Hardware Validation Engineer

Skild AI•San Mateo, CA

16h•$100,000 - $300,000

About The Position

We are seeking a motivated and hands-on Hardware Validation Engineer to work closely with our Electrical Engineering team in developing and validating next-generation robotics electronics systems. This role focuses on defining and executing validation strategies for complex PCB designs used in robotics applications, including power systems, DC-DC converters, embedded computing platforms, motor control interfaces, and sensor systems. In addition to new hardware validation, this role will also support debugging and failure analysis of existing robotic platforms in both lab and operational environments. The ideal candidate enjoys working hands-on with hardware, troubleshooting complex issues, developing test methodologies, and collaborating across engineering disciplines to improve system reliability and future hardware designs.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Mechatronics, or related field
Internship, academic project, or hands-on experience with PCB debugging or embedded electronics
Proficiency with lab equipment including oscilloscopes, multimeters, power supplies, electronic loads, and logic analyzers
Familiarity with power electronics, DC-DC converters, embedded systems, sensor and communication interfaces (I2C, SPI, UART, CAN, Ethernet), and lithium battery systems
Strong troubleshooting, debugging, and root cause analysis skills
Ability to read schematics, wiring diagrams, and interpret datasheets

Nice To Haves

Experience with robotics systems or autonomous platforms
Experience with PCB design tools such as Altium, KiCad, or Cadence
Experience with lithium battery testing or battery management systems (BMS)
Experience developing test automation scripts using Python or similar languages
Understanding of Design for Testability (DFT) principles
Experience with fixture design, pogo-pin interfaces, or functional test systems
Experience testing wire harnesses, connectors, or electromechanical assemblies
Exposure to EMI/EMC, thermal, vibration, or environmental testing
Familiarity with Linux-based embedded systems

Responsibilities

Develop comprehensive validation and test plans for new PCB designs and embedded electronic systems
Define functional, electrical, thermal, and reliability test procedures for robotics hardware
Execute board bring-up, debugging, and characterization activities in the lab
Validate subsystems including power distribution and protection circuits, DC-DC converters and power sequencing, embedded computing hardware, sensor interfaces and communication buses, and high-speed digital and analog circuits
Perform lithium battery safety and validation testing, including charge/discharge characterization, protection circuit verification, thermal behavior evaluation, and failure-mode analysis
Develop and execute wire harness reliability and characterization tests, including continuity, insulation resistance, strain relief, vibration and flex-cycle, and connector retention validation
Design, build, and maintain hardware test fixtures and validation setups
Support debugging and repair of existing robotic systems and deployed hardware
Investigate hardware failures, identify root causes, and drive corrective actions
Collaborate with Electrical, Mechanical, Firmware, and Systems Engineers to improve testability, manufacturability, robustness, and serviceability of designs
Collect, analyze, and document test data, failure reports, validation procedures, and engineering findings
Communicate technical issues, test results, and root cause findings across cross-functional engineering teams
Support automation of repetitive validation and diagnostic tasks using scripting tools where appropriate
Support prototype builds, integration activities, and system-level testing
Maintain lab equipment, calibration records, and validation documentation