Staff Software Engineer, Robotic Test Automation

imperativecare; Campbell (CA); On-site; USD 207,000 - 230,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Stock options

Bonus

401k plan

Health benefits

Generous PTO

Parental leave

Job summary

Imperative Care in Campbell, California is seeking a Staff Software Engineer to lead automated testing for a robotic platform. This on-site, full-time role focuses on building scalable Python-based testing frameworks and integration tests for hardware‑in‑the‑loop scenarios.

You will design test strategies, mentor engineers, and collaborate across disciplines to ensure robust verification and quality across applications and systems.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree required in a related field and 8+ years of experience or equivalent combination of education and work experience.
• Strong Python programming experience and proven ability to design automated test frameworks and test infrastructure.
• Experience with test automation frameworks and tools such as pytest, GoogleTest, CTest, Robot Framework, or similar technologies.

Responsibilities

• Define and lead the software test automation strategy across application, integration, and system‑level testing.
• Design, implement, and maintain Python‑based test automation frameworks, reusable test libraries, and test harnesses.
• Build reliable automation for testing software applications in isolation with clear pass/fail criteria and diagnostics.
• Create the roadmap for automated integration and system‑level testing including multi‑application execution and hardware‑in‑the‑loop testing.
• Develop risk‑based test strategies that connect requirements, architecture, and system behavior.
• Mentor engineers in automation design, test strategy, and verification practices.

Skills

Python programming

Test automation architecture

Automation frameworks

Robotic testing

Mentoring engineers

Education

Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Biomedical Engineering, or related field

Tools

pytest

GoogleTest

CTest

Robot Framework

Playwright

Job description

Title: Staff Software Engineer, Robotic Test Automation

This position is based in our Campbell, California offices. This position is on-site & full-time

Why Imperative Care?

At Imperative Care, we are developing novel robotic‑assisted technologies and interventional capabilities that will forever change the disparate outcomes of ischemic stroke – a disease that impacts close to a million people a year in the U.S., and 10 million worldwide. Not only is Imperative Care changing the way stroke is treated, but also bringing this treatment to the greater population who is currently without. We are actively building a team who is focused on developing novel solutions for this complex disease – a disease in which one in four adults will face in their lifetime.

What You’ll Do

The Staff Software Engineer uses advanced expertise to lead test automation architecture and strategy on a complex medical robotic platform. This role focuses on software design, automated frameworks, test infrastructure, and scalable verification approaches rather than primarily manual test execution. The initial focus will be automated testing for individual software units and applications. Over time, this role will expand automation into multi‑application integration testing, hardware‑in‑the‑loop testing, and broader system‑level verification.

• Define and lead the software test automation strategy across application, integration, and system‑level testing.
• Design, implement, and maintain Python‑based test automation frameworks, reusable test libraries, test harnesses, simulators, mocks, stubs, and related tooling.
• Build reliable automation for testing software applications in isolation, with deterministic setup, clear pass/fail criteria, and useful diagnostics.
• Create the roadmap for automated integration and system‑level testing, including multi‑application execution, inter‑process communication, simulation‑based testing, hardware‑in‑the-loop testing, robotic platform testing, and end‑to‑end scenarios where appropriate
• Develop risk‑based test strategies and verification coverage that connect requirements, architecture, software hazards, defect history, and system behavior.
• Mentor engineers in automation design, test strategy, testable software design, and effective verification practices.

What You’ll Bring:

• Bachelor's degree in computer science, biomedical engineering or related field and minimum 8 years of related experience; or equivalent combination of education and work experienc
• Experience as a software engineer, test automation architect, or similar role
• Strong Python programming experience; Python is the primary language for this role
• Proven ability to design automated test frameworks, test harnesses, simulation layers, mocks, service substitutes, and reusable test infrastructure
• Experience with test automation frameworks and tools such as pytest, GoogleTest, CTest, Robot Framework, Playwright, or similar technologies (preferred).
• Experiencewith hardware‑in‑the‑loop, software‑in‑the‑loop, simulation‑based testing, digital twins, or automated test fixtures (preferred)

Employee Benefits

include a stake in our collective success with stock options, bonus, competitive salaries, a 401k plan, health benefits, generous PTO, and a parental leave program.

Salary Range: $207,000 – 230,000 annually

Please note that the salary information is a general guideline only. Imperative Care considers factors such as scope and responsibilities of the position, candidate's work experience, education/training, key skills, and internal equity, as well as location, market and business considerations when extending an offer. As part of our total rewards package, Imperative Care offers comprehensive benefits including a 401k plan, health benefits, generous PTO, a parental leave program and emotional health resources.

The posted salary range reflects compensation for employees based in the local Bay Area market. For candidates hired outside of this geographic area, compensation may vary and be adjusted based on location, local market conditions, and other factors