Senior/Staff/Principal Hardware Test Engineer

The role

You will own the test strategy and validation approach for next-generation robotic systems. You will design custom test fixtures and lead the end-to-end testing lifecycle for hardware including electrical components, PCBAs, actuators, and robotic arms.

What you will do

• Own comprehensive test plans for electrical components, mechanical sub-assemblies, and integrated robotic solutions.
• Design, build, and maintain custom automated test equipment, jigs, and fixtures using CAD and rapid prototyping.
• Conduct functional, environmental, and stress testing.
• Lead failure investigations and root cause analysis.
• Validate PCBAs and electrical components including power, signal, and interface checks.
• Partner with mechanical, electrical, and software teams to improve testability.
• Mentor engineers and establish testing best practices.
• Lead technical execution for regulatory certifications like ISO 10218 and Ingress Protection.
• Create detailed test reports, traceability matrices, and certification filings.

Required qualifications

• BS in Mechanical, Electrical, or Mechatronics Engineering, or equivalent practical experience.
• 5+ years in hardware testing.
• Proficiency in 3D CAD (Onshape, SolidWorks).
• Hands-on experience with lab equipment (load cells, environmental chambers, etc.).
• Proficiency in Python or a similar language for test automation and data analysis.
• Strong understanding of test methodology, failure analysis, and data-driven reliability assessment.
• Ability to turn ambiguous requirements into actionable validation plans, drive cross-functional technical decisions, and mentor other engineers while remaining hands-on.
• Familiarity with hardware certification processes and working with external labs (UL, ISO, etc.).

Nice to have

• Experience within robotics, medical devices, or aerospace.
• Track record of technical leadership across multiple programs and establishing test methodologies or infrastructure for Staff and Principal levels.
• Experience testing PCBAs and fluency with electrical test equipment, such as oscilloscopes, digital multimeters, bench power supplies, and electronic loads.
• Ability to read electrical schematics and support board-level troubleshooting.

About the company

Eka Robotics is on a mission to build intelligence for the physical world through fast, general, and reliable robots. Their team consists of pioneers in robotics and machine learning.