Actuator Test Engineer — Robotics Systems

Mind Robotics; Palo Alto (CA); On-site; USD 110,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

Mind Robotics in Palo Alto is seeking an Actuator Test Engineer to build the dynamometer test infrastructure and verify how each actuator on the robot performs. You will design fixtures, build test stands, and run characterization tests that drive actuator selection and sizing.

You will collaborate with mechanical, electrical, and software teams to ensure robust test procedures, generate actionable data, and scale testing from a bench to a fleet of units.

Qualifications

• 3+ years of hands-on experience testing and characterizing real electromechanical or robotic hardware.
• Ability to design and build test hardware such as fixtures, stands, and drivelines from concept through fabrication.
• Proficiency with 3D CAD and the ability to generate 2D drawings with GD&T per ASME Y14.5.

Responsibilities

• Design and build the dynamometer test systems, including mechanical driveline, load application, and sensor integration (torque, position, thermal).
• Design and fabricate test fixtures and stands for actuator, gearbox, and driveline validation, producing accurate 2D drawings with GD&T (ASME Y14.5) for tight tolerances and proper fits.
• Run tests on actuators to characterize torque, speed, efficiency, thermal performance, stiffness, friction, bandwidth, life-cycle, backlash, and torque sensor accuracy.
• Support electromechanical integration of motors, encoders, torque sensors, and other components onto test rigs.
• Generate and visualize the data that drives actuator selection and sizing decisions
• Build repeatable test procedures and data pipelines that scale from a single actuator on a bench to characterizing units across the fleet.
• Quantify unit-to-unit variation, track drift and wear over time, and flag outlier units.
• Perform post-test teardown inspections (gear wear, bearing wear, lubrication condition, wiring/sensor integrity) and document findings rigorously.

Skills

Test hardware

Electromechanical testing

Robotics hardware

3D CAD

Education

Bachelor's or Master’s in ME/EE/Mechatronics

Tools

CATIA V6

Job description

Mind Robotics in Palo Alto is seeking an Actuator Test Engineer to build the dynamometer test infrastructure and verify how each actuator on the robot performs. You will design fixtures, build test stands, and run characterization tests that drive actuator selection and sizing.

You will collaborate with mechanical, electrical, and software teams to ensure robust test procedures, generate actionable data, and scale testing from a bench to a fleet of units.