Test Engineering Technician - Vehicle Integration

Atoms•San Francisco, CA

2d•$38 - $60•Onsite

About The Position

Atoms is hiring a mid-level Test Engineering Technician for its Dev Fleet & Test team. The role involves hands-on testing of development vehicles and systems in collaboration with test, hardware, and autonomy engineers. The technician turns test plans into execution by preparing vehicles, setting up instrumentation and data logging, carrying out procedures at the track and in the field, and documenting reliable data and findings for engineering teams. The position also supports development work such as prototyping, harness development, test bench builds and maintenance, and vehicle bring-up. Work may involve first-of-its-kind tests and builds with limited instructions, requiring independent judgment about setup and safety, and comfort with both software bring-up and hardware. The role is based onsite in San Francisco, with regular travel to test sites such as Richmond and some early-morning, after-hours, or weekend testing. A successful hire is expected to independently run routine tests and small builds within approximately 3–6 months.

Requirements

At least 3 years of hands-on experience in vehicle or hardware testing, test technician work, prototype build, automotive or EV service, or electromechanical integration.
Comfort working on first-of-its-kind tests and builds with little documentation, with sound judgment about setup, safety, and when to stop a test.
Methodical troubleshooting across hardware and software, plus comfort with Linux, the command line, and reading logs.
Working knowledge of low-voltage power, grounding, connectors, and CAN bus, and ability to read wiring diagrams, schematics, and mechanical drawings.
Hands-on harness and fabrication skills, including crimping, soldering, and continuity testing.
Experience with multimeters, oscilloscopes, DAQ systems, and CAN analysis tools.
Careful attention to data quality, including clear and timely test notes, results, and documentation that others can trust and repeat.
Clear communication with engineers and ability to explain what happened, what was checked, and what may be wrong.
Ability to lift up to 50 lbs, work outdoors in different weather, travel to test sites, and support early-morning, after-hours, or weekend testing.

Nice To Haves

Experience with autonomous vehicles, EVs, motorsport, or heavy equipment.
CAD experience.
Scripting experience in Python or Bash for test automation or data analysis.
A driver’s license with test-driving or safety-driver experience.

Responsibilities

Run vehicle and system tests from test plans, including novel tests with limited instructions, and document exactly what was run and observed.
Prepare development vehicles for testing, including pre-test inspections, functional and safety checks, and go/no-go sign-off.
Support development work such as prototyping, wire harness builds, test bench builds and maintenance, and bringing up new vehicles.
Set up and maintain test instrumentation, data logging, and fixtures, including sensors, DAQ, harnesses, and test cables.
Perform hardware and software bring-up by flashing firmware, configuring compute, and checking sensors, data, and vehicle interfaces.
Diagnose and troubleshoot mechanical, electrical, firmware, and software problems using logs, CAN tools, and test equipment.
Turn test results and failures into clear, actionable reports and tickets for hardware and autonomy engineers, and help improve test procedures and checklists.
Support testing at the track and in the field, and keep test equipment, spares, and the shop organized.

Benefits

Medical, dental, and vision insurance, with multiple plans including HSA options.
Company-paid short- and long-term life and disability insurance.
Voluntary accident, critical illness, and hospital indemnity insurance.
Optional supplemental life insurance for the employee, spouse, and children.
Pet insurance discount through Fetch.
401(k).
Health Savings Account (HSA).
Flexible Spending Accounts for healthcare, dependent care, and commuter expenses.
Paid vacation time (1 hour for every 26 hours worked).
8 paid holidays per year.
Paid sick time.
Paid bereavement leave.
Paid parental leave.