Sustaining Engineer II, Robotics Diagnostics (Mechanical)

About TombotTombot is a robotics startup based in the greater Los Angeles area. Jennie, our robotic puppy, was named a Best of CES® Award winner at CES 2026 and was designed to support over 50 million seniors with dementia worldwide. We're building a passionate team to help deliver these life-changing robotic companions to the people who need them most.The RoleWe're looking for an engineer who builds the diagnostic process, not one who follows it. There's no playbook yet. You'll write it.As a Sustaining Engineer II at Tombot, you will be at a bench diagnosing returned Jennie units and documenting what went wrong and why. This is hands-on work: opening robots, testing them, tracing failures across mechanical and electrical systems, and writing up findings the engineering team can act on.We are preparing to place our first production units into the field. Each unit that comes back is a chance to understand our product better, and your findings feed directly into design and manufacturing improvements. You will focus on the mechanical side of the product while working comfortably across electrical systems, alongside a second sustaining engineer focused on electronics and firmware.You will be the lead engineer on a two-person sustaining team. This is not a people-management role. You will triage incoming returns, serve as primary contact with design and firmware engineering, and own documentation standards and final failure analysis reports. Your counterpart, a Sustaining Engineer I, owns electrical and firmware diagnosis and covers for you when you are out of the office.Test fixtures, procedures, and documentation standards are still being built, and you will help build them with engineering and operations leadership. This role is ideal for someone who would rather have a product open in front of them than a model on a screen, enjoys building their own test equipment, and takes documentation as seriously as diagnosis. Prior experience as a hands-on technician is highly valued.At Tombot, how we build is just as important as what we build. Team members receive defined success metrics during onboarding and are supported through regular feedback, coaching, and structured review cycles.What You'll DoDiagnose returned units to root cause across mechanical, electrical, and electromechanical failure modesCreate diagnostic procedures, test methods, and retest criteria where none existTriage returned units and route failures by system: mechanical, electrical, or cross-systemLead investigation of cross-system and intermittent failuresPerform teardown, inspection, measurement, and reassembly of servos, gear trains, linkages, harnesses, PCBAs, sensors, and battery and charging systemsExtract and analyze device logs; reproduce field failures on the benchBuild, maintain, and improve functional test fixtures and diagnostic jigsOwn failure analysis documentation standards and finalize reports for release to engineeringWrite repair instructions and test procedures used to train techniciansServe as primary technical contact with design and firmware engineering on return findingsApply and lead refinement of symptom, failure, and root cause coding for every unit processedIdentify recurring failure trends across returns and escalate emerging field issuesProvide root cause input to design changes, corrective actions, and manufacturing improvementsSupport diagnostic and service readiness for new product introductionsAdditional duties as assignedWhat You BringB.S. in Mechanical, Mechatronics, Robotics, Electrical, or related engineering field, or equivalent practical experience4+ years of hands-on experience with complex electromechanical products in robotics, medical devices, consumer electronics, or similar, including at least 2 years as an engineer. Hands-on technician experience counts toward the 4 years.Experience independently diagnosing complex and intermittent failures, and owning failure analysis reporting or leading a diagnostic or test functionStrong mechanical diagnostic skills across actuators, drivetrains, mechanisms, and assembliesWorking electrical proficiency: able to read schematics, use an oscilloscope and multimeter, and distinguish an electrical fault from a mechanical oneFamiliarity with structured root cause methods such as 8D, fishbone, or fault tree analysisStrong technical writing: clear, complete, unambiguous failure reportsExperience building or fabricating test fixtures, jigs, or diagnostic toolingSelf-directed and comfortable solving problems with no established procedureComfortable working cross-functionally with design engineering, quality, and operationsNice to HaveCareer progression from technician to engineerMedical device manufacturing experience under 21 CFR Part 820 / QMSR or ISO 13485Familiarity with complaint handling, CAPA, or failure investigation documentationServo or actuator characterization and failure analysis experienceBackground in repair, refurbishment, warranty, or aftermarket service operationsScripting (Python or similar) for test automation or failure data analysisWork Environment and Physical RequirementsStand or sit at a workbench for extended periodsLift and carry up to 25 lbsUse hand tools, power tools, soldering equipment, and bench test instrumentsPerform detailed work with small components, connectors, and fastenersFollow ESD, battery, and lab safety practicesReasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.Compensation & BenefitsThe base salary range for this role is $100,000 to $135,000 per year. Final compensation will be based on experience, skills, internal equity, and market factors. This role may be eligible for equity awards. Benefits include comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage for employees and dependents.Workplace ModelTombot is an in-office organization. This role is hands-on with physical product and is performed entirely on-site during standard business hours, with occasional extended hours to meet project deadlines. The role rotates between our Santa Clarita, CA office and our repair and diagnostics operation in South Gate, CA, a few months at a time in each location, starting in Santa Clarita. Candidates must be able to commute daily to both locations.Work AuthorizationApplicants must be authorized to work in the United States. Tombot does not currently provide visa sponsorship. Tombot participates in E-Verify and does not use E-Verify to pre-screen applicants.Equal Employment OpportunityTombot is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions), gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, ancestry, age, physical or mental disability, medical condition, genetic information, marital status, military or veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law. We encourage individuals of all backgrounds to apply.Tombot provides reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities. If you need an accommodation during the application or interview process, please let our hiring team know.