hands-On Problem Solving: A culture of "roll up your sleeves" and practical, hands-on problem-solving is central to the company's operational ethos.

Company Website: https://thehumanoid.ai/

📝 Enhancement Note: The company's focus on building advanced humanoid robots implies a culture that values cutting-edge technology, rapid innovation, and a strong engineering foundation. The startup environment suggests high autonomy and direct impact for individuals.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is positioned at a mid-level, requiring 2-4 years of hands-on experience. It's a critical role for executing the physical development pipeline, bridging design and functional hardware.

Reporting Structure: You will report to a lead engineer or manager within the hardware development team, who will guide your technical development and project assignments.

Operations Impact: Your work directly impacts the speed and quality of product development. By rapidly producing and iterating on prototypes, you enable faster design validation, reduce time-to-market for new features, and ensure the physical robustness of the robot's components and operator interfaces. This operational efficiency is key to the company's ability to achieve its ambitious goals.

Growth Opportunities:

• Technical Specialization: Deepen expertise in advanced prototyping techniques, specific manufacturing processes (e.g., complex 3D printing, CNC), or specialized electromechanical assembly.

• Robotics Hardware Expertise: Develop a profound understanding of the unique challenges and requirements of humanoid robot hardware development, including end-effectors and human-robot interaction interfaces.

• Leadership in Prototyping: Progress to leading prototyping efforts for specific sub-systems, managing junior technicians, or optimizing workshop operations and inventory management processes.

• Cross-Functional Transition: Potentially transition into roles in mechanical design, test engineering, or even hardware program management, leveraging your deep understanding of the physical build process.

• Emerging Technologies: Gain exposure to and hands-on experience with cutting-edge AI and robotics technologies as they are integrated into physical systems.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role offers a clear path for growth within hardware operations and engineering, with opportunities to specialize technically or move into leadership and broader project management roles within a cutting-edge robotics company.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The company operates from a physical office location in London, indicating a need for on-site presence. This environment is likely a blend of modern office space and a dedicated, well-equipped prototyping workshop.

Office Location(s): London, England, United Kingdom. Being in London provides access to a vibrant tech ecosystem and talent pool.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Workshop: The prototyping shop will be a central hub for hands-on work, designed for efficient fabrication, assembly, and testing. Expect shared tools and collaborative problem-solving.

• Tools & Technology: Access to state-of-the-art prototyping equipment (3D printers, CNC, soldering stations) and development tools (MCUs, oscilloscopes, multimeters).

• Team Interaction: Frequent interaction with design and engineering teams, fostering a collaborative atmosphere where ideas and challenges are shared openly.

Work Schedule: The role is full-time, with a standard 40-hour work week. However, the fast-paced nature of a startup and the demands of rapid prototyping may require occasional flexibility to meet critical project milestones or support live trials.

📝 Enhancement Note: The on-site requirement is crucial for this hands-on role, emphasizing the importance of physical access to the workshop and direct collaboration with the immediate team.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A review of your application, resume, and any provided portfolio to assess foundational skills and experience.

• Technical Interview(s): In-depth discussions focusing on your practical experience with prototyping, workshop equipment, MCU integration, and problem-solving methodologies. Expect questions about specific projects and how you overcame challenges.

• Portfolio Review: A dedicated session to walk through your portfolio, showcasing your best work, demonstrating your build process, and explaining the outcomes and impact of your projects.

• Workshop/Practical Assessment (Potentially): You might be asked to perform a small hands-on task or demonstrate proficiency with specific tools, simulating a real-world scenario.

• Team/Culture Fit Interview: Meeting with potential team members and leadership to assess your collaboration style, adaptability, and alignment with the company's fast-paced, innovative culture.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Showcase Tangible Results: Focus on completed physical prototypes, test rigs, or integrated systems. Quantify impact where possible (e.g., "reduced build time by X%", "enabled testing of Y feature").

