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.