Jobs · Quality Assurance · Texas

Senior Hardware Test Engineer - Actuation

Apptronik · Austin, TX · 2 wk ago
On-siteQuality AssuranceFull-time

Job Summary

Essential Duties and Responsibilities or Key Accountabilities

  • Actuation Test Ownership
    • Serve as the technical owner for manufacturing validation of robot actuators
    • Define test strategies for servo-driven electromechanical systems, including:
      • Calibration and Alignment
      • Functional validation
      • Performance characterization
      • Fault detection and failure analysis
    • Ensure test coverage supports product reliability and manufacturability
  • Test System Architecture
    • Define the architecture and requirements for actuator test systems and fixtures
    • Work with internal software teams to translate test requirements into automated test software
    • Specify instrumentation and interfaces including:
      • Servo drives and motor controllers
      • EtherCAT motion networks
      • Position, torque, current, temperature, and vibration sensors
      • Data acquisition systems
    • Lead integration and validation of automated test stations
  • System Integration
    • Collaborate with controls, hardware, firmware, and systems teams to ensure testability is designed into actuator architectures
    • Support integration with manufacturing infrastructure including MES systems and production databases
    • Lead bring-up, debugging, and release of new test stations
  • Production Ramp & Sustaining Engineering
    • Support transition from engineering builds to high-volume manufacturing
    • Improve test processes for:
      • Yield
      • Cycle time
      • Reliability detection
    • Investigate and resolve production issues related to actuator performance
    • Drive continuous improvement of test systems and validation methodologies
  • Manufacturing Enablement
    • Create clear, production-ready documentation including test procedures, specifications, and system diagrams
    • Develop and maintain:
      • Operator and technician training materials
      • Test equipment maintenance plans
      • Calibration procedures
      • Troubleshooting workflows

    Skills and Requirements

    • Hands-on experience testing servo-driven actuators or motion systems
    • Strong understanding of:
      • Servo control systems
      • Motor drives
      • Closed-loop feedback systems
    • Experience working with EtherCAT-based motion networks
    • Experience deploying automated test systems for hardware products
    • Proven ability to lead complex technical projects from concept through production deployment
    • Strong cross-functional collaboration with hardware, controls, and manufacturing teams
    • Comfortable working in fast-paced robotics or hardware product environments

    Education and/or Experience

    • Bachelor’s degree in Electrical, Electronic, Mechanical Engineering, or relevant experience
    • 7+ years of experience in hardware test, manufacturing test, or system validation of electromechanical systems

    Physical Requirements

    • Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer
    • Must be able to lift 15 pounds at times
    • Vision to read printed materials and a computer screen
    • Hearing and speech to communicate
    *This is a direct hire. Please, no outside Agency solicitations. Apptronik provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.

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