Internship Test Automation

Lobster Robotics; Den Haag; On-site; EUR 5,100 - 6,100; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Internship stipend

Job summary

Lobster Robotics is building automated testing for deep-sea hardware. You will write clean Python interfaces for lab instruments to enable seamless communication between devices, starting with power supplies and multimeters and progressing to advanced equipment like oscilloscopes, thermal chambers, and pressure chambers.

The role requires a strong software development background with a passion for electronics, Python proficiency at a BSc Computer Science level, and hands-on Embedded Linux

Qualifications

• Strong software developer background with an interest in electronics.
• Proficient Python programming at BSc CS level.
• Hands-on experience with embedded Linux platforms like Raspberry Pi.

Responsibilities

• Research & Architecture: evaluate test frameworks (OpenHTF, Exclave) and report findings.
• Develop Python interfaces for lab equipment (Power supplies, multimeters, oscilloscopes).
• Integrate interfaces into chosen testing framework and validate reliability.

Skills

Python

Embedded Linux

Self-directed

Detail-oriented

Software development

Education

BSc Computer Science

Tools

OpenHTF

pytest

PyVISA

CAN bus

Job description

We are starting a new series of testing to qualify each part of the Scout for high-pressure deep-sea conditions and mass production. Testing a Scout requires the endurance, reproducibility, and scaling that only an automated system can provide.

Currently, a significant amount of our production time is dedicated to testing, particularly when it comes to circuit boards. We want to optimize this process to elevate our overall test quality and create a seamless production workflow. By automating these steps, we will empower our hardware design team to focus fully on what they do best: designing the next generation of deep-sea technology.

The solution is to make test automation easy and accessible for everyone. You will write clean Python code for individual lab instruments so they can talk to each other effortlessly. In the end, starting a complex, automated test should be as fast and simple as plugging in a physical cable and typing a few short commands.

What You’ll Do

• Research & Architecture: Dive into prior work on hardware testing (e.g., OpenHTF, Exclave). You will test and benchmark the top 3 frameworks, presenting their pros and cons to our project leadership.
• Develop Instrument Interfaces: Write Python interfaces for a wide range of lab equipment. You will start with simpler tools (Power supplies and multimeters) and gradually move to complex and safety-critical systems like Rigol oscilloscopes, thermal chambers, and pressure chambers.
• Framework Integration & Validation: Integrate your instrument interfaces into the chosen testing framework, validate their reliability, and debug hardware-in-the-loop failures.
• Documentation & UI: Document your interfaces clearly with ready-to-execute examples. You'll also work towards a clear UI and robust logging so any team member can easily run tests and reference data in the field.

What We’re Looking For

• A strong Software Developer background combining an interest in electronics.
• Python Proficiency: Confident programming in Python at a BSc Computer Science level.
• Embedded Linux: Hands-on experience with Raspberry Pi or similar embedded Linux platforms.
• Bonus Points: Familiarity with lab equipment (oscilloscopes, electronic loads), SCPI instrument control (PyVISA / USB-TMC), industrial protocols (CAN bus), or test frameworks like OpenHTF and pytest.

Why It’s Cool

• Your work directly improves the quality and end-state of next-gen underwater systems.
• Your automation framework will solve production bottlenecks. Your work directly empowers the design team to focus on innovation and accelerates the deployment of the Scout.
• You'll collaborate with seasoned engineers and test your solutions in real-world conditions.

Requirements

• Systematic Debugging: You are comfortable forming hypotheses from output data and methodically testing them against real, physical hardware.
• Self-Directed & Autonomous: You can pick up an unfamiliar codebase, read through documentation, and independently drive a project forward.
• Detail-Oriented: You instantly notice when sensor readings look slightly off and actively catch edge cases in data-processing logic.

This is what we expect you to bring to the table:

You have extensive practical experience designing and building projects outside your academic studies. We seek a candidate with a strong portfolio of projects, prepared to showcase examples during the interview and provide detailed explanations of their functionality, design decisions, challenges faced, and solutions implemented. Your past projects demonstrate reliability and innovative, yet simple designs. You excel at working independently, proactively seek structured feedback, and prioritize collaboration and clear communication.

Our values

We value clarity, ingenuity, and safety. If something goes wrong, we expect clear communication, a smart workaround, and a safe process. That’s how we operate.

We also care about impact. Our drones reduce CO₂ emissions by replacing large survey ships. They help protect marine ecosystems and support the safety of critical infrastructure.

What we offer you

• End-to-end ownership of technically complex projects — from concept to deployment
• A role in shaping our next-gen underwater drones and autonomy stack
• Friendly team of colleagues who are happy to help when required
• A workplace where planning is taken seriously, and your time is respected
• Internship compensation of €500 per month