Test Engineer, R&D

About the Role

Build test infrastructure for a defense technology company developing autonomous electromechanical systems. Working with a lean engineering team across hardware, software, and electrical disciplines, you will support products from prototype through production.

What You'll Do

• Design and execute end-to-end test procedures, including setup, operation, data collection, teardown, analysis, and failure reports.
• Build test electronics, harnesses, instrumentation setups, and fixtures.
• Develop Python-based automated test procedures and custom test tools.
• Debug firmware, power rails, and electrical systems to identify root causes.
• Partner with embedded, electrical, and mechanical engineers to reproduce issues, validate fixes, and prevent regressions.
• Define test plans, acceptance criteria, and readiness gates as products progress from prototype to production.
• Build hardware-in-the-loop and software-in-the-loop test environments.
• Support design for manufacturability and production readiness with hardware teams.
• Follow safety procedures during high-power and high-voltage testing.
• Conduct regular field tests, increasing testing activity around sprints, demos, and milestones.

What We're Looking For

• Sustained test-engineering responsibility on real aerospace or electromechanical systems, alongside military experience.
• Strong electrical bench skills with oscilloscopes, logic analyzers, power supplies, digital multimeters, and harness fabrication.
• Proficiency in Python or scripting for test automation, including building custom tools.
• Experience debugging across firmware and electrical systems, and conducting performance, reliability, and safety testing.
• Clear written communication, including failure reports and root cause analysis.
• Background in robotics, defense, aerospace, or related work involving electromechanical products and hands-on test setups.
• Familiarity with design for manufacturability and production testability.
• Experience with HIL or SIL, relevant aerospace or defense standards, environmental or high-voltage testing, or export-controlled systems is a plus.
• U.S. Person status is required due to access to export-controlled information.

Compensation & Benefits

Base salary: $130,000 to $170,000 annually. Visa sponsorship is not available.

Location

On-site in San Francisco, California, United States. Regular field testing is part of the role.