Hardware Quality/Test Engineer

Darkhive; San Antonio (TX); On-site; USD 70,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

Join a forward-thinking company dedicated to making robotics accessible in public safety and defense. As a Hardware Quality & Test Engineer, you will lead validation efforts for autonomous aerial systems, ensuring they meet high performance and regulatory standards. This hands-on role involves developing test strategies, collaborating with engineers, and shaping the future of tactical robotics. With a mission-first team of experts, you will thrive in a supportive environment that values innovation and teamwork. If you are passionate about technology and eager to make an impact, this opportunity is for you.

Benefits

Medical, dental, and vision insurance

401k with immediate vesting

Unlimited vacation

Stock options

Supportive work environment

Qualifications

• 5-7 years of experience testing electronic or electromechanical products.
• Hands-on skills in electronics troubleshooting and hardware prototyping.

Responsibilities

• Own the end-to-end testing process for hardware, including compliance testing.
• Develop and execute test plans and validation protocols.

Skills

Testing electronic products

Electromechanical troubleshooting

Technical writing

Regulatory compliance knowledge

Team collaboration

Education

Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering

Master's degree in Engineering (Bonus)

Tools

Test fixtures

Automated testing systems

Job description

2 days ago Be among the first 25 applicants

About Darkhive, LLC

Darkhive is making robotics accessible. Established in 2021, we are focused on the application of robotics in the public safety and defense communities. Our approach in accessibility is built on three pillars: low-cost, ease-of-use, and open interface design.

With our autonomy software stack, military and public safety users interact intuitively with our robotics platforms, enabling them to understand their environment and make decisions when it matters most. Our palm-sized, autonomous drone demonstrates the capabilities of our integrated software and hardware solutions.

Darkhive is a growing team of U.S. Special Operations veterans, aerospace engineers, robotics perception experts, DevSecOps, defense technology executives, and dedicated support staff. Above all, we are a mission-first team. We believe that the U.S. and our allies deserve high-quality, affordable tools that keep them safe when each second counts.

If you are a problem solver seeking a highly collaborative and innovative environment, apply with Darkhive today!

The Hardware Quality & Test Engineer Role

Darkhive is seeking a highly motivated Hardware Quality & Test Engineer to lead validation and compliance efforts across our autonomous aerial systems. This role is critical to ensuring our drones meet high standards of performance, reliability, and regulatory compliance in real-world environments.

As a key member of our hardware team, you'll translate user requirements into rigorous test plans and own the test strategy from prototype to production. Your work will include building test fixtures, executing validation protocols, and coordinating with certification labs, directly impacting the success and safety of our solutions. This is a hands-on, collaborative role for someone who thrives in fast-paced environments and wants to shape the future of tactical robotics.

Job responsibilities include:

• Own the end-to-end testing process for Darkhive hardware, including functional, performance, system, regression, and compliance testing
• Develop and execute test plans, procedures, and validation protocols based on product requirements
• Collaborate with hardware engineers to identify and implement test cases throughout the product lifecycle
• Design and build test fixtures that simulate real-world conditions to enable accelerated testing
• Analyze results, report defects or risks, and present data-driven insights to stakeholders
• Ensure products meet regulatory certifications (e.g., FCC, FAA) by coordinating with testing labs
• Support Verification & Validation (V&V) in pilot and production environments
• Maintain comprehensive records of test activities, timelines, and outcomes

This is an on-site, exempt, non-supervisory position based in San Antonio, Texas, reporting to the Director of Hardware. Candidates must reside in or be willing to relocate to San Antonio.

Requirements

Qualifications you bring:

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or related field
• 5-7+ years of experience testing electronic or electromechanical products in development or manufacturing
• Experience with manufacturing test strategies, including DFT, structural/functional testing, and automated systems
• Hands-on skills in electronics troubleshooting, hardware prototyping, and mechanical test fixture development
• Familiarity with regulatory standards and compliance requirements
• Strong technical writing and documentation skills
• Detail-oriented with the ability to work independently and in teams
• Legally authorized to work in the U.S.

Bonus Qualifications:

• Master's degree in an engineering discipline
• U.S. Military Veteran

Physical and Mental Requirements

• Ability to sit/stand for periods
• Use of keyboard, mouse, and equipment with or without accommodations
• Maintain awareness during business hours
• Lift up to 15 pounds
• Excellent communication skills in English
• Ability to learn and memorize routine tasks

Selection Process

• Application review
• Pre-screen with recruiter
• Phone interview with hiring manager
• Take-home project
• In-person or video interview

Benefits

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance (employer-paid options)
• 401k with immediate vesting
• Unlimited vacation, sick leave, paid holidays
• Stock options
• Supportive work environment and work-life balance

Darkhive is an equal opportunity employer. We prohibit discrimination based on race, gender, age, religion, and other protected statuses.