Hardware R&D Test Technician

Emtech • Seattle, WA

151d • $33 - $44

About The Position

The Hardware R&D Test Technician designs, builds, and operates test systems that validate the mechanical and electrical performance of robotic subsystems. The role works directly with hardware design engineers to produce data that informs design decisions. The work is primarily mechanical (75%), with some electrical work (25%). The technician builds and maintains mechanical and electrical test fixtures, assists with commissioning and troubleshooting, performs hands-on fabrication and assembly, and gathers and reports test data.

Requirements

• 1–3 years of hands-on electromechanical experience; robotics, automation, aerospace, automotive, manufacturing R&D, or panel shop experience is preferred.
• Ability to independently build real-world components from drawings and provide drawing-based feedback to designers and engineers.
• Basic electrical knowledge, including AC circuits, low-voltage DC control circuits, wire termination, and cable crimping.
• Solid mechanical fundamentals, including reading prints, holding tolerances on a manual machine, selecting bearings, fasteners, and seals, and familiarity with torque tools and mechanical best practices.
• Comfort working in an ambiguous R&D environment where procedures may not yet exist and helping create them.
• Knowledge of fabrication methods such as sheet metal, 3D printing, or laser cutting, or interest in learning them.
• Ability to perform basic machining, including mill and lathe basics.

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.
• CAD proficiency beyond reading drawings, preferably SolidWorks, including the ability to model simple fixtures.
• Basic programming or scripting experience, such as Python, LabVIEW, or PLC ladder logic; willingness to learn is also noted.

Responsibilities

• Build and maintain test fixtures, including mechanical and electrical assembly of test beds and fixtures; assist controls engineers with commissioning and bringing tests online; and maintain test beds throughout their test life.
• Assist test engineers and hardware designers in diagnosing failures in robotic systems and test bed components, including motors, actuators, cable assemblies, and control circuits.
• Read and work from mechanical drawings, including GD&T tolerances, and electrical schematics and wiring diagrams; use drawings to build components and fixtures, wire basic systems, perform quality checks, and troubleshoot basic wiring issues.
• Create components, construct test beds, wire control systems and components, perform basic machining, install fasteners, and carry out alignment and fit-and-finish work on prototype hardware.
• Create wire harnesses by soldering or using connectors; terminate motors, drives, PLCs, or microcontrollers; wire basic power distribution; and use a multimeter for troubleshooting and baseline data collection.
• Maintain test logs, organize and present data, flag anomalies, report findings to test owners and design team members, and participate in team meetings to discuss findings and next steps.

Benefits

• Employer pays 50% of health, dental, and vision insurance premiums for employees and dependents.
• Access to supplemental plans, including GAP, disability, accident, whole life, and identity protection.
• Paid leave and paid holidays.
• 401(k) matching up to 4%.
• Educational reimbursement.
• Supportive environment and company-hosted events.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: No Education Listed