Software Engineer, Manufacturing Test Systems

Skildai Careers; San Mateo (CA); On-site; USD 100,000 - 300,000; Full time

Job summary

Skildai Careers is seeking a zero-to-one software engineer in San Mateo, California to develop the manufacturing test and production systems for our robotic assembly line. This role requires hands-on work, interfacing with engineering teams to create scalable software solutions.

The ideal candidate will have a background in robotics or complex manufacturing processes, and will be responsible for automating testing and integrating hardware with cloud systems. The base salary ranges from $100,000 to $300,000 USD.

Qualifications

• Background in robotics, aerospace, or complex electromechanical manufacturing.
• Comfortable writing code for both physical and cloud-based systems.
• Ownership mindset for iterating on the software in production.

Responsibilities

• Develop software to automate subassembly and system checkouts.
• Interface test PCs and edge devices with physical systems.
• Build reliable workflows and UIs for technicians.
• Design data models and backend services for test results.
• Serve as the bridge between test software and broader factory systems.

Skills

Test Automation

Hardware Integration

Cloud & Data Pipelines

Operator Tools

Job description

Company Overview

At Skild AI, we are building the world's first general purpose robotic intelligence that is robust and adapts to unseen scenarios without failing. We believe massive scale through data-driven machine learning is the key to unlocking these capabilities for the widespread deployment of robots within society. Our team consists of individuals with varying levels of experience and backgrounds, from new graduates to domain experts. Relevant industry experience is important, but ultimately less so than your demonstrated abilities and attitude. We are looking for passionate individuals who are eager to explore uncharted waters and contribute to our innovative projects.

Position Overview

We're hiring a zero-to-one software engineer to build the manufacturing test and production systems for our robot assembly line. You will own the software backbone that connects our physical hardware, factory operations, test equipment, and cloud data history. This is a highly hands-on role, you'll work directly on the floor with manufacturing, hardware, and embedded engineers to turn ambiguous production needs into robust, scalable software.

Responsibilities

• Test Automation: Develop software to automate subassembly and full-system checkouts, including pass/fail logic, calibration, and hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) testing.


• Hardware Integration: Interface test PCs and edge devices with physical systems — robots, DAQs, PLCs, sensors, actuators, cameras, motor controllers, and embedded devices over standard protocols.


• Operator Tools: Build reliable operator-facing workflows, UIs, and test executives for technicians on the floor.


• Cloud & Data Pipelines: Design data models and backend services to warehouse test results, track configurations, manage quality records, and ensure build traceability.


• Factory Integration: Serve as the bridge between localized test software and broader MES/factory systems such as OpenBOM, PLM, ERP, or inventory tools.

Preferred Qualifications

• Background in robotics, aerospace, defense, automotive, drones, satellites, medical devices, industrial automation, consumer hardware, or complex electromechanical manufacturing.


• Comfortable writing code that interfaces with both physical equipment (sensors, fixtures) and cloud APIs or databases.


• Relevant prior titles might include Manufacturing Software Engineer, Test Automation Engineer, Production Software Engineer, Robotics Software Engineer, or MES/Factory Software Engineer.


• Ownership mindset: you know how to build the scrappy first version, support it live on the factory floor, and iteratively grow it into a durable production system.

Base Salary Range: $100,000 — $300,000 USD