• Detail Your Process: For each project, explain your methodology – how you interpreted drawings, selected materials/components, managed assembly, and troubleshot issues.

• Highlight Problem-Solving: Be prepared to discuss specific technical challenges you encountered and how you creatively and practically solved them.

• Demonstrate Feedback Loop: Include examples of how your practical experience informed design improvements or led to more serviceable designs.

• Visuals are Key: Use high-quality photos, videos, or even short demonstrations of your work.

Challenge Preparation:

• Rapid Prototyping Scenario: Be ready to discuss how you would approach a hypothetical rapid prototyping request with limited information or tight constraints.

• Troubleshooting Simulation: Prepare to explain your systematic approach to diagnosing and fixing hardware issues in a prototype.

• Workshop Management: Think about how you would organize a workshop, manage inventory, and ensure safety protocols are met.

📝 Enhancement Note: The application process will heavily emphasize practical skills and the ability to demonstrate them through a portfolio. Preparing specific examples of your work and your problem-solving approach will be critical.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• 3D Printers: Expertise with various 3D printing technologies (e.g., FDM, SLA) for rapid part creation.

• CNC Machines: Proficiency in operating CNC mills or routers for precise part fabrication.

• Hand Tools & Power Tools: Comprehensive knowledge of standard workshop tools for assembly, modification, and repair.

• Soldering Irons & Stations: Advanced soldering skills for electronics assembly and repair.

Embedded Systems & Electronics:

• MCU Platforms: Deep familiarity with ESP32, Raspberry Pi, Arduino, and similar microcontrollers for embedded system prototyping.

• Breadboarding & Circuit Assembly: Practical experience in creating and testing electronic circuits on breadboards and perfboards.

• Basic Electronic Components: Understanding of resistors, capacitors, transistors, sensors, and actuators.

• Wiring & Harness Assembly: Skill in creating robust and reliable wire harnesses for electromechanical systems.

Design & Documentation:

• CAD Software (Reading/Basic Editing): Ability to interpret 2D/3D CAD drawings (e.g., from SolidWorks, Fusion 360, AutoCAD). Basic CAD design or modification skills are a significant plus.

• Bill of Materials (BOM): Experience working with and understanding BOMs for component procurement and assembly tracking.

Testing & Debugging:

• Multimeters: Proficient use for voltage, current, and resistance measurements.

• Oscilloscopes (Basic Use): Familiarity with basic signal analysis.

• Test Rigs: Experience in conceptualizing, building, and utilizing test fixtures for functional and durability testing.

📝 Enhancement Note: The technology stack is heavily focused on physical hardware development tools and embedded electronics. Proficiency in these areas is paramount for success in this role.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Speed & Agility: A core value is the ability to move quickly and adapt to changing requirements, essential for rapid prototyping in a startup.

• Practicality & Resourcefulness: Emphasis on finding practical, effective solutions with the available resources, demonstrating a "can-do" attitude.

• Precision & Quality: While speed is important, the prototypes must be built to a high standard of quality and accuracy to be useful for testing and design feedback.

• Collaboration & Open Communication: A culture where team members openly share ideas, challenges, and feedback to collectively drive progress.

• Continuous Improvement: Encouraging a mindset of constantly seeking ways to improve processes, tools, and the prototypes themselves.

Collaboration Style:

• Hands-On & Direct: Collaboration often involves working side-by-side in the workshop, discussing issues and solutions in real-time.

• Cross-Functional Integration: Working closely with design and engineering teams, acting as a critical link between theoretical design and physical realization.

• Feedback-Oriented: A culture that encourages constructive feedback, both giving and receiving, to refine designs and processes.

• Shared Problem-Solving: Teams are expected to tackle complex challenges together, leveraging diverse perspectives to find optimal solutions.

📝 Enhancement Note: The company culture is likely to be highly driven by its mission and the demands of building cutting-edge hardware. Expect a fast-paced, collaborative environment where practical skills and a proactive attitude are highly valued.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Rapid Iteration Demands: The primary challenge is maintaining high-quality output under tight deadlines, requiring efficient time management and prioritization.

