Hardware Test Engineer, Droid

Quick Facts

Own ground testing for the EV3 delivery droid and its interaction with ground zipping-point infrastructure to validate reliability at scale.

Description

The droid is the delivery container at the core of the delivery system, performing tether engagement and pickup/drop-off operations with zipping points. The role designs and runs the ground testing that makes scaling credible, including fixtures, environmental exposure, instrumentation, and automated bring-up to prove reliable operation while exceeding reliability targets.

Responsibilities

• Own the ground test strategy for the droid and its interaction with zipping point infrastructure: pickup/drop-off mechanics, tether engagement, and environmental exposure of the mated system.
• Design, build, and deploy custom mechanical test fixtures and life-test rigs (concept to fabrication, bring-up, and long-duration operation).
• Develop electrical and instrumentation for these test systems: load cells, thermocouples, encoders, current sensing, motor drivers, pneumatic actuators, DAQ, and safety interlocks.
• Write automation software for test execution and evaluation: Python scripting, data logging, live health monitoring, automated pass/fail evaluation, and integration into the broader hardware test framework.
• Drive test campaigns from early prototype validation through qualification, life testing, and production end-of-line testing.
• Triage and root-cause failures across mechanical, electrical, and firmware domains using test data, heritage, and targeted campaigns.
• Partner with mechanical, electrical, firmware, and manufacturing engineers to challenge requirements and propose reliability improvements.
• Travel occasionally to suppliers and manufacturing partners to deploy test equipment, qualify processes, and support production ramps.

Requirements

• BS or MS in Mechanical Engineering, Mechatronics, Robotics, or a related field.
• 3+ years of hands-on experience delivering electromechanical hardware or test software.
• Ability to design mechanical hardware in CAD (Siemens NX).
• Comfort with electrical test equipment: read schematics, wire fixtures, debug with a scope, and select the right sensor.
• Real Python experience with test automation, data processing scripts, or bench-top control software.
• Systems approach to identify whether failures are in mechanics, electronics, firmware, or their interaction.
• Strong fabrication/prototyping skills: machine shop, hand tools, and soldering station.
• Judgment to distinguish between real system problems and fixture-induced issues.

Benefits

• Equal opportunity employer and prohibits discrimination/harassment; encourages applicants from traditionally underrepresented groups in tech.