Hardware Test Engineer

Matternet is building the future of delivery with autonomous drone networks that move critical goods faster, cleaner, and at lower cost. We work with partners across healthcare, logistics, food, and retail to deliver everything from medical items to everyday essentials, safely and reliably.

We’re seeking a Hardware Test Engineer to build the electrical and mechanical test capability that proves our hardware works, from board bring-up and mechanism life testing to environmental qualification and end-of-line testers for the M3 aircraft, batteries, docks, and portals.

In this role, you will:

• Develop verification and validation (V&V) test plans for electrical, mechanical, and electromechanical hardware, traced to requirements
• Design and build test fixtures, stands, and hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) rigs, including mechanical fixturing, data acquisition (DAQ), instrumentation, and safety interlocks
• Run mechanical tests, including static load, vibration, shock and drop, and fatigue and life cycling, on structures and mechanisms such as the payload hook, tether drop, and dock doors
• Run environmental tests, including thermal, humidity, and rain and dust ingress, in-house and with outside test labs
• Instrument hardware with strain gauges, load cells, accelerometers, and thermocouples, and characterize propulsion on thrust stands
• Write automated test software for design verification testing (DVT), qualification, and end-of-line production testing
• Support board bring-up and lead failure analysis on test failures, flight-test issues, and field returns
• Transfer production testers to contract manufacturers and improve yield and cycle time

• BS in Electrical, Mechanical, Mechatronics, or Aerospace Engineering, or a related field
• 4+ years in hardware test, validation, or qualification across electrical and mechanical systems
• Strong Python skills for test automation, instrument control, and data analysis
• Proficiency with electrical lab equipment (oscilloscopes, DMMs, power supplies, electronic loads) and DAQ systems
• Hands-on experience with mechanical test methods and sensors, such as strain gauges, load cells, accelerometers, and thermocouples
• Experience designing mechanical test fixtures in CAD (SolidWorks preferred) and building them by hand
• Working knowledge of CAN, UART/RS-485, I2C, SPI, and Ethernet, and comfort reading schematics and drawings
• Ability to lift and move test equipment, fixtures, batteries, and assemblies as required

Preferred Qualifications:

• UAV, aerospace, automotive, or other safety-critical regulated experience
• Environmental qualification to DO-160, MIL-STD-810, or IEC 60529 (IP), including vibration shaker and thermal chamber operation
• HALT/HASS or accelerated life testing, and HIL simulation with ArduPilot or PX4 hardware
• Battery and BMS testing, or propulsion (motor and propeller) test stand experience

At Matternet, we’re advancing a new era of logistics, one where autonomous drones deliver what matters faster, cleaner, and more efficiently. We know our mission is challenging, but it's worth it, and we are committed to taking care of the people who make it possible.

• Compensation: The expected starting range for this role is $128,000–$164,000, based on San Francisco Bay Area market data. This range reflects the target starting pay for candidates who meet the minimum qualifications for the role. Final compensation will depend on factors such as your experience, skills, level, location, and potential impact.
• Total Rewards: In addition to base pay, our compensation packages include equity and benefits such as medical, dental, vision, life, and disability coverage, flexible spending accounts (FSA), unlimited paid time off, company holidays, and a 401(k) plan.