Hardware Test Lead & Automation Architect

Amazon; Zürich; On-site; CHF 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

Amazon’s RivR division is seeking a senior hardware testing leader to own the end-to-end test strategy for structural, mechatronic, and sensing subsystems. You will set testing standards, guide test infrastructure, and drive data-driven design improvements in collaboration with cross-functional teams.

You will design test benches, automate with Python and LabVIEW, analyze test data, and mentor engineers to raise the team’s technical depth and reliability of delivery.

Qualifications

• 7+ years of experience in hardware testing or validation, with at least 3 years in a leadership or senior individual contributor role.
• Proven experience designing and commissioning test benches for electro-mechanical systems or consumer electronics with significant power and motion elements.
• Strong scripting proficiency in Python for test automation, device control, and data analysis.
• Practical knowledge of sensors and instrumentation — torque cells, encoders, load cells, thermocouples, strain gauges, including their working principles, error influences, and calibration requirements.
• Demonstrated ability to turn test data into clear engineering insights that influence design decisions.
• Experience developing and reviewing test plans, test cases, and qualification criteria.
• The ability to work hands-on in a workshop environment and use common tools safely.
• Master's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Mechatronics, Robotics, or a related technical field.

Responsibilities

• Define and own the end-to-end test strategy for structural, mechatronic, and sensing subsystems, aligned with product development milestones.
• Establish testing standards, processes, and best practices across the team, including test plan templates, data management workflows, and reporting formats.
• Make architectural decisions on test infrastructure: investments into instrumentation platforms, automation frameworks, and data pipelines.
• Drive continuous improvement of test coverage, efficiency, and predictive capability.
• Design, commission, and operate test benches for mechatronics systems (actuators, mechanism, cabling and sensor), including fixture design, instrumentation layout, and safety concepts.
• Develop and maintain automation scripts (Python, Labview) to control test hardware, execute stress and performance tests, and log critical data.
• Process and analyze test data applying signal processing and statistics to extract meaningful performance metrics.
• Compile clear, structured test reports that compare results against specifications, highlight anomalies, and derive actionable engineering learnings to feed back into the design cycle.
• Identify failure modes, performance bottlenecks, and reliability risks, translating findings into concrete design recommendations.
• Represent the test function in design reviews, providing data-driven input on FMEA, and qualification criteria.
• Mentor and grow test engineers, fostering technical depth and a culture of rigorous, curiosity-driven experimentation.
• Collaborate closely with mechanical, electrical, firmware, and systems engineers to align test strategies with product requirements.
• Coordinate with external test labs and suppliers when specialized testing is required.

Skills

Hardware testing leadership

Python scripting for test automation

Designing test benches

Data analysis

Mentoring engineers

Cross-functional collaboration

Mechatronics testing

ROS/ROS2 familiarity

Education

Master's degree in Mechanical Engineering / Electrical Engineering / Mechatronics / Robotics

Tools

LabVIEW

pytest

ROS/ROS2

CAD (SolidWorks, Fusion 360)

DAQ hardware

Python

Job description

Amazon’s RivR division is seeking a senior hardware testing leader to own the end-to-end test strategy for structural, mechatronic, and sensing subsystems. You will set testing standards, guide test infrastructure, and drive data-driven design improvements in collaboration with cross-functional teams.

You will design test benches, automate with Python and LabVIEW, analyze test data, and mentor engineers to raise the team’s technical depth and reliability of delivery.