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Senior/Staff/Principal Hardware Test Engineer

Eka

Location
Onsite (Cambridge, MA)
Employment
Full-time
Level
Senior Level
Posted 1 day ago

About the role

Eka Robotics is building intelligent, reliable robotic systems for the physical world. This role involves owning the end-to-end test strategy and validation lifecycle for next-generation robotic hardware, ensuring performance, safety, and regulatory compliance.

Skills

Hardware testing Robotics Test strategy Validation CAD Python Failure analysis Root cause analysis PCBA testing Electrical testing Test automation ISO 10218 Ingress protection Technical leadership Regulatory certification Reliability engineering

Full job details

Eka Robotics

Eka Robotics is on a mission to build intelligence for the physical world - robots that are fast, general, and reliable. Our approach, grounded in physics, unlocks superhuman capabilities. We are defining the frontier of robotics research and deployment.

Our team consists of pioneers in robotics and machine learning. We are now hiring to scale our R&D effort. We are looking for hands-on individuals who are excited to help shape the future of robotics.

Role Overview

As a Senior / Staff / Principal Test Engineer, you will own the test strategy and validation approach for our next-generation robotic systems. You will lead the end-to-end testing lifecycle, from defining strategy and designing custom test fixtures to executing rigorous validation protocols. You will ensure our hardware, ranging from electrical components and PCBAs to high-precision actuators and grippers and full robotic arms, meets performance requirements and global certification standards (Safety, IP, etc.).

This is a hands-on technical leadership role with scope and level determined by experience. At the Staff and Principal levels, you will establish testing practices across programs, guide architecture and design decisions through test evidence, and drive long-term improvements in hardware reliability.

Responsibilities

  • Test Strategy & Planning: Own comprehensive test plans for electrical components and PCBAs, mechanical sub-assemblies (actuators, end-effectors), and integrated robotic solutions. Define acceptance criteria, prioritize risks, and establish validation coverage for functionality, performance, and reliability.

  • Design & Development: Design, build, and maintain custom automated test equipment, jigs, and fixtures using CAD and rapid prototyping. Develop reusable test infrastructure that scales across hardware programs.

  • Execution & Analysis: Conduct functional, environmental, and stress testing. Lead failure investigations and root cause analysis, and work closely with the R&D team to drive design improvements and verify corrective actions.

  • Electrical Testing: Work with electrical engineers to validate PCBAs and other electrical components, including power, signal, and interface checks, and support board-level troubleshooting.

  • Technical Leadership: Partner with mechanical, electrical, and software teams to improve testability early in the design process. Mentor engineers, establish testing best practices, and communicate validation results and remaining risks to inform hardware release decisions.

  • Compliance & Certification: Lead technical execution for regulatory certifications, including:

    • Safety: ISO 10218 for collaborative environments.

    • Ingress Protection (IP): Ensuring reliability in challenging industrial environments.

  • Documentation: Create detailed test reports, traceability matrices, and certification filings to demonstrate compliance with product requirements.

Qualifications

  • Education: BS in Mechanical, Electrical, or Mechatronics Engineering, or equivalent practical experience.

  • Experience: 5+ years in hardware testing, ideally within robotics, medical devices, or aerospace. Demonstrated ownership of complex hardware validation programs. Staff and Principal candidates should bring a track record of technical leadership across multiple programs and establishing test methodologies or infrastructure.

  • Technical Skills:

    • Proficiency in 3D CAD (Onshape, SolidWorks) for designing test fixtures.

    • 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.

    • Experience testing PCBAs and fluency with electrical test equipment, such as oscilloscopes, digital multimeters, bench power supplies, and electronic loads, are highly desirable.

    • Ability to read electrical schematics and support board-level troubleshooting is a plus.

  • Technical Leadership: Ability to turn ambiguous requirements into actionable validation plans, drive cross-functional technical decisions, and mentor other engineers while remaining hands-on.

  • Standards Knowledge: Familiarity with hardware certification processes and working with external labs (UL, ISO, etc.).