• Unforeseen Technical Issues: Prototyping inherently involves encountering unexpected problems with materials, components, or designs that require quick, innovative solutions.

• Balancing Speed with Rigor: Finding the optimal balance between delivering prototypes quickly and ensuring they are robust enough for meaningful testing and validation.

• Evolving Technology: Staying current with advancements in prototyping technologies, materials, and embedded systems to leverage the best tools for the job.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Prototyping Techniques: Opportunities to learn and master new 3D printing, CNC, or other advanced fabrication methods.

• Robotics Systems Integration: Gain deep experience in how various hardware components (sensors, actuators, MCUs) integrate to form complex robotic systems.

• Exposure to AI & Robotics Frontier: Work directly with world-class engineers at the cutting edge of AI and humanoid robotics, learning from their expertise.

• Process Optimization: Develop skills in optimizing workshop operations, inventory management, and feedback loops for maximum efficiency.

• Mentorship: Potential for mentorship from experienced engineers and leadership within a mission-driven company.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role presents significant learning opportunities in a high-growth, cutting-edge field, coupled with the inherent challenges of rapid hardware development.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you had to build a prototype with very limited time and resources. How did you prioritize and what was the outcome?" (Focus on your process, decision-making under pressure, and ability to deliver functional results.)

• "Walk me through your process for translating a CAD drawing and BOM into a functional physical part. What are the key steps and potential pitfalls?" (Demonstrate your systematic approach, attention to detail, and understanding of manufacturing constraints.)

• "How would you approach building a test rig for [a specific robot component, e.g., an end-effector's grip strength]? What tools and methods would you use?" (Showcase your ability to design for validation and your knowledge of relevant equipment.) Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you most about Humanoid's mission to build humanoid robots?" (Connect your passion for robotics and AI to the company's vision.)

• "How do you handle feedback on your work, especially if it's critical of your build process or a design choice?" (Highlight your receptiveness to feedback and your collaborative spirit.)

• "Describe your ideal work environment in a fast-paced startup. What kind of culture do you thrive in?" (Align your expectations with the company's agile and innovative culture.) Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Tell a Story: For each project, explain the problem, your solution (the prototype/test rig), the challenges faced, and the results achieved.

• Quantify Impact: Whenever possible, use metrics to demonstrate the value of your work (e.g., speed improvements, functionality enabled, issues identified).

• Show, Don't Just Tell: Use clear photos, videos, and diagrams. Be prepared to demonstrate functionality if feasible.

• Focus on Process: Explain how you built it, not just what you built. Highlight your problem-solving and decision-making at each stage.

• Connect to the Role: Explain how your portfolio projects demonstrate the skills and experience required for the Prototyping Engineer role at Humanoid.

📝 Enhancement Note: Your interview preparation should focus on highlighting your practical, hands-on experience, your problem-solving skills in a physical context, and your ability to thrive in a fast-paced, iterative environment.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Prototyping Engineer position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on Ashby.

• Curate Your Portfolio: Select 2-3 of your most relevant and impactful hardware prototyping projects. Ensure these clearly demonstrate your skills in mechanical assembly, MCU integration, workshop operation, and problem-solving.

• Tailor Your Resume: Highlight keywords from the job description such as "Prototyping," "Mechanical Engineering," "3D Printing," "CNC," "MCU," "ESP32," "Raspberry Pi," "Soldering," and "Test Rigs." Quantify achievements where possible.

• Prepare Your Portfolio Walkthrough: Practice presenting your selected projects, focusing on your process, challenges, solutions, and the impact of your work. Be ready to discuss the technical details.

• Research Humanoid: Understand their mission, the HMND-01 Alpha platform, and their vision for the future of humanoid robots. Be prepared to discuss why you are excited about their specific work.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and operations industry-standard assumptions. All details should be verified directly with the hiring organization before making application decisions.