Robot Software QA/Test Engineer

Simbe Robotics; Oakland (CA); On-site; USD 85,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

Simbe Robotics in Oakland, CA, is seeking a Robotics Software Test & QA Engineer to ensure the performance, reliability, and quality of Simbe’s robotics software through strong testing practices, automated test coverage, and continuous regression testing.

In this role, you’ll work closely with software engineers to design testing strategies, monitor and operate a local fleet of test robots, and rapidly triage issues uncovered through continuous testing.

Qualifications

• Deep knowledge of Linux, command-line tools.
• Scripting in Python (or similar).
• Ability to read and debug C++ and Python code across hardware-software systems.
• Experience testing software on robotics or embedded hardware.
• Understanding of C++ and Python codebases.
• Experience with testing frameworks like gtest.
• Exposure to cloud infrastructure and CI/CD practices.
• Familiarity with networking concepts (IPv4, NetworkManager, WPA2).
• Methodical debugging, triage, and documentation skills.
• Calm, patient, and communicative across teams.
• Comfortable solving unknown problems with research and AI tools.

Responsibilities

• Collaborate with engineers to develop testing practices and automate tests.
• Monitor a fleet of local test robots and run regression tests.
• Triage, debug, and analyze issues from automated/manual testing.
• Validate software behavior on physical robots and end-to-end systems.
• Assist with robot setup, configuration, and validation for releases.
• Document issues with clear reproduction steps and status.
• Improve test tooling, pipelines, and defect-detection signals.

Skills

Linux systems

Python scripting

C++ debugging

Robotics software testing

CI/CD practices

Networking concepts

Data analysis

Communication

Education

Bachelor’s degree in a related discipline

Tools

gtest

ROS/ROS2

CI/CD tooling

Job description

Simbe Robotics is a leading retail robotics company providing in-store intelligence solutions that help retailers optimize operations, improve shelf execution, and deliver valuable data insights. Our autonomous robots and multi-modal data collection systems are transforming how retailers manage inventory and make data-driven decisions.

Position Overview

We are seeking a Robotics Software Test & QA Engineer to help ensure the performance, reliability, and quality of Simbe’s robotics software through strong testing practices, automated test coverage, and continuous regression testing. In this role, you’ll work closely with software engineers to design and maintain testing strategies, monitor and operate a local fleet of test robots, and rapidly triage issues uncovered through continuous testing. The ideal candidate is technically hands‑on, methodical, and comfortable debugging complex software behavior across robot and cloud components.

This is not a traditional web, mobile, or API-focused SDET role; the position requires hands‑on testing and debugging of software operating on physical robots or similarly complex hardware‑software systems.

Responsibilities

• Work closely with software engineers to develop testing practices, improve testability, and build automated tests.
• Constantly monitor (manually and automatically) our fleet of local test robots and run continuous regression tests.
• Support triage, debugging, and root cause analysis of issues discovered through automated and manual testing.
• Perform hands‑on validation of software behavior on physical robots, including reproducing field issues and evaluating end‑to‑end system performance.
• Assist with robot setup, configuration, and validation in support of internal testing and release readiness.
• Document issues methodically, providing clear visibility into reproduction steps, impact, and resolution status.
• Continuously improve test tooling, pipelines, and quality signals to increase the speed and quality of defect detection.

Required Qualifications

• Deep working knowledge of Linux systems and command‑line tools.
• Working competence scripting in languages like Python (or similar).
• Ability to read and debug C++ and Python code while investigating failures on integrated hardware‑software systems.
• Experience testing software running on robotics, autonomous systems, embedded devices, connected hardware, vehicles, or another complex physical product.
• Understanding of C++ and Python code (reading/debugging across both).
• Experience with testing frameworks like gtest (or similar test frameworks).
• Exposure to cloud infrastructure and modern CI/CD practices.
• Familiarity with statistics or data‑science tools & methods
• Strong understanding of wired and wireless networking concepts (IPv4, NetworkManager, WPA2 security, etc.).
• Methodical and detail‑oriented in debugging, triaging, and documenting issues.
• Calm, patient, and communicative, especially when collaborating across teams.
• Comfortable resolving unknown problems using research, experimentation, and AI tools.

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in a related discipline
• Familiarity with robot operating systems (ROS/ROS2) and related tools.
• Prior experience testing or supporting autonomous robots, embedded systems, or distributed systems.
• Prior hands‑on experience testing or supporting autonomous robots, autonomous vehicles, embedded systems, or other physical products involving integrated software, hardware, sensors, and networking.
• Familiarity with remote monitoring and diagnostic tools for distributed systems.

$85,000 - $160,000 a year

The base salary offered is based on market location, and may vary further depending on individualized factors for job candidates, such as job‑related knowledge, skills, experience, and other objective business considerations. Subject to those same considerations, the total compensation package for this position may also include other elements, including equity compensation, in addition to a full range of medical, financial, and/or other benefits

Simbe’s approach emphasizes total rewards - base pay, equity, incentives, and benefits - rather than viewing compensation as cash alone. We believe the full package, including ownership through equity and well‑being support, is what drives engagement, retention, and alignment with our mission.

At Simbe, you will be at the forefront of retail innovation, working with cutting‑edge AI and robotics technologies to transform retail operations. Our culture is dynamic, inclusive, and driven by a passion for improving the way retailers operate and serve their customers. Join us to be a part of a team that is not only reshaping the future of retail but also offering immense value to our clients worldwide.

Simbe Values:R. E. T. A. I. L.

Result Driven -We are customer‑centric and results‑driven. We strive to create immense value for our team, partners, customers, and investors.

Empathetic -We are sensitive and mindful. We support each other in challenging times, both professionally and personally.

Transparent -We highly value open communication internally, and with our partners and customers. We are receptive to feedback.

Agile -We are agile and always eager to learn. We quickly adapt to changes and customer needs.

Innovative -We are bold and innovative, with an intense focus on product design and user experience.

Leaders -We strive for excellence. We are accountable, the best at what we do, and leaders in our field.