Test Engineer, R&D

About the Role

Build test infrastructure for a defense technology company developing autonomous electromechanical systems. Working with a lean engineering team across hardware, software, and electrical disciplines, you will support products from prototype through production.

What You'll Do

• Design and execute end-to-end test procedures, including setup, operation, data collection, teardown, analysis, and failure reports.

• Build test electronics, harnesses, instrumentation setups, and fixtures.

• Develop Python-based automated test procedures and custom test tools.

• Debug firmware, power rails, and electrical systems to identify root causes.

• Partner with embedded, electrical, and mechanical engineers to reproduce issues, validate fixes, and prevent regressions.

• Define test plans, acceptance criteria, and readiness gates as products progress from prototype to production.

• Build hardware-in-the-loop and software-in-the-loop test environments.

• Support design for manufacturability and production readiness with hardware teams.

• Follow safety procedures during high-power and high-voltage testing.

• Conduct regular field tests, increasing testing activity around sprints, demos, and milestones.

What We're Looking For

• Sustained test-engineering responsibility on real aerospace or electromechanical systems, alongside military experience.

• Strong electrical bench skills with oscilloscopes, logic analyzers, power supplies, digital multimeters, and harness fabrication.

• Proficiency in Python or scripting for test automation, including building custom tools.

• Experience debugging across firmware and electrical systems, and conducting performance, reliability, and safety testing.

• Clear written communication, including failure reports and root cause analysis.

• Background in robotics, defense, aerospace, or related work involving electromechanical products and hands-on test setups.

• Familiarity with design for manufacturability and production testability.

• Experience with HIL or SIL, relevant aerospace or defense standards, environmental or high-voltage testing, or export-controlled systems is a plus.

• U.S. Person status is required due to access to export-controlled information.

Compensation & Benefits

Base salary: $130,000 to $170,000 annually. Visa sponsorship is not available.

Location

On-site in San Francisco, California, United States. Regular field testing is part of the role.