Manager of Test Operations

Apptronik; Austin (TX); On-site; USD 150,000 - 210,000; Full time

Job summary

Apptronik in Austin, TX seeks a Manager, Test Operations to lead hands-on development of scalable manufacturing test infrastructure for robotic systems, from NPI through production ramp.

The role focuses on test automation, hardware-software integration, and providing robust diagnostic tools on the manufacturing floor, working with test/validation engineers, firmware teams, and manufacturing operations.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of leading complex electromechanical system test development for automated manufacturing systems.
• Experience developing scalable architectures for test infrastructure.
• Proven ability to lead engineers and deliver cross-disciplinary systems.

Responsibilities

• Lead the team that deploys manufacturing test software and hardware for PCBAs, actuators, cables, and full robot systems.
• Own testing processes, reliability, and deployment across manufacturing environments.
• Establish APIs/interfaces between test software and hardware systems; drive CI/CD and code reviews.

Skills

Technical leadership

Test automation

Cross-functional collaboration

Manufacturing test

Robotics

Education

Bachelor's degree in a relevant field

Tools

Jira

Git

ROS/ROS2

EtherCAT

CAN

RS485

Linux

CI/CD

Job description

• Apptronik is building advanced humanoid robots at scale, and manufacturing test is a critical part of ensuring reliability, quality, and production readiness across all robot subsystems
• We are seeking a Manager, Test Operations to be a hands-on technical leader to drive development, maintainability, and scalable hardware and software integrated solutions used for manufacturing and validation testing of robotic systems
• This role will work closely with test and validation engineers, systems engineers, firmware developers, manufacturing, and operations teams to implement robust and maintainable test infrastructure supporting products from early NPI through production ramp
• This is a highly hands-on role focused on test automation, systems integration and manufacturing support in a fast-paced robotics environment
• Lead the team that deploys manufacturing test software and hardware for:
• PCBAs
• Actuators
• Cable harnesses
• Electromechanical subassemblies
• Full robot system testing
• Ensure the team develops scalable and modular test frameworks used across multiple test stations and product lines
• Focus the team on delivering automated functional tests, hardware validation tools, and diagnostic utilities to the manufacturing floor
• Establish criteria for APIs and interfaces between test software and hardware systems
• Own the testing process reliability, maintainability, and deployment consistency across manufacturing environments
• Champion flawless integration of:
• Embedded systems
• Firmware interfaces
• Sensors and actuators
• Motion control systems
• Data acquisition hardware
• Establish technical direction for hardware bring-up, debug activities, troubleshooting and communication issues in manufacturing environments
• Collaborate with test and validation engineering teams to ensure products are designed with testability and manufacturability in mind
• Drive best practices and process improvements within the test organization
• Ensure test documentation, procedures, and architecture diagrams are maintained
• Implement code reviews and software release processes (CI/CD)
• Manufacturing Operations Support:
• Deliver processes and key metrics that provide actionable data for:
• Ensuring internal manufacturing operations and contract manufacturers are fully supported for deployment, maintenance, and troubleshooting of manufacturing test stations
• Supporting rapidly changing production ramps and resolving manufacturing test issues to minimize downtime
• Proposing manufacturing test requirements and workflows for future products

• Experience in robotics, aerospace, automotive, or similar electromechanical systems5+ years of experience in leading complex electromechanical system test development for automated manufacturing systems
• Ability to move throughout operational areas and maintain awareness of surrounding people, equipment, and robotic systems
• Ability to communicate effectively with team members during normal operations and when responding to safety or operational concerns
• Bachelor’s degree in Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, Robotics, or related field
• Experience developing scalable architectures for test infrastructure
• Issue tracking systems (Jira or similar)
• Familiarity with modern software development practices:Periods of sitting at a workstation and working on a computer
• Experience using AI-assisted software development tools and workflows
• Comfortable working in fast-paced and evolving environments
• Experience with communication protocols: ROS/ROS2, EtherCAT, CAN, RS485 …etc
• Familiarity with Linux-based development environments
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management; able to represent the team to senior leadership and customersExperience with automated data analysis and reporting toolsCI/CD workflowsCode reviews
• Proven technical leadership — leading engineers and owning delivery of complex, cross-disciplinary systems
• Serial communication protocols
• Networked systems
• Ability to safely lift and/or move approximately 15 pounds at times
• Experience supporting contract manufacturers or production environments
• Experience with manufacturing databases, MES systems, or traceability systems
• Willingness to travel to manufacturing sites, up to 20%
• Strong troubleshooting and problem-solving skills working with complex electromechanical systems
• Experience leading teams engaged with:Hardware/software integrationVisual ability necessary to operate equipment, monitor robotic systems, and read printed and digital materialsFormal people-management experience — hiring, developing, and directing a teamEmbedded systemsGitProlonged periods of standing and walking