Hardware R&D Test Engineer

Emtech•Seattle, WA

1d•$126,590 - $155,290

About The Position

The Hardware R&D Test Engineer helps design and improve test operations for robotic hardware and systems. The role supports safe, reliable, and repeatable testing through test execution, readiness, and continuous improvement in generating and delivering test data. The position operates in a robotics lab and test environment with active test stands, fixtures, and robotic hardware. It involves exposure to machinery, moderate noise, and varying lighting. The role requires flexible scheduling to meet company and project deadlines. The position requires a B.S. and at least three years of relevant experience in Mechanical, Electrical, Aerospace, Mechatronics, or a related field, or equivalent relevant work experience. Candidates must have hands-on experience with hardware test stands, electromechanical systems, or robotic hardware, experience maintaining system uptime and reliability, and experience executing complex tests with attention to repeatability, safety, and continuous improvement. A valid driver's license is required.

Requirements

B.S. with 3+ years of relevant experience in Mechanical, Electrical, Aerospace, Mechatronics, or a related field, or equivalent relevant work experience in a related field.
Hands-on experience operating, maintaining, or improving hardware test stands, electromechanical systems, or robotic hardware.
Experience owning system uptime, reliability, and performance, including troubleshooting and root cause analysis.
Experience executing complex tests or operations with a focus on repeatability, safety, and continuous improvement.
Valid driver's license.
Ability to work flexible schedules to meet company and project deadlines.
Applicants must be authorized to work for any employer in the United States and have current and ongoing work authorization without employer sponsorship.
Ability to lift and carry up to 50 lbs. on occasion; stand for extended periods; sit for long periods; stoop, kneel, and move about in the lab; and communicate effectively in writing and verbally.

Nice To Haves

Experience with robotic arms, end-effectors, or high-cycle-count electromechanical assemblies.
Familiarity with reliability and life testing concepts, including Weibull, MTBF, and accelerated test methodology.
Strong problem-solving skills and ability to respond well to real-time issues with minimal supervision.
Track record of working well in a team and contributing to a high-performance environment.
Experience mentoring and training others on system operations.
Experience with Python, DAQ systems, Allen-Bradley PLCs, MATLAB, and Parquet-based data pipelines.

Responsibilities

Streamline, optimize, and develop testing strategies.
Design and assemble hardware test fixtures; assist controls engineers with commissioning, bringing tests online, and maintaining test beds throughout their life.
Own test readiness, including pre-run setup, system checks, troubleshooting, and analysis.
Operate and support day-to-day hardware and reliability tests on robotic hardware, monitoring test stands, fixtures, and instrumentation with a focus on uptime.
Identify, diagnose, and resolve issues on test systems and hardware under test to minimize downtime and keep data flowing.
Perform root cause analysis on failures during testing.
Apply mechanical, electromechanical, and controls engineering fundamentals to interpret test data, including failure modes, wear, and performance trends.
Improve test operations by refining procedures, making systems more robust, and reducing variability in test results.
Collect, organize, and present data; maintain test logs, flag anomalies, report findings to test owners and design team members, and participate in team meetings to discuss findings, next steps, and shared learnings.
Work cross-functionally with design, software, and operations teams to turn test findings into design feedback and verified fixes.

Benefits

Medical, dental, and vision coverage, with eligibility and start dates specified in the posting.
Health Savings Account (HSA).
TaxGuard Med+ (GAP+) benefits, including virtual doctor visits, health coaches, prescriptions, and gap and hospital indemnity coverage.
401(k) with employer match and immediate vesting.
Education assistance reimbursing 50% of qualified tuition, fees, and required books and supplies, up to $5,250 per year, subject to pre-approval.
Paid vacation and personal day, with accrual beginning after 30 days.
Paid sick leave, accruing from the first day of work.
Six paid holidays per year.
Up to three paid bereavement days for the loss of an immediate or close family member.
Commuter benefit: company pays 50% of a monthly ORCA transit pass for Seattle-based employees.
Supportive team culture and company-hosted events.