Validation & Verification Test Engineer, Internship

Jobtailor; San Francisco (CA); Hybrid; USD 70,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

Jobtailor in San Francisco seeks a robotics-focused tester to design black-box tests for actuators, instrument hardware, and collect clean data for analysis. You will compare real-machine results with simulations, provide concrete model improvements to controls teams, and automate test execution and reporting.

The role emphasizes field work on heavy construction equipment, safety, and rapid infrastructure progress, with collaboration across simulation and control groups.

Qualifications

• Pursuing BS/MS/PhD or equivalent hands-on experience in robotics.
• Working understanding of controls or system identification fundamentals.
• Python for analysis and automation.
• Hands-on experience with sensors, DAQ, or test benches.
• Willingness to work on machines in the field with PPE.
• Exposure to hydraulics or heavy equipment preferred.
• Experience with robotics simulators (Isaac, MuJoCo, Gazebo) preferred.
• Familiarity with ROS or similar middleware preferred.
• US work authorization required.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute black-box test plans characterizing actuator behavior on machines and test stands
• Instrument hardware, set up data acquisition, and collect clean, trustworthy datasets
• Characterize response behavior including latency, deadband, hysteresis, and saturation across temperature, load, and wear conditions
• Compare real machine data against simulation output and quantify divergences
• Provide findings to controls and simulation teams as concrete model improvements
• Automate test execution and reporting
• Work on autonomous systems for heavy construction equipment, improving job-site safety and accelerating infrastructure project schedules

Skills

Python

Sensors

DAQ

Test benches

Controls basics

ROS

Robotics middleware

US work authorization

Instrumentation

Education

BS/MS/PhD in Mechanical/CS/EE/Aerospace/Robotics

Tools

ROS

Gazebo

MuJoCo

Isaac

Job description

• Develop and execute black-box test plans characterizing actuator behavior on machines and test stands
• Instrument hardware, set up data acquisition, and collect clean, trustworthy datasets
• Characterize response behavior including latency, deadband, hysteresis, and saturation across temperature, load, and wear conditions
• Compare real machine data against simulation output and quantify divergences
• Provide findings to controls and simulation teams as concrete model improvements
• Automate test execution and reporting
• Work on autonomous systems for heavy construction equipment, improving job-site safety and accelerating infrastructure project schedules

Requirements

• Currently pursuing a BS, MS, or PhD in mechanical, computer science, electrical, aerospace, or robotics engineering — or bringing equivalent hands‑on experience
• Working understanding of controls or system identification fundamentals
• Python for analysis and automation
• Hands‑on experience with sensors, DAQ, or test benches
• Willingness to spend real time on machines in the field, in PPE
• Exposure to hydraulics or heavy equipment (preferred)
• Experience with a robotics simulator such as Isaac, MuJoCo, Gazebo, or similar (preferred)
• Familiarity with ROS or comparable robotics middleware (preferred)
• Legally authorized to work in the United States
• Ability to commute to the San Francisco office 3–4 days a week

Core Competencies

Demonstrates expertise in developing and executing black-box test plans for actuator behavior, utilizing Python for analysis and automation. Proficient in data acquisition and characterization of response behavior in autonomous systems for heavy construction equipment.