Testing Engineer, RIVR

Amazon Inc.; Zürich; On-site; CHF 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

RIVR, part of Amazon, in Zürich, is seeking a hands-on Test Engineer to ensure the reliability and performance of our robotic systems. You will design and build custom test rigs, write Python scripts to automate tests, and analyze data to drive design improvements.

You will collaborate closely with mechanical and electronics engineers, document procedures for repeatability, and contribute to testing strategies that impact real customer deployments.

Qualifications

• 3+ years of non-internship hardware testing or validation experience.
• Experience designing and building test setups for mechanical or electro‑mechanical systems.
• Python scripting for test automation, device control, or data analysis.
• Proficient in workshop safety and using hand/power tools.

Responsibilities

• Design and build custom test rigs, jigs, and fixtures for mechanical components.
• Execute a range of tests from structural to safety behavior.
• Develop and maintain Python scripts to automate test procedures and log data.
• Analyze test data to identify failure modes and performance bottlenecks.
• Collaborate with mechanical and electronics engineers and document procedures.

Skills

Python scripting

Hands-on hardware testing

Test planning

Data analysis

Documentation

Education

Master's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Electronics, Robotics

Tools

ROS/ROS2

CAD (SolidWorks, Fusion 360)

DAQ hardware

Job description

RIVR, part of Amazon is a robotics team pioneering Physical AI through real-world deployment and doorstep deliveries. Founded in 2024 as an ETH Zurich spin-off, RIVR developed wheeled-legged robots designed to operate in complex, unstructured environments such as stairs, gates, doors, and uneven urban terrain. We believe that achieving general physical intelligence requires solving real customer problems in the real world, where robots can learn by gathering rich operational data at scale.

We are looking for a hands‑on and curious Test Engineer to ensure the reliability and performance of our advanced robotic systems. This is a unique, mixed‑profile role at the heart of our hardware development. You will be responsible for the entire testing lifecycle: from designing and building physical test setups for mechanical components to writing scripts that automate stress and performance tests. If you love tinkering with hardware, have a knack for mechanical assembly, and enjoy using code to solve real‑world problems, this role offers a fantastic opportunity to make a direct impact on the quality of our robots.

A day in the life

• Design and build custom test rigs, jigs, and fixtures for mechanical and mechatronic components (e.g., for functional testing, thermal performance characterization, durability and reliability testing).
• Execute a wide range of hands‑on tests, spanning from structural to safety behavior.
• Develop and maintain scripts (e.g., in Python) to automate test procedures, control test hardware (like actuators and sensors), and log critical data.
• Analyze test data to identify failure modes, performance bottlenecks, and areas for design improvement.
• Collaborate closely with mechanical and electronics engineers to understand component specifications and provide crucial feedback based on your test results.
• Meticulously document your test procedures, setups, and findings to ensure repeatability and knowledge sharing.

Basic Qualifications

• 3+ years of non‑internship professional experience in hardware testing, validation, or a related hands‑on engineering role
• Proven experience designing and building test setups for mechanical or electro‑mechanical systems
• Scripting proficiency in Python for test automation, device control, or data analysis
• Demonstrated ability to work independently in a workshop environment using common hand and power tools safely
• Experience with test plan development, execution, and structured reporting of results
• A Master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Electronics, Robotics, or a related technical field.

Preferred Qualifications

• Hand‑on experience with ROS/ROS2.
• Experience with CAD software (like SolidWorks, Fusion 360, or similar) for designing test fixtures.
• Familiarity with data acquisition (DAQ) hardware and sensors (e.g., load cells, encoders, thermocouples)
• Basic knowledge of electronics for wiring test setups.
• Experience in a testing environment within the robotics, automotive, or aerospace industries.

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