Staff Actuator Test Engineer (IC5/IC6) | Austin, TX

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

Job summary

Vertage Inc. in Austin, TX is seeking a Staff Actuator Test Engineer to drive validation, characterization, and production readiness of advanced actuator technologies used in cutting-edge robotic platforms.

This hands-on role focuses on delivering high-performance products from concept through production. You will lead testing, develop plans, mentor engineers, and collaborate with design, controls, firmware, and manufacturing teams to ensure robust, scalable test infrastructure and reliable

Qualifications

• BS + 6 years, MS + 4 years, or PhD + 2 years of relevant experience.
• Hands-on actuator, motor, or gearbox testing experience.
• Experience developing and owning test methodologies.
• Proven success supporting products through production launch.
• Strong troubleshooting across mechanical, electrical, and firmware domains.

Responsibilities

• Lead actuator validation and testing from prototype through production.
• Develop and execute test plans, methodologies, and qualification procedures.
• Perform hands-on testing using dynamometers, motor test stands, and specialized equipment.
• Calibrate, tune, and characterize motor performance.
• Analyze test data and drive root-cause investigations.
• Debug complex issues across mechanical, electrical, and firmware domains.
• Collaborate with design, controls, firmware, and manufacturing teams.
• Support product transfer from R&D into production environments.
• Improve test infrastructure, automation, and validation processes.
• Provide technical leadership and mentorship within the engineering organization.

Skills

Actuator testing

Motor calibration

Test plan development

Electromechanical troubleshooting

Test automation

Dynamometers

Test equipment

Education

BS/MS/PhD with required experience

Tools

MuJoCo

Isaac Sim

Docker

Python

Motor test stands

PCBAs

Job description

Join a team building next-generation robotic systems.

We are seeking a highly skilled Staff Actuator Test Engineer to drive the validation, characterization, and production readiness of advanced actuator technologies used in cutting-edge robotic platforms. This is a hands-on engineering role for individuals who thrive on solving complex electromechanical challenges and delivering high-performance products from concept through production.

Location: Austin, TX (Onsite, Monday-Friday)

Employment Type: Full-Time (Exempt)

What You'll Do

• Lead actuator validation and testing efforts from prototype through production.
• Develop and execute test plans, methodologies, and qualification procedures.
• Perform hands-on testing using dynamometers, motor test stands, and specialized test equipment.
• Conduct motor bring-up, calibration, tuning, and performance characterization.
• Analyze test data and drive root-cause investigations.
• Debug complex issues across mechanical, electrical, and firmware domains.
• Collaborate closely with design, controls, firmware, and manufacturing teams.
• Support product transfer from R&D into production environments.
• Improve test infrastructure, automation, and validation processes.
• Provide technical leadership and mentorship within the engineering organization.

What We're Looking For

• BS + 6 years, MS + 4 years, or PhD + 2 years of relevant experience.
• Strong hands-on experience with actuator, motor, or gearbox testing.
• Expertise with motor bring-up, calibration, and performance validation.
• Experience developing and owning test methodologies.
• Proven success supporting products through production launch.
• Strong troubleshooting skills across mechanical, electrical, and firmware systems.
• Deep expertise in at least one of the following:
• Actuators
• Electromagnetic systems
• Rotary motor systems
• Knowledge of motor drivers, PCBAs, lubrication systems, planetary gearboxes, and motor control fundamentals.

Preferred Qualifications

• Humanoid or legged robotics experience.
• Pneumatic or linear actuator testing expertise.
• System identification and thermal testing experience.
• Experience with drive electronics and test automation.
• Familiarity with MuJoCo, Isaac Sim, Docker, Python, or similar tools.
• Startup or high-growth technology company experience.

Ideal Background

Candidates from robotics, aerospace, autonomous systems, automotive, or advanced hardware environments are encouraged to apply. Experience at companies such as Tesla, SpaceX, Boston Dynamics, Figure AI, Agility Robotics, Rivian, Zoox, Anduril, or similar organizations is highly valued.

Why Join Us?

• Work on industry-leading robotic technologies.
• Collaborate with world-class engineers and innovators.
• Solve challenging real-world hardware problems.
• Influence products from early development through production deployment.
• Make a direct impact on the future of robotics.