Hardware Validation Technician

Company Description:

Nexthop AI is a team of industry-leading professionals with deep hardware and software expertise spanning silicon systems network operations and cloud development dedicated to building innovative bleeding-edge solutions for large-scale AI deployments. The team culture thrives on collaboration creativity and fun while delivering foundational technologies for next-generation AI infrastructure.

Job Details:

• Job Title: Hardware Validation Technician
• Type: Contractor (3-6 month contract with potential to convert to full-time)
• Location: Santa Clara CA

Job Responsibilities:

• Unpack network switches from incoming shipments
• Visually inspect units for damage defects or missing components
• Prepare units for testing according to established procedures
• Repack switches securely into their original boxes for shipment/storage
• Perform basic IT tasks as needed (e.g. basic configuration troubleshooting documentation)
• Lift and move boxes of varying weight including heavier equipment
• Update Google Sheets/dashboards to maintain tracking/status information file bug reports
• Maintain lab spaces to a high standard for safety cleanliness organization and operational readiness
• Assist lab admins and engineering teams to prepare systems and rack space for upcoming projects and hardware deliveries as needed

Qualifications:

Were seeking individuals who thrive in a fast-paced collaborative startup and possess exceptional problem-solving and communication skills and a strong aptitude for taking initiative and learning. The following skills are essential for this role

• 1-3 years of hands-on experience in lab operations data center support IT infrastructure or a related hands-on technical environment
• Experience with asset tracking Jira and maintaining accurate physical infrastructure records
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail especially in fast-moving environments
• Ability to follow standards take direction well and work independently on routine operational tasks while developing judgment for more complex work
• Comfortable lifting (40-50 lbs) and moving lab equipment and working in physical infrastructure environments for extended periods as needed
• Good communication skills and the ability to collaborate effectively with engineering IT logistics and operations teams
• Strong sense of ownership reliability and willingness to learn from senior team members
• Basic scripting ability (Python Bash or similar) for automating routine tasks is a plus
• Understanding of networking principles and technologies (e.g. TCP/IP VLANs routing switching) is a plus.

Why Us:

Our company bolsters all the advantages of working at a startup with the expertise of a seasoned team who have successfully built startups into thriving companies. Here youll have the unique opportunity to build cutting-edge labs that operate like world-class data centers establish best practices from the ground up and directly shape the direction of our infrastructure as we grow.

Required Experience:

Junior IC