Break-It-To-Build-It — Hardware Tester
Micro1 • Remote
Education
Master's
Type
Hourly
Pay Rate
$10–$20/hr
Actively Hiring
10 openings
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From the Micro1 listing
Role Title: Break-It-To-Build-It — Hardware Tester Role Type: Contractor Location: Los Angeles, Cali micro1 is engaging Break-It-To-Build-It — Hardware Testers to contribute to an innovative project focused on next-generation robotics hardware. In this role, you'll apply your expertise to help train next-generation AI systems. Your work will shape how models learn, reason, and perform through high-quality, real-world input. No prior experience in AI is required — your domain knowledge is what matters. This hands-on opportunity invites recent grads, students, and experts alike to conduct physical tests on actual robotic sub-assemblies, not just review specifications or code. Your attention to detail, clear communication skills, and ability to meticulously follow procedures will make a direct impact on the project’s success. Scope of Work
- Conduct hands-on functional and reliability tests on robotic sub-assemblies and hardware components.
- Operate diagnostic tools such as DAQ systems, measurement instruments, and other test equipment per provided protocols.
- Carefully document test procedures, observed results, and anomalies in both written and verbal form.
- Identify, flag, and provide clear descriptions of failures or unexpected behaviors encountered during testing.
- Collaborate with engineers and other experts to investigate root causes of hardware issues and suggest areas for improvement.
- Follow detailed test protocols and instructions with high accuracy and reliability.
- Contribute to the continuous improvement of testing processes and documentation. Preferred Qualifications
- Pursuing or holding a degree in Mechanical Engineering, Robotics, Mechatronics, Electrical Engineering, or a related discipline.
- Comfortable handling physical equipment and performing hands-on technical assignments.
- Demonstrated attention to detail and commitment to reliability in following procedures.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills, with an ability to document and relay findings effectively.
- Basic knowledge of electrical and/or mechanical systems and terminology.
- Physical stamina to engage in repeated setup, operation, and teardown of hardware tests.
- Prior experience conducting hardware tests or working in a lab environment is a plus but not required.
Requirements
- Basic electrical/mechanical knowledge
- clear communication
- attention to detail
- physical stamina
- Reliability & follow-through
- Follows instructions exactly
- Must be eligible to work in Remote
How long hiring takes
Across the AI training platforms we refer candidates to, the median gap between referral and hire is about 30 days. It varies by platform and role, so treat it as a rough guide for this one.
Key responsibilities
- Conduct hands-on functional and reliability tests on robotic sub-assemblies and hardware components.
- Operate diagnostic tools such as DAQ systems, measurement instruments, and other test equipment per provided protocols.
- Carefully document test procedures, observed results, and anomalies in both written and verbal form.
- Identify, flag, and provide clear descriptions of failures or unexpected behaviors encountered during testing.
Why this role
This Break-It-To-Build-It — Hardware Tester role pays $10–$20/hr fully remote, so the STEM work here isn't limited to whoever happens to live near an AI lab's office.
Talent pool
We're light on STEM candidates
We've matched 65 people with a STEM background against 726 STEM listings we've tracked, so most go out without one. Set up a profile and we'll consider you for a role like this one.
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Common questions
Does Micro1 monitor your computer while you work?
On many projects, yes, through time-tracking tools that take periodic screenshots to verify active hours. Check the specific project's requirements before accepting if desktop monitoring is a dealbreaker.
What does the Micro1 application process look like?
Expect a screening interview with Zara, Micro1's AI recruiter. Prepare for it like a real video call: good lighting, clear audio, verbal answers to technical questions. A human manager reviews the recording afterward, and some roles add a short skills assessment on top.
What does task-based AI training work look like?
Practical, hands-on data work: recording short videos, categorizing images, rating text responses, or analyzing data. Tasks are designed to be short and distinct, typically 5 to 60 minutes each.
What does STEM work look like for a Break-It-To-Build-It — Hardware Tester?
Tasks here are scoped to STEM, not generic labeling. As a Break-It-To-Build-It — Hardware Tester, expect to draw on real domain judgment (evaluating outputs, correcting errors, or providing expert reasoning specific to STEM) rather than following a one-size-fits-all rubric. If you don't have hands-on STEM background, this is likely not the right listing to start with.
What specific skills does this listing call for?
Basic electrical/mechanical knowledge, clear communication, attention to detail, and physical stamina are named directly in the listing. If you don't have hands-on experience with these, expect the screening process to test for them directly rather than accepting adjacent experience as a substitute.
What does the 'openings' count on this listing mean?
It's Micro1's live count of how many candidates it's still trying to place for this specific role, 10 right now, not a countdown on your individual application. A higher number signals more active demand; it doesn't lower the bar for acceptance.
How much does this specific role pay?
This listing is posted at $10–$20/hr, an hourly rate. The range reflects experience level and negotiated terms, not a placeholder, so where you land in it depends on your background and the assessment. Pay can change between when we last checked the listing and when you apply, so confirm the current number on the platform's own application page before committing time.
What happens when I click Apply on this listing?
You'll be taken to Micro1's external site to complete your application there. This listing links through a referral, but the process is identical to applying directly; the link just routes you correctly. Create an account on their site and follow their onboarding steps.
Do I need a Master's to qualify?
This role lists a master's degree as a requirement. In practice, the domain assessment is the real gate. If you can pass it, the degree is usually secondary. However, some platforms verify credentials formally, so list your actual qualifications accurately on your profile.