Robotics Engineer Intern - Test & Validation

About the Role

Contoro Robotics is an Austin based startup focused on warehouse automation. We design a state-of-the-art autonomous truck unloading system capable of lifting boxes over 60 lbs. As a Test & Validation Intern, you'll be the person who runs our robots through structured test procedures and reports results that directly inform whether features ship to customer sites. You'll work closely with a senior test engineer who designs the tests and feature owners who triage failures, ensuring our Systems and Automation teams have fast, reliable feedback on every change they make. This is a hands-on role — you will be working with real robots, real boxes, and real test data every day.

Responsibilities

• Execute predefined test procedures across tiered test levels (from single-box handling to full simulated site conditions)
• Record and report test results accurately, including logging failure modes, timestamps, and environmental conditions
• Set up and tear down test environments per documented runbooks (conveyor configurations, box arrangements, sensor calibration checks)
• Flag test failures and route them to feature owners with supporting data (logs, video, metrics)
• Maintain test result dashboards so Systems, Automation, and Operations teams have real-time visibility into product readiness
• Track regression by re-running previously passing tests after code or hardware changes
• Assist the senior test engineer with test environment maintenance and instrumentation upkeep
• Document any test setup issues or runbook gaps encountered during execution

Qualifications

• Pursuing a degree in robotics, mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, or a related field
• Detail-oriented and comfortable with repetitive, structured tasks that demand precision
• Can clearly document and communicate what you observed versus what you expected
• Basic familiarity with Linux command line and can follow technical runbooks
• Exposure to ROS, sensor data, or robotic systems (preferred, not required)
• Can work on-site at Contoro's office in Austin, TX for the duration of the internship
• Available throughout two continuous terms (e.g., Spring + Summer, Summer + Fall)