Hardware Prototype & Test Engineer

Eight Sleep; San Francisco (CA); On-site; USD 100,000 - 130,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Full health, vision, dental insurance

Flexible PTO

Equity participation

Job summary

Eight Sleep, based in San Francisco, is looking for an experienced HW Test Engineer, Special Projects. This role involves end-to-end hardware test engineering including designing experiments, developing automated test applications, and collaborating across teams to support product lifecycle.

The ideal candidate will have a robust background in hardware/software testing, mechanical and electrical systems prototyping, and proficiency with tools like SolidWorks, along with hands-on experience in debugging and soldering.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of hardware/software test experience with a focus on integrated systems.
• Experience shipping high-volume consumer products with manufacturing support.
• Hands-on prototyping experience with mechanical and electrical systems.

Responsibilities

• Design and run experiments to validate performance of new designs.
• Develop automated test applications and GUIs for testing.
• Prototype and test complex electromechanical systems.

Skills

Hardware/software test experience

Prototyping mechanical and electrical systems

3D modeling (SolidWorks, ProEngineer)

Python or C#/WPF for test GUIs

Familiarity with hardware communication protocols (I2C, SPI)

Soldering and debugging skills

Education

BSEE, BSCE, BSCS, BSME or equivalent

Tools

3D printers

Bandsaw

Milling machine

Job description

The Role

We’re looking for an experienced HW Test Engineer, Special Projects to lead testing and validation of our products. You’ll be part of a small, mission‑driven team working on innovative new technology products with ample opportunities for career growth. This is end‑to‑end hardware test engineering – build physical prototypes, bring up hardware, run experiments to generate test data, and manage that data to create actionable information for the team. This is not QA; it’s test for hardware systems and manufacturing environments. The role is based out of our San Francisco office 5 days/week or Boulder/Denver area, with expected travel up to 20%.

Responsibilities

• Design and run experiments to validate the performance of new designs and track and analyze results.
• Develop and maintain automated test applications and GUIs for production environments, hardware validation, and reliability testing.
• Prototype and test complex electromechanical systems, including sensors, pumps, mechanisms, and electronics.
• Build prototypes using techniques such as 3D printing, machining, and quick‑turn tooling with in‑house tools and external suppliers.
• Collaborate with mechanical, electrical, and software engineering to support efforts across the product development lifecycle.
• Develop test systems using embedded hardware like Arduino and code in Python.
• Integrate software with physical instrumentation and custom hardware/firmware.
• Design operator‑friendly user interfaces for running and monitoring tests (desktop or web‑based).
• Architect, design, and implement data visualization and test result reporting.
• Document methodologies to help the team use the tools you create.
• Design, build, and deploy custom physical test fixtures and jigs for R&D and manufacturing environments, specifying sensors and mechanical interfaces.
• Perform hands‑on root‑cause analysis and debug of electrical and mechanical failures in test systems and products down to the component or PCB level.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of hardware/software test experience with a focus on integrated systems.
• Track record of shipping high‑volume consumer products, including manufacturing support in Asia; willingness and ability to travel to China as needed.
• Hands‑on prototyping experience with mechanical and electrical systems.
• Proficiency with 3D modeling (e.g., SolidWorks, ProEngineer, etc.).
• Experience using and maintaining basic shop tools like 3D printers, bandsaw, and milling machine.
• Experience with Python or C#/WPF for test GUIs.
• Experience with Git, GitHub, command‑line scripting tools, Homebrew (macOS), and apt (Linux).
• Experience soldering, wiring, and debugging.
• Familiarity with hardware communication protocols (I2C, SPI, etc.).
• Understanding of test sequencing, data logging, and hardware automation.
• Hands‑on experience with PCB bring‑up, debug, and rework.
• BSEE, BSCE, BSCS, BSME or equivalent; MS preferred.

Benefits

• Full access to health, vision, and dental insurance for you and your dependents.
• Supplemental life insurance.
• Flexible PTO.
• Commuter benefits to ease your daily commute.
• Paid parental leave.
• Equity participation with periodic equity refreshments based on performance.
• Your own Pod, the product you help build.

*List of benefits may vary depending on your location