Test Development Engineer — Actuation Systems

Figure; San Jose (CA); On-site; USD 150,000 - 250,000; Full time

Job summary

Figure in San Jose, CA seeks an experienced Test Development Engineer to own the development and implementation of testing infrastructure for actuation systems, spanning software architecture, hardware integration, calibration, and system characterization.

This role will work closely with mechanical, electrical, and build teams to deliver robust, scalable dyno systems that validate our humanoid's actuation subsystems from early development through life-cycle testing.

Qualifications

• 8+ years in dynamic motion control and test-system development
• Proven track record building testing solutions for actuation or motor systems
• Hands-on experience with EtherCAT servo drives (Elmo, Kollmorgen, or equivalent) and PM motor control
• Experience integrating and calibrating analog torque sensors (HBM or equivalent) and high‑resolution absolute encoders (BiSS‑C or equivalent)
• High proficiency with Matlab/Simulink, Simulink Real-Time, Speedgoat, Python and git
• Multidisciplinary knowledge spanning controls engineering, actuation characterization, mechanical dynamics, and electrical engineering for dyno systems
• Strong hands‑on lab competency paired with rigorous engineering analysis
• Exceptional documentation, communication, and planning skills
• Resilient and effective in fast‑paced, ambiguous environments

Responsibilities

• Lead the development and maintenance of highly automated, scalable actuation test systems, collaborating with mechanical, electrical, and build teams
• Develop scalable dyno software on Speedgoat/Simulink Real-Time — including controls, hardware abstraction layer, data acquisition, calibration, and UI — architected to support multiple test systems deployed in parallel
• Interface and integrate dyno hardware (EtherCAT drives, PM motors, analog torque sensors, precision encoders) with Speedgoat, and develop the associated control architectures
• Calibrate dynos, validate measurement accuracy, and troubleshoot issues across the full signal chain from sensor to controller
• Run structured test campaigns during dyno bring-up to characterize and stabilize system behavior before handoff
• Document integration processes, test plans, and validation results with precision and clarity
• Build deep, cross-disciplinary knowledge of actuation subsystems — including friction, stiffness, and vibration characterization — to drive ongoing technology development, and provide training and technical support to test engineers
• Bonus Qualifications:
• Ability to write EE schematics
• Advanced vibration analysis techniques (order tracking, spatial sampling)
• Experience with UI/HMI development for test operators

Skills

Dynamic motion control

Actuation testing

Documentation

Lab proficiency

Cross-functional collaboration

Calibration

Tools

Speedgoat

Simulink Real-Time

MATLAB

Python

Git

EtherCAT

PM motors

BiSS-C encoders

HBM torque sensors

Elmo / Kollmorgen

Job description

San Jose, CA

Figure is an AI robotics company developing autonomous general-purpose humanoid robots. The goal of the company is to ship humanoid robots with human level intelligence. Its robots are engineered to perform a variety of tasks in the home and commercial markets. Figure is based in San Jose, CA and require 5 days/week in-office collaboration. It’s time to build.

We are seeking an experienced Test Development Engineer to own the development and implementation of testing infrastructure for actuation systems — spanning software architecture, hardware integration, calibration, and system characterization. This role will work closely with mechanical, electrical, and build teams to deliver robust, scalable dyno systems that validate our humanoid's actuation subsystems from early development through life-cycle testing.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead the development and maintenance of highly automated, scalable actuation test systems, collaborating with mechanical, electrical, and build teams
• Develop scalable dyno software on Speedgoat/Simulink Real-Time — including controls, hardware abstraction layer, data acquisition, calibration, and UI — architected to support multiple test systems deployed in parallel
• Interface and integrate dyno hardware (EtherCAT drives, PM motors, analog torque cells, precision encoders) with Speedgoat, and develop the associated control architectures
• Calibrate dynos, validate measurement accuracy, and troubleshoot issues across the full signal chain from sensor to controller
• Run structured test campaigns during dyno bring-up to characterize and stabilize system behavior before handoff
• Document integration processes, test plans, and validation results with precision and clarity
• Build deep, cross-disciplinary knowledge of actuation subsystems — including friction, stiffness, and vibration characterization — to drive ongoing technology development, and provide training and technical support to test engineers

Requirements:

• 8+ years of hands‑on experience in dynamic motion control systems and advanced test system development
• Proven track record building testing solutions for actuation or motor systems, including dynamometers
• Hands‑on experience with EtherCAT-based servo drives (Elmo, Kollmorgen, or equivalent) and PM motor control
• Experience integrating and calibrating analog torque sensors (HBM or equivalent) and high‑resolution absolute encoders (BiSS‑C or equivalent)
• High proficiency with Matlab/Simulink, Simulink Real-Time, Speedgoat, Python and git
• Multidisciplinary knowledge spanning controls engineering, actuation characterization, mechanical dynamics, and electrical engineering for dyno systems
• Strong hands‑on lab competency paired with rigorous engineering analysis
• Exceptional documentation, communication, and planning skills
• Resilient and effective in fast‑paced, ambiguous environments

Bonus Qualifications:

• Ability to write EE schematics
• Advanced vibration analysis techniques (order tracking, spatial sampling)
• Experience with UI/HMI development for test operators

The US base salary range for this full-time position is between $150,000 and $250,000 annually.

The pay offered for this position may vary based on several individual factors, including job‑related knowledge, skills, and experience. The total compensation package may also include additional components/benefits depending on the specific role. This information will be shared if an employment offer is extended.