Hardware Test Engineer - Robotics

Title: Hardware Test Engineer (Robotic Hand)
Location: Onsite in Austin, TX
Salary: $155,000 - $180,000, depends on experience level
Type: Full time, Direct Hire

Summary
Lorien has an exciting opportunity for a Hardware Test Engineer to join our Robotics client on a direct hire basis. In this role you'll validate robotic hand hardware from individual components up to the complete assembly. You will own test strategy, test plans, fixtures & execution, & feed results straight back to the designers. The ideal candidate enjoys working close to the hardware, builds their own test setups, likes pushing hardware to its limits to find where it breaks, & lives within a commutable distance to Austin, TX for an onsite work environmnet.

Responsibilities:

• Turn design requirements into test plans at the component, sub-assembly & full-hand level, & help decide what needs validation across the program
• Write test plans & procedures covering goals, setup, instrumentation, acceptance criteria & data needs, with traceability from requirement to result
• Build & configure test units from prototype hardware, including instrumented & revision-controlled builds, working with mechanical & electrical engineers
• Run tests on joints, linkages, actuators & sensors, then on the integrated hand; collect & analyze data with attention to measurement quality
• Write structured reports that tie findings to design implications, beyond pass/fail results
• Advise mechanical & electrical engineers during design on instrumentation, access & fixture interfaces before hardware is built
• Design & build custom fixtures & benchtop setups suited to an R&D setting, & update them as the hardware changes
• Support wiring harness design, assembly & documentation for prototype hands, covering routing, strain relief & test access
• Manage test documentation & hardware revisions in the PLM system so records match the current configuration
• Investigate failures & anomalies with data & give clear feedback to design teams
• Join design reviews, contribute to hardware decisions & keep regular feedback loops with mechanical, electrical, firmware & controls engineers

Qualifications:

• BS in mechanical or electrical engineering, robotics, mechatronics or a related field + 3 years of relevant experience (MS + 1 year)
• Hands-on testing of mechanical or electromechanical hardware, including setup, instrumentation, data collection & analysis
• Ability to write structured test plans with clear acceptance criteria & traceable documentation
• Experience designing & building test fixtures or benchtop setups
• Ability to read mechanical drawings, electrical schematics & component datasheets
• Familiarity with data acquisition systems & benchtop instruments (force/torque sensors, encoders, DAQs)
• Experience on cross-functional hardware teams with quick iteration
• Methodical approach to debugging & root-cause analysis
• Python for data processing & analysis
• Ability to use AI agents to support debugging & development
• Able to work at a computer for long periods & lift 15 lbs at times
• Candidates with non-traditional backgrounds & equivalent hands-on experience are encouraged to apply
• Experience with robotic hands, grippers or dexterous manipulation hardware (preferred)
• Wire harnessing: routing, connector selection & strain relief (preferred)
• PLM system experience, such as Arena, Windchill or Teamcenter (preferred)
• CAD experience (SolidWorks, Onshape or similar) for fixture design & drawing review (preferred)
• Mechanism characterization: stiffness, backlash, friction or range of motion (preferred)
• Testing or characterizing electromechanical linear actuators, including force output, stroke, speed & backdrivability (preferred)
• Prior experience in an R&D or prototype development setting (preferred)

Impellam Group and its brands are equal-opportunity employers committed to diversity and inclusion. All qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, pregnancy or maternity, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other factor determined to be unlawful under applicable law. We will ensure that individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application, interview process, pre-employment activity, and the performance of crucial job functions.

If you require additional disability considerations, modifications, or adjustments please let us know by contacting HR-InfoImpellamNA@impellam.com or fill out this form to request accommodations.