Hardware Test Engineer - Drone Systems

Neros Technologies; Torrance (CA); On-site; USD 86,000 - 120,500; Full time

Job summary

Neros Technologies is seeking a hands-on Manufacturing Hardware Test Engineer to own critical test aspects from initial concepts through production. The role reports to the Head of NPI & Test and offers an opportunity to shape how products are tested and brought to market.

You will prototype, bring-up, debug, and characterize test instruments, while partnering with design and manufacturing teams to ensure robust test coverage and quality across the product life cycle.

Qualifications

• B.S. in Electrical Engineering or related is required with at least 5 years of relevant experience.
• Experience in software development using Python and electronics debugging tools (DMM, Oscilloscopes) is required.
• Familiarity with hardware bus protocols such as USB, I2C, I2S, SPI, CAN is expected.

Responsibilities

• Prototyping, bring-up, debugging, and characterization of test instruments for new products.
• Design and implement modular test hardware systems for fast, repeatable testing of drone systems.
• Support manufacturing test bring-up, root cause analysis of defects, and implement resolutions.
• Utilize measurement analysis techniques (GRR, Process Capability Analysis) to ensure accurate test results.
• Develop test strategies to optimize safety, reliability, and risk mitigation, including high RPN items in FMEA.
• Drive DFT (Design for Test) for future programs and post-ramp changes.
• Analyze data and communicate test results; collaborate with design engineers on issues.
• Manage purchasing, building, integration, and commissioning of functional test systems.
• Support quality field failure analysis to identify and resolve post-production issues.

Skills

Python development

Cross-functional collaboration

Test planning

Education

B.S. in Electrical Engineering

Tools

DMM

Oscilloscopes

Schematic reading

Job description

Who we are

Neros is a defense technology company rebuilding America's drone industrial base. We design and manufacture high-performance unmanned systems that are tested in combat, iterated at startup speed, and built at massive scale. Our team culture is fast, hands-on, and obsessed with closing the gap between design and deployment.

As drones transform the character of warfare, Neros is delivering the systems the West needs to compete on the modern battlefield and deter the adversaries of democracy. We're hiring engineers, operators, and builders who want to move fast, take on extreme ownership, and get capability into the hands of warfighters in months, not years.

What you will be doing

Are you a hands-on Manufacturing Hardware Test Engineer eager to shape the future of products from the ground up? Neros, a fast-growing startup, is seeking a talented individual to own critical aspects of our products, from initial design concepts through full-scale production. This high-impact role reports directly to our Head of NPI & Test and offers an exciting opportunity to drive innovation.

Responsibilities

• Prototyping, Bring-up, Debug, and Characterization of test instruments for new products
• Design and implement novel, modular test hardware systems to facilitate fast, repeatable testing of drone systems
• Support manufacturing test bring-up, root cause analysis of defects, and implement resolutions
• Utilize measurement analysis techniques such as GRR (Gauge Repeatability and Reproducibility) and Process Capability Analysis to ensure accurate test results
• Develop test strategies that optimize product safety, reliability, and risk mitigation, including coverage for FMEA (Failure Modes and Effects Analysis) high RPN items
• Drive DFT (Design for Test) for future programs and post-ramp qualification changes
• Data analysis and communication of test results, collaborating with design engineers to address product issues and improve performance
• Manage the purchasing, building, integration, and final commissioning of functional test systems
• Support quality field failure analysis to identify and resolve issues during post-production

You should have the following

• B.S. in Electrical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Computer Engineering, or a related field, with a minimum of 5 years of relevant experience
• Experience in software development (using Python), electronics debugging tools (e.g., DMM, Oscilloscopes), and/or circuit and electrical engineering fundamentals (e.g., schematics/data sheets)
• Familiarity with hardware communication bus protocols such as USB, I2C, I2S, SPI, CAN, etc.
• Experience with sensing technologies, including Touch, Vision, Optics, RF, IMUs, Barometers, and Battery systems
• Expertise in developing test strategies for complex products and systems
• Strong understanding of the product life cycle from prototype to production, including key deliverables and testing phases
• Collaborative mindset to work with cross-functional teams in support of product development from prototype to production

Nice to have

• Experience with sensing technologies, IMUs, barometers, battery systems, camera, RF, and BLDC motor technologies (and testing)
• Experience with integrating camera vision systems to detect manufacturing defects on the line
• Experience with integrating robot arms for manufacturing processes
• Experience with custom python-based test automation frameworks
• Exposure to reliability and environmental testing (HALT/HASS, thermal, vibration, RF)
• Exposure to new vendor bring up and supplier quality audits

US Salary Range

$86,000 - $120,500 USD

The salary range for this role is an estimate based on a wide range of compensation factors, inclusive of base salary only. Actual salary may vary based on (but not limited to) work experience, education and/or training, critical skills, and/or business considerations. Highly competitive equity grants are considered part of Neros' total compensation package.

We're an equal opportunity employer. We welcome all applicants without attention to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran or disability status.