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Software Automation Test Engineer

Austin, TX

Apptronik is building robots for the real world to improve human quality of life and to help solve the ever-increasing labor shortage problem. Our team has been building some of the most advanced robots on the planet for years, dating back to the DARPA Robotics Challenge. We apply our expertise across the full robotics stack to some of the most important and impactful problems our society faces, and expect our products and technology to change the world for the better.  We value passion, creativity, and collaboration to help us overcome existing technological barriers in the industry to create truly innovative products. 

You will join a team developing state-of-the-art general-purpose robots designed to operate in human spaces and with human tools. It is designed to work alongside humans, mobilize to human spaces, and manipulate the world around it.

We are seeking a highly experienced Software Engineer specializing in manufacturing test automation with experience in hardware testing, software development, and manufacturing processes. This role is crucial for ensuring the quality and reliability of our hardware products by designing, developing, and implementing automated test solutions for PCBA, sub-assemblies, and full-system validation.

The ideal candidate has strong Python development skills, experience with Google Cloud Platform (GCP) and PostgreSQL, and a solid background in hardware manufacturing, including New Product Introduction (NPI). Experience in electro-mechanical systems, robotics, and automated test equipment is a plus.

You will work closely with hardware, firmware, and production teams to define test requirements, optimize manufacturing processes, and troubleshoot hardware/software interactions.

Responsibilities:

  • Develop and maintain automated test systems for hardware validation, calibration, and diagnostics.
  • Design and implement software tools for automated hardware testing in a manufacturing environment.
  • Create and execute test plans, procedures, and scripts for PCBA, sub-assemblies, and full-system validation.
  • Integrate test equipment such as oscilloscopes, signal generators, and power supplies into automated test setups.
  • Optimize test processes and workflows to improve efficiency, reliability, and scalability.
  • Develop cloud-based manufacturing test solutions using GCP and PostgreSQL for test data management.
  • Support NPI initiatives, transitioning products from prototype to mass production.
  • Work with hardware and firmware engineers to ensure seamless integration of test systems.
  • Debug and troubleshoot hardware/software issues during manufacturing testing.
  • Analyze test data, generate reports, and drive continuous improvements in manufacturing quality.
  • Ensure compliance with industry standards such as IPC, ISO 9001, and best practices in manufacturing test solutions.

 

Skills and Requirements:

  • 10+ years of experience in hardware testing, software automation, and manufacturing test development.
  • Strong Python development skills for test automation.
  • Experience with Google Cloud Platform (GCP) and PostgreSQL for cloud-based test solutions.
  • Hands-on experience in PCBA, sub-assembly, and full-system validation.
  • Experience developing automated test software using Python, C/C++, or similar languages.
  • Strong understanding of database development, querying, and test data management.
  • Expertise in designing and debugging test fixtures and hardware interfaces.
  • Experience working with schematic design tools (Altium or similar) for debugging test boards.
  • Knowledge of automated firmware and software deployment (ConOps) to streamline manufacