Junior Hardware Engineer
NewHaptics
Other Engineering · Full-time
Ann Arbor, MI, USA
USD 65k-85k / year
Posted on May 5, 2026
About NewHaptics:
NewHaptics is a small, mission-driven hardware startup developing the world's first multiline braille display — a tablet-like device that enables people who are blind to read and interact with digital braille. Our work spans materials science, mechanical design, electronics, and firmware — all under one roof. We are shipping our first product this year and recently won the CES 2026 Eureka Park Accessibility Contest. If you want to see your ideas go from sketch to working prototype to product feature in months, not years, this is the place.
Salary: $65,000–$85,000
The Role:
We're looking for a hands-on Junior Hardware Engineer to join our tight-knit team as we scale production and develop our next-generation product. You'll work directly alongside our Lead Hardware Engineer and CEO on everything from designing experiments and building test fixtures to assembling prototypes and analyzing data. This is a ground-floor role at a startup — expect to wear many hats and learn fast.
What You'll Do:
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Design, build, and run experiments to characterize materials, adhesives, and electromechanical assemblies
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Assemble, maintain, and troubleshoot lab equipment such as gantry systems, microscopes, laser cutters, and custom test fixtures
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Create and iterate on mechanical designs in CAD (SolidWorks or similar)
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Fabricate parts using 3D printing, laser cutting, die cutting, and basic machining
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Collect, organize, and analyze experimental data with a methodical, scientific approach
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Collaborate with the hardware team to translate objectives into concrete task plans — and execute them with minimal hand-holding
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Contribute to PCB bring-up, soldering, and basic electronics integration
What We're Looking For:
Required:
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B.S. or M.S. in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a related field
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Hands-on lab experience — you've run experiments, collected data, and drawn conclusions
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Proficiency in at least one CAD tool (SolidWorks, Fusion 360, etc.)
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Comfort working with your hands: 3D printing, soldering, basic shop tools, prototype assembly
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A methodical mindset — you keep clean notes, label your samples, and don't skip steps
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Self-starter mentality: when you're blocked, you find a way forward
Nice to Have:
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Understanding of electrical circuits, motor drivers, or electromechanical systems
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Experience with piezoelectric actuators or transducers
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Familiarity with clean-room procedures or precision manufacturing
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Exposure to PCB design, layout, or bring-up
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Background in robotics, mechatronics, or a related hands-on discipline
Who Thrives Here:
We're a small team (~8 people) that values resourcefulness over pedigree. The people who do best here are the ones who treat every problem as solvable, keep things simple, and take genuine ownership of their work. If you've led a student team, maintained a serious maker hobby, or just can't stop tinkering — we want to hear from you.
What We Offer
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A front-row seat at an early-stage startup — real impact from day one
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Direct mentorship from experienced engineers and company leadership
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A steep learning curve in a supportive environment
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Competitive compensation ($65K–$85K) and equity participation
NewHaptics is an equal opportunity employer. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, or any other protected characteristic.
Apply: Send your resume and a brief note about what excites you to jobs@newhaptics.com with the subject line "Junior Hardware Engineer Application."
NewHaptics is an equal opportunity employer.