Senior Hardware Test Engineer - Actuation

Apptronik; Austin (TX); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary w/ benefits

Equity incentive package

Flexible work hours

Professional development opportunities

Generous Paid Time Off

401k plan

Job summary

A robotics technology firm in Austin is seeking a Senior Hardware Test Engineer - Actuation. The successful candidate will own the validation for robotic actuation systems, define testing strategies, and lead integration with manufacturing processes. Applicants should possess a Bachelor's in Engineering and 7+ years of experience in hardware testing, with hands-on knowledge of servo systems and automated test environments. This role contributes significantly to the robotics industry, with a strong focus on teamwork and innovative engineering solutions.

Qualifications

• Experience testing servo-driven actuators or motion systems.
• Understanding of servo control and motor drive systems.
• Proven leadership in technical projects from concept to deployment.

Responsibilities

• Define test strategies for robotic actuator manufacturing validation.
• Collaborate with systems teams for actuator architectures.
• Support transitions to high-volume manufacturing.

Skills

Testing servo-driven actuators

Servo control systems

Motor drives

Closed-loop feedback systems

Automated test systems

Cross-functional collaboration

Fast-paced robotics environment

Education

Bachelor's degree in Electrical, Mechanical Engineering

7+ years in hardware test or system validation

Tools

EtherCAT motion networks

Job description

Apptronik is a human-centered robotics company developing AI-powered robots to support humanity in every facet of life. Our flagship humanoid robot, Apollo, is built to collaborate thoughtfully with people, starting with critical industries such as manufacturing and logistics, with future applications in healthcare, the home, and beyond.

We operate at the cutting edge of embodied AI, applying our expertise across the full robotics stack to solve some of society's most important problems. You will join a team dedicated to bringing Apollo to market at scale, tackling the complex challenges like safety, commercialization, and mass production to change the world for the better.

Job Summary

As a Senior Hardware Test Engineer - Actuation, you will own the validation infrastructure for the robotic actuation systems that power Apptronik's humanoid robots. This includes defining how actuators are tested, validated, and qualified before they are integrated into the robot and deployed to production.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Actuation Test Ownership

• Serve as the technical owner for manufacturing validation of robot actuators
• Define test strategies for servo-driven electromechanical systems, including:
  • Calibration and alignment
  • Functional validation
  • Performance characterization
  • Fault detection and failure analysis
• Ensure test coverage supports product reliability and manufacturability Test System Architecture
• Define the architecture and requirements for actuator test systems and fixtures
• Work with internal software teams to translate test requirements into automated test software
• Specify instrumentation and interfaces including:
  • Servo drives and motor controllers
  • EtherCAT motion networks
  • Position, torque, current, temperature, and vibration sensors
  • Data acquisition systems
  • Lead integration and validation of automated test stations

System Integration

• Collaborate with controls, hardware, firmware, and systems teams to ensure testability is designed into actuator architectures
• Support integration with manufacturing infrastructure including MES systems and production databases
• Lead bring-up, debugging, and release of new test stations

Production Ramp & Sustaining Engineering

• Support transition from engineering builds to high-volume manufacturing
• Improve test processes for:
  • Yield
  • Cycle time
  • Reliability detection
  • Investigate and resolve production issues related to actuator performance
  • Drive continuous improvement of test systems and validation methodologies

Manufacturing Enablement

• Develop and maintain:
  • Operator and technician training materials
  • Test equipment maintenance plans
  • Calibration procedures
  • Troubleshooting workflows
  • Create clear, production-ready documentation including test procedures, specifications, and system diagrams

Skills and Requirements

• Hands-on experience testing servo-driven actuators or motion systems
• Strong understanding of:
  • Servo control systems
  • Motor drives
  • Closed-loop feedback systems
  • Experience working with EtherCAT-based motion networks
  • Experience deploying automated test systems for hardware products
  • Proven ability to lead complex technical projects from concept through production deployment
  • Strong cross-functional collaboration with hardware, controls, and manufacturing teams
  • Comfortable working in fast-paced robotics or hardware product environments

Education and/or Experience

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical, Electronic, Mechanical Engineering, or relevant experience.
• 7+ years of experience in hardware test, manufacturing test, or system validation of electromechanical systems

Physical Requirements

• Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer
• Must be able to lift 15 pounds at times
• Vision to read printed materials and a computer screen
• Hearing and speech to communicate

Perks

• Competitive salary w/ benefits
• Highly motivating equity incentive package
• Flexible work hours policy
• Professional development opportunities
• Generous Paid Time Off (PTO)
• 401k plan

Apptronik provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.