Hardware R&D Test Engineer

Emtech; Seattle (WA); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401(k) matching

Education assistance

Paid vacation & personal day

Health insurance

Job summary

Emtech in Seattle is seeking a Hardware R&D Test Engineer to advance our robotic hardware test operations. You will help design, implement, and optimize test strategies to ensure safe, reliable, and repeatable testing of our robotic products and systems.

You will own test readiness, develop fixtures, and collaborate with design, software, and operations teams to translate test findings into actionable design feedback.

Qualifications

• B.S. in mechanical/electrical/aerospace/mechatronics, or related field with 3+ years of experience.
• Hands-on experience with hardware test stands, electromechanical systems, or robotic hardware.
• Experience owning system uptime, reliability, and performance, including troubleshooting and RCA.
• Experience executing complex tests with emphasis on repeatability, safety, and continuous improvement.
• Valid driver's license.

Responsibilities

• Streamline, optimize, and develop new testing strategies.
• Design and assemble hardware test fixtures; assist controls engineers with commissioning and bring tests online.
• Own test readiness: pre-run setup, system checks, troubleshooting, and analysis.
• Operate and support day-to-day hardware and reliability tests on robotic hardware; monitor test stands and instrumentation to maximize uptime.
• Identify, diagnose, and resolve issues on test systems and hardware under test to minimize downtime and ensure data flow.
• Perform root cause analysis on failures that occur during testing.
• Apply engineering fundamentals to interpret test data, including failure modes and trends.
• Drive continuous improvement of test operations to reduce variability in results.
• Collect, organize, and present data; share findings with test owners and design team members.

Skills

Hardware testing

Troubleshooting

Robotic hardware

Python

DAQ systems

MATLAB

Allen-Bradley PLCs

Data pipelines

Education

B.S. in Mechanical/Electrical/Aerospace/Mechatronics or related field

Tools

DAQ systems

MATLAB

Python

Allen-Bradley PLCs

Job description

Ready for the Next Step in Your Career in Robotics?

Our culture is not just about hard work--we are also about having fun, working together, and making a real difference. We are committed to creating a positive, accepting environment where everyone feels valued, respected, and empowered to grow.

Role: Hardware R&D Test Engineer

Job Summary:

You'll help design and improve the test operations behind our hardware. As a member of our team, you'll play a critical role in safe, reliable, and repeatable testing of robotic products and systems. You'll contribute to test execution, test readiness, and continuous improvement of how we generate and deliver test data.

Responsibilities:

• Streamline, optimize, and develop new testing strategies
• Design and assemble hardware test fixtures. Assist controls engineers with commissioning, bring tests online, and maintain test beds throughout test life.
• Own test readiness: pre-run setup, system checks, troubleshooting, and analysis
• Operate and support day-to-day hardware and reliability tests on robotic hardware. Monitor test stands, fixtures, and instrumentation, with a focus on uptime
• Identify, diagnose, and resolve issues on test systems and hardware under test to minimize downtime and keep data flowing
• Perform root cause analysis on failures that occur during testing
• Apply engineering fundamentals (mechanical, electromechanical, controls) to interpret test data, including failure modes, wear, and performance trends
• Drive continuous improvement of test operations: refine procedures, make systems more robust, and reduce variability in test results
• Collect, organize, and present data. Maintain test logs, flag anomalies, and report findings to test owners and design team members. Take part in team meetings to firm up findings, decide on next steps, and share learnings across the team.
• Work cross-functionally with design, software, and operations teams to turn test findings into design feedback and verified fixes

Qualifications:

• B.S. with 3+ years of relevant experience in Mechanical, Electrical, Aerospace, Mechatronics, or a related field or equal and relevant work experience in a related field
• Hands-on experience operating, maintaining, or improving hardware test stands, electromechanical systems, or robotic hardware
• Experience owning system uptime, reliability, and performance, including troubleshooting and root cause analysis
• Experience executing complex tests or operations with a focus on repeatability, safety, and continuous improvement
• Valid Driver's license

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience with robotic arms, end-effectors, or high-cycle-count electromechanical assemblies.
• Familiarity with reliability and life testing concepts (Weibull, MTBF, accelerated test methodology).
• Strong problem-solving, and responds well to real-time issues with minimal supervision
• Track record of working well in a team and contributing to a high-performance environment
• Experience mentoring and training others on system operations
• Experience with Python, DAQ systems, Allen-Bradley PLCs, MATLAB, and Parquet-based data pipelines

Conditions of Employment

• Employment is contingent on a background check conducted after a conditional offer, in accordance with the Washington Fair Chance Act, and on employment eligibility verification (Federal I-9).
• Ability to work flexible schedules to meet company and project deadlines.

Physical Requirements and Work Environment

This position operates in a robotics lab and test environment with active test stands, fixtures, and robotic hardware. Exposure to machinery, moderate noise levels, and varying lighting is expected.

• Ability to lift and carry up to 50 lbs. on occasion.
• Ability to stand for extended periods while setting up, running, and monitoring tests.
• Ability to sit for long periods when performing data analysis and documentation.
• Ability to stoop, kneel, and move about as needed in the lab.
• Ability to communicate effectively in written and verbal modalities.

Benefits:

Emtech offers a coordinated benefits package designed to support your health, your finances, and your future. Full-time employees (30 or more hours per week) are eligible for:

• Medical, Dental & Vision — Medical through 90 Degree Benefits (First Health Network), Principal PPO dental, and Principal/VSP vision, starting the first of the month after 60 days.
• Health Savings Account (HSA) — Tax-free savings through HSA Bank that pairs with your medical plan.
• TaxGuard Med+ (GAP+) — Free virtual doctor visits, health coaches, 37+ free prescriptions, plus gap and hospital indemnity coverage, starting the first of the month after 90 days.
• 401(k) with Employer Match — Safe Harbor match of 100% of the first 3% and 50% of the next 2%, vested immediately. Eligible after 90 days.
• Education Assistance — Emtech reimburses 50% of qualified tuition, fees, and required books and supplies, up to $5,250 per year taxfree (IRS Section 127), for accredited degree or certification programs related to your role. Pre-approval required.
• Paid Vacation & Personal Day — 48 hours in Year 1 (including an 8-hour birthday Personal Day), increasing with service to 168 hours by Year 6. Accrual begins after 30 days.
• Paid Sick Leave — Accrues from your first day of work.
• Paid Holidays — Six paid holidays per year (8 hours each).
• Bereavement Leave — Up to three paid days for the loss of an immediate or close family member.
• Commuter Benefits — Emtech pays 50% of a monthly ORCA transit pass for Seattle-based employees.
• Team Culture — Supportive environment and company-hosted events.

Why Emtech?

At Emtech, we intentionally cultivate an environment where employees feel supported, valued, and encouraged to grow. We believe work is about people — not just tasks — and we're committed to creating opportunities where individuals thrive while contributing to our mission of empowering innovation and delivering exceptional service.

Work Authorization

Applicants must be authorized to work for ANY employer in the US. All applicants must have current and ongoing authorization to work in the US without employer sponsorship. This position is not eligible for relocation assistance.