Robotics Test Release Engineer

Gecko Robotics•Pittsburgh, PA

2d•Onsite

About The Position

Gecko Robotics is seeking a Release Engineer for its Field Infrastructure team, which verifies and validates robotic hardware and software before deployment in the field. The role focuses initially on executing recurring hardware and software release tests, producing reliable results, and supporting root cause analysis. The engineer prepares test setups; runs mechanical, software, functional, durability, and environmental tests; analyzes results; and documents test work against agreed objectives and acceptance criteria. The role also grows to include coordinating test planning across engineering teams and robotic platforms. The engineer will help manage incoming requests, schedules, dependencies, and execution support while working with Test & Reliability engineers, Robotics Technicians, Engineering, Quality, and mission teams. Gecko is an office-first organization that values in-person collaboration, while allowing some flexibility to work from home.

Requirements

Either a bachelor's degree in robotics engineering or a related field, or 5+ years of experience designing or testing hardware and software platforms in a robotics environment.
Hands-on experience testing or troubleshooting mechanical or electromechanical hardware in a lab, manufacturing, robotics, military, or similar setting.
Experience executing documented test procedures, operating measurement equipment, and collecting repeatable, trustworthy results.
Ability to organize and analyze test data, check units and traceability, and communicate what the results show.
Ability to understand engineering drawings, system configurations, and test procedures, and resolve missing or unclear information with the appropriate technical owner.
Clear written and verbal communication, including documenting test findings and keeping multiple stakeholders informed of progress, dependencies, and blockers.
Strong organization and coordination skills, including managing competing technical requests, following up on commitments, and keeping work moving across teams.
Ownership and attention to detail, with the ability to execute independently and the interest and judgment to grow into broader test planning and coordination.

Nice To Haves

Experience with recurring release, regression, mechanical durability, environmental, vibration, or accelerated life testing of hardware systems.
Experience setting up instrumentation, sensors, or data acquisition equipment and checking measurement quality.
Experience supporting hardware root cause analysis, reproducing failures, or applying structured problem-solving methods.
Experience in robotics, defense, aerospace, or another hardware environment with strong documentation and traceability requirements.
Basic scripting or programming for test data collection, plotting, or automation.
Experience writing test procedures and reports and tracking work in Jira, Confluence, or similar tools.
Technical project coordination or project management experience in robotics or hardware, including schedules, dependencies, and resource planning.
Experience coordinating work across engineering disciplines and arranging test execution support from technicians or other technical teams.

Responsibilities

Execute recurring end-of-line hardware and software release tests and other agreed mechanical, functional, durability, and environmental procedures on components, subassemblies, and robotic systems.
Prepare test articles, fixtures, and instrumentation; verify hardware and software configurations, test setups, and equipment calibration status before testing.
Monitor test progress and hardware behavior, pausing and escalating unsafe conditions, unexpected results, or procedure gaps.
Improve test procedures and setup documentation with Test & Reliability engineers to make recurring tests consistent, repeatable, and easier to hand off.
Develop a shared view of incoming test requests with Test & Reliability engineers and mission teams, clarifying objectives, procedures, acceptance criteria, and required dates.
Coordinate priorities, schedules, dependencies, equipment, and test article readiness across engineering teams, and make conflicts and resource gaps visible early.
Arrange test execution support with technician team leads, matching available capacity and skills to the work while personally executing tests as needed.
Track tests through execution, results, and follow-up actions; keep requesters informed and improve repeatable planning and handoff processes.
Maintain traceable records of hardware IDs, hardware and software configurations, procedure revisions, test conditions, and raw measurements.
Analyze test results in spreadsheets and reports; compare measurements with agreed acceptance criteria and identify trends, anomalies, and incomplete data.
Document unexpected behavior with logs, photos, measurements, and timelines, linking findings to the relevant test run and internal tracking records.
Prepare result summaries for engineering review, including test coverage, open issues, and recommended follow-up testing to support release-readiness decisions.
Confirm test articles, fixtures, instrumentation, procedures, and required access are ready before scheduled testing.
Coordinate hardware and software configurations with responsible teams, track prerequisites, and escalate readiness gaps.
Keep the test area organized and ready for use; track equipment calibration, maintenance, and consumable needs with responsible owners.
Communicate equipment availability, dependencies, and readiness risks to engineers and Robotics Technicians.
Support root cause analysis for failures found during testing or reported from the field, working with Test & Reliability engineers and Robotics Technicians.
Reproduce failure symptoms through targeted tests, setup checks, inspection, and teardown when needed, distinguishing observations from hypotheses.
Gather failure history and technical evidence, document findings in internal tracking systems such as FRACAS/GRIT, and coordinate verification testing for corrective actions.