Automation Operations Engineer

EPAM Systems; United States; On-site; USD 110,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

EPAM Systems in Silicon Valley Cupertino laboratory is seeking an Automation Operations Engineer to deploy, maintain, and run hardware test fixtures for cutting-edge consumer electronics developed for billions of users.

You will work with world-class experts to configure DUTs, automate tests with Python, manage lab infrastructure, and report results daily.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or equivalent practical experience.
• Proficiency in Python-based test automation and basic scripting.
• Experience deploying automated fixtures and hardware test setups.
• Familiarity with infrastructure/configuration management (Ansible, Puppet).
• Strong shell scripting, networking, and macOS administration.
• Excellent debugging, communication, and teamwork across locations.

Responsibilities

• Set up, deploy, and maintain test devices and fixtures for automation testing.
• Build and modify hardware test setups with secure handling.
• Maintain test infrastructure, including agent staging and smoke testing.
• Run experiments on daily builds and monitor results.
• Perform root-cause analysis when tests fail.
• Create test reports, dashboards, and status updates.
• Develop and update assembly/disassembly procedures.
• Keep lab space organized and well-maintained.
• Transport prototype devices between centers within required timelines.
• Identify design/process improvements to minimize downtime.

Skills

Python scripting

Shell scripting

Debugging

Test automation

Hardware testing

Lab equipment handling

Data analysis

Education

Bachelor's degree in Computer/Electrical Engineering

Tools

Ansible

Puppet

Job description

We are seeking a dedicated Automation Operations Engineer to join our team in the heart of Silicon Valley, working directly with world-class experts and technologies at a world-famous, public California-based multinational technology leader. In this role, you will be responsible for deploying, maintaining, and executing hardware test fixtures in our Cupertino lab - contributing directly to cutting-edge consumer electronics products and services used by billions of people every day.

Responsibilities

• Fixture & Device Setup: Set up, deploy, and maintain test devices and fixtures for automation testing, including mechanical setup and device-under-test (DUT) configuration as instructed by the engineering team
• Hardware Handling & Modification: Build models, disassemble, modify, and re-assemble systems; handle prototype and development hardware with strict adherence to security and handling protocols
• Infrastructure Support: Work alongside engineers to bring up and maintain test infrastructure, taking responsibility for agent staging, updates, and smoke testing
• Execution & Monitoring: Run experiments defined by staff engineers, start tests on daily software builds, and monitor them for success
• Debugging & Troubleshooting: Perform failure recovery, troubleshooting, and root cause analysis when automation or hardware test setups fail
• Data Analysis & Reporting: Perform basic analysis of test data validity, create test reports, summaries, and dashboards, and provide daily/weekly status updates with clear timelines and deliverables
• Documentation: Develop and update associated documentation, including assembly/disassembly procedures and agent update guides
• Lab Management: Maintain a clean, organized, and well-managed lab space, ensuring equipment and devices are properly accounted for and maintained
• Logistics & Transportation: Handle prototype device pickup within 48 hours of availability, deploy new prototype devices to test areas within 48 hours of pickup, and transport devices between distribution centers and labs (requiring travel between buildings using a personal vehicle)
• Process Improvement: Identify and propose design, process, or performance improvements to engineers to minimize test fixture downtime

Requirements

• Education: Bachelor's degree in Computer Engineering, Software Engineering, or equivalent practical experience
• Automation & Scripting: Familiarity with Python-based test automation; comfortable writing basic scripts, debugging small issues, and interacting with microcontrollers and I/O devices
• Hardware & Fixtures: Experience deploying automated fixtures, including mechanical setup
• Infrastructure & Systems: Experience with infrastructure and configuration management systems (e.g., Ansible, Puppet)
• OS & Networking: Solid experience with shell scripting, networking, and managing macOS systems
• Soft Skills & Adaptability: Self-sufficient problem solver with excellent debugging skills, high attention to detail, and the ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment with changing priorities
• Communication: Excellent written and verbal communication skills for effective collaboration with cross-location teams
• Interest: A strong interest and enthusiasm for hardware testing

Nice to have

• Familiarity with Python test frameworks and test development
• Familiarity with Apple products and ecosystem
• Experience with 3D printing, soldering, and similar tools
• Experience working with robotic test fixtures
• Prior professional experience in hardware (HW) testing