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: 

We're 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 you'll 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.