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.