Hardware Test Engineer, Robotics & Dexterity R&D

Apptronik; Texas; On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Apptronik is a human-centered robotics company advancing AI-powered robots to support humanity, starting with manufacturing and logistics. We seek a Hardware Test Engineer for the Dexterity R&D program to develop and validate robotic hand hardware and ensure test quality across components to system level.

You will work hands-on assembling test articles, running tests, and feeding results back into design, while collaborating with ME, EE, and firmware teams to mature the hardware through

Qualifications

• Hands-on experience testing mechanical or electromechanical hardware, including setup, instrumentation, data collection, and analysis.
• Ability to write structured test plans with clear pass/fail criteria and traceable documentation.
• Experience designing and building test fixtures or benchtop test setups.
• Ability to read mechanical drawings, electrical schematics, and component datasheets.
• Familiarity with data acquisition systems and benchtop instruments (force/torque sensors, encoders, DAQs).
• Experience on multi-disciplinary hardware teams with fast iteration cycles.
• Systematic approach to debugging and root-cause analysis.
• Python competency for data processing and analysis.
• Ability to leverage AI agents for debug and development support

Responsibilities

• Test Strategy & Planning: Help define what needs to be validated across the Dexterity hardware program and translate design requirements into structured test plans at the component, sub-assembly, and system levels.
• Test Plan Authoring: Write test plans and procedures covering objectives, setup, instrumentation, pass/fail criteria, and data requirements, with traceability from requirements through results.
• Test Article Assembly: Assemble and configure test articles from prototype hardware, including instrumented builds and revision-controlled configurations, in close coordination with ME and EE.
• Test Execution: Execute tests from individual components (joints, linkages, actuators, sensors) through integrated system-level evaluations. Collect, process, and analyze data with attention to measurement quality.
• Results Reporting & Recommendations: Produce structured test reports with findings and recommendations that connect results to design implications, not just pass/fail outcomes.
• Design for Test Consulting: Engage with ME and EE during the design phase to identify instrumentation needs, access requirements, and fixture interfaces before hardware is built.
• Test Fixture Design & Fabrication: Design and build custom test fixtures and benchtop setups appropriate for an R&D environment, iterating as hardware evolves.
• Harnessing Support: Support the design, assembly, and documentation of wiring harnesses for Dexterity prototype hardware, ensuring routing, strain relief, and test-access requirements are met.
• PLM Engagement: Use the PLM system to manage test documentation, track hardware revisions, and keep test records aligned with the current hardware configuration.
• Root-Cause Analysis & Feedback: Diagnose test failures and anomalies with structured, data-driven analysis and provide clear feedback to design teams.
• Embedded Team Participation: Participate in design reviews, contribute to hardware decisions, and maintain active feedback loops with ME, EE, firmware, and controls engineers throughout the development cycle.

Skills

Hands-on hardware testing

Structured test planning

Test fixture design

Reading drawings & schematics

Data analysis

Python for data processing

AI-assisted debugging

Education

BS in Mechanical/Electrical Engineering, Robotics, Mechatronics or related

MS in related field (optional)

Tools

Python

PLM systems (Arena/Windchill/Teamcenter)

CAD (SolidWorks, Onshape)

Data acquisition systems (DAQs)

Job description

Apptronik is a human-centered robotics company advancing AI-powered robots to support humanity, starting with manufacturing and logistics. We seek a Hardware Test Engineer for the Dexterity R&D program to develop and validate robotic hand hardware and ensure test quality across components to system level.

You will work hands-on assembling test articles, running tests, and feeding results back into design, while collaborating with ME, EE, and firmware teams to mature the hardware through