Automation Operations Engineer

EPAM Systems•Cupertino, CA

5d•Onsite

About The Position

The Automation Operations Engineer deploys, maintains, and operates hardware test fixtures in a Cupertino lab, supporting testing for consumer electronics products and services. The role works with engineers to set up test devices and fixtures, maintain test infrastructure, run experiments and daily-build tests, monitor results, and troubleshoot failures. It also includes handling prototype hardware under strict security protocols, analyzing and reporting test data, maintaining documentation and lab organization, transporting devices between buildings and labs, and proposing improvements to reduce fixture downtime.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Computer Engineering, Software Engineering, or equivalent practical experience.
Familiarity with Python-based test automation, including writing basic scripts, debugging small issues, and interacting with microcontrollers and I/O devices.
Experience deploying automated fixtures, including mechanical setup.
Experience with infrastructure and configuration management systems such as Ansible or Puppet.
Solid experience with shell scripting, networking, and managing macOS systems.
Self-sufficient problem-solving ability, strong debugging skills, and high attention to detail.
Ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment with changing priorities.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills for collaborating with teams across locations.
Strong interest and enthusiasm for hardware testing.
Ability to travel between buildings using a personal vehicle for device transportation.

Nice To Haves

Familiarity with Python test frameworks and test development.
Familiarity with Apple products and the Apple ecosystem.
Experience with 3D printing, soldering, or similar tools.
Experience working with robotic test fixtures.
Prior professional experience in hardware testing.

Responsibilities

Set up, deploy, and maintain test devices and automation fixtures, including mechanical setup and device-under-test configuration as instructed by the engineering team.
Build models; disassemble, modify, and reassemble systems; and handle prototype and development hardware in accordance with security and handling protocols.
Work with engineers to bring up and maintain test infrastructure, including staging and updating agents and performing smoke tests.
Run experiments defined by staff engineers, start tests on daily software builds, and monitor tests for successful completion.
Recover from failures, troubleshoot automation or hardware test setups, and perform root cause analysis.
Analyze test-data validity and create reports, summaries, and dashboards; provide daily and weekly status updates with clear timelines and deliverables.
Develop and update documentation, including assembly and disassembly procedures and agent update guides.
Maintain a clean, organized lab and ensure equipment and devices are accounted for and maintained.
Pick up prototype devices within 48 hours of availability, deploy them to test areas within 48 hours of pickup, and transport devices between distribution centers and labs using a personal vehicle.
Identify and propose design, process, or performance improvements to minimize test fixture downtime.