Software Engineer, Manufacturing Test Systems

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

Job summary

Skild AI is seeking a passionate zero-to-one Software Engineer to build manufacturing test and production systems for our robot assembly line. This role requires working hands-on with hardware and factory operations to create software that can adapt to various production needs.

The ideal candidate will have a background in robotics or a related field and be comfortable interfacing with both physical equipment and cloud services. A strong capability in automation and integration is essential. Base salary ranges from $100,000 to $300,000 USD.

Qualifications

• Background in robotics or similar fields.
• Experience with hardware and software integration.
• Ability to develop automation systems.

Responsibilities

• Develop software for test automation.
• Interface test PCs with physical systems.
• Build operator-facing workflows and UIs.
• Design back-end services to warehouse test results.
• Bridge localized test software with broader systems.

Skills

Automation software development

Hardware integration

Data modeling

Cloud API interaction

Job description

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 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 back‑end 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 USD - $300,000 USD