RIVR

Junior Electronics Engineer at RIVR (Zurich, Switzerland)

RIVR· Zurich, Switzerland·

Job description

RIVR, part of Amazon is a robotics company pioneering Physical AI through real-world doorstep delivery. Founded in 2024 as an ETH Zurich spin-off, RIVR developed wheeled-legged robots designed to operate in complex, unstructured environments such as stairs, gates, doors, and uneven urban terrain. We believe that achieving general physical intelligence requires solving real customer problems in the real world, where robots can learn from rich operational data at scale. Following our acquisition by Amazon in March 2026, we are continuing this mission with greater reach and speed. By combining custom robot hardware, onboard autonomy, and cloud-based coordination, RIVR, part of Amazon is building the next generation of safe, reliable autonomous robots for last-mile delivery

Job Description

As a Junior Electronics Engineer, you will spearhead the design, development, and testing of our robots' custom electronics. Your expertise will encompass power electronics (motor control, power distribution), digital electronics (PCBA design, microprocessor) firmware and communication protocols, ensuring that our robots not only meet specific application requirements but are also scalable and cost-effective for mass production. We value candidates with a proven track record of transitioning projects from prototyping and proof-of-concepts to MVPs, full products, and ultimately, mass production. If you are driven to innovate in robotic design, we invite you to join our team and help shape the future of intelligent robotics.

What you’ll be doing

  • Design, assemble, and troubleshoot custom electronic prototypes, including PCB assemblies, wiring harnesses, sensors, actuators, and power systems.
  • Collaborate closely with hardware, software, and embedded system engineers to seamlessly integrate hardware components with software systems.
  • Perform rigorous testing and evaluations to verify the reliability, durability, and safety of robotic hardware.
  • Create detailed documentation, including specifications, assembly instructions, and testing protocols.
  • Create and maintain documentation, guidelines, and best practices to streamline knowledge sharing.
  • Improve design standards and processes through active participation in design reviews.

What you must have

  • Bachelor’s degree or higher in a relevant field such as Electronics Engineering, Embedded Systems Engineering, Robotics Engineering.
  • A minimum of  2 years of industry or research experience.
  • Experience in PCB design and firmware development.
  • Proficient in using PCB design software such as Altium, Eagle, and KiCad, along with simulation software like SPICE.
  • Skilled in utilizing electronics instrumentation for debugging (oscilloscope, power analyzer).
  • Knowledgeable in control systems and in common electronics components and communication protocols utilized in robotics or related fields.
  • Strong problem-solving skills, adept at debugging and optimizing hardware components.

Get some bonus points

  • Master’s degree or higher in a relevant field such as Electronics Engineering, Embedded Systems Engineering, Robotics Engineering.
  • Familiarity with design for mass production.
  • Experience in the robotic, automotive, aerospace, medical, and consumer electronics sector.
  • Experienced with control systems applicable to consumer drones, AMR, and electric bicycles.

Why work at RIVR

  • Cutting‑edge technology: Work on Physical AI, reinforcement learning, and advanced robotics at the intersection of software and hardware.
  • Zurich location: Office and development lab in the heart of Zürich; relocation bonus offered.
  • Compensation & perks: Competitive, transparent salary; Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP); annual performance‑based bonus; five weeks of vacation.
  • Team & culture: Work alongside top engineers from ETH Zurich, Amazon, Meta, and leading robotics labs. Flat hierarchy with a strong technical focus.
  • Remote/hybrid policy: On‑site presence expected (all current job postings are “On‑site – Full”); the robotics lab requires physical presence.
  • Growth opportunity: Being part of an Amazon‑owned company provides stability and resources while still operating with a startup‑like engineering intensity.

Application questions