About Us

unspun is a robotics and digital apparel company based in Emeryville, CA. Our mission is to reduce global carbon emissions by 1% through automated, localized, and intentional manufacturing.

Recently included in Time's Best Inventions & Fast Company's World Changing Ideas, unspun aims to rapidly transition the trillion-dollar apparel world into one that is more intentional, inclusive, and efficient by focusing on the overlap between sustainability and profitability— on-demand (and automated) manufacturing.

What We're Building

We’ve developed a proprietary and patented technology at the crossroads of 3D printing and automated textile manufacturing called 3D weaving. By skipping the flat 2D fabric stage, we can additively build custom apparel products from the ground up— straight from yarns to seamless final product. If climate tech, robotics, fashion, and massive build projects get you excited, we’d love to talk!

About You

You enjoy working on early-stage teams and have experience in assembly or manufacturing technician work. You thrive on the lack of clear instructions at the beginning of ambitious projects, and your ability to learn, understand, and communicate clear instructions to others about a complicated process is one of your strengths.

As part of the early technician team at unspun (growing from 4 to 8 teammates), you will be a core member building the mechanical systems for a completely new manufacturing process. We’re looking for someone with industry experience as a hands-on technician in an assembly or mechanical environment already, and someone who is excited about the risks and rewards of joining an early-stage startup.

What You’ll Do

• Assemble and test complex mechanical assemblies according to engineering drawings and work instructions
• (the next year is a big build push for us!)
• Troubleshoot and resolve assembly-related issues
• (we're building some things for the first time... troubleshooting & improving the process will be a core part of your work with us)
• Maintain a safe and organized workspace
• (we're still an early team, but we're certainly growing— keeping things organized while we build is critical)
• Perform routine maintenance on complex machinery
• (we're building a few big machines... then learning to operate & maintain them as well)
• Perform simple fabrication and parts modification
• (ideally all parts show up perfect... but you know how that goes)
• Use measurement equipment to troubleshoot and diagnose machine issues
• (if you notice something isn't working right, can you help us figure out why?)
• Collaborate with the engineering team on experiments and results
• (everyone on the hardware team works closely with each other as we build, test, and improve these machines)
• Identify and communicate suggested improvements to designs, documentation, or processes
• (pretty soon, we'll need a factory to be building LOTS of these machines... can you help us figure out the best way to perform each step?)
• Work collaboratively on a team of technicians juggling multiple build projects
• (our technician team is close-knit, and covers projects across assembly, R&D, and machine operation... there's a lot going on!)

Our Philosophy

We won’t roll our eyes if your socks don’t match. We get it. But then, if you spend those extra few minutes in the morning matching your socks and shirt, we get that too. Our workspaces are sometimes spotless and sometimes chaotic, and we celebrate messy exploration. We work through complex problems but generate simple and elegant solutions. We strive to look at things differently, and never do anything solely because “that’s the way it’s always been done.”

We’re a team of designers and engineers, industry-veterans and serial entrepreneurs, artists and developers. We’re aspiring chess masters and climbers, bakers and photographers. Originally spun out of Stanford and the University of Colorado, we now call the SF Bay Area home, with strong ties to Hong Kong. We are looking for teammates who share our desire to work on ambitious problems, find deep meaning in their work, and leave the world better than we found it.

unspun is an equal opportunity employer, and we are committed to being a diverse team that reflects a broad range of background, thought, and experience. We do not discriminate based on race, color, religion, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, national origin, status as an individual with a disability, status as protected veteran, or any other legally protected characteristics. Women, minorities, and people from underrepresented backgrounds are strongly encouraged to apply.

Requirements

• 4+ years of experience as a mechanical or assembly technician, or proven experience building lots of things with your hands :)
• Strong problem-solving abilities and attention to detail
• Experience operating hand tools, power tools, and some basic machinery
• Understanding of electro-mechanical systems, moving parts, motors, and sensors
• Strong understanding of technical engineering drawings, schematics, and manuals
• Strong verbal and written communication skills... this is a team sport!
• Work on-site in Emeryville from 9a - 6p, M-F
• Ability to work on your feet for extended periods, perform occasional repetitive tasks, and occasionally lift up to 50 lbs

If you don't meet all of the requirements listed above, but can make up for it with a voracious passion to learn how to do so, we strongly encourage you to apply.

Bonus Points:

• Degree or coursework in Mechanical Engineering Technology, Mechanical Engineering, Textile Technology, Textile Engineering, or related field
• Knowledge of basic statistical concepts as applied to experimentation
• Experience in CAD
• Experience in fast-paced, early stage R&D projects
• Experience working directly with vendors and suppliers
• Experience with textile manufacturing

Benefits

• Compensation: $32 - $39 per hour ($67,000 - $80,000 per year equivalent), plus 0.01% - 0.02% equity (depending on experience)
• A self-regulated vacation policy
• Comprehensive (gold & platinum) health/dental/vision insurance (or equivalent annual cash bonus if already insured elsewhere)
• Company-sponsored 401k
• Monthly gym membership or relevant online education grant of up to $150/month
• Pre-tax commuter benefits
• Weekly team lunches
• Generous equity in a venture-backed, early-stage startup.
• For more on life at unspun, read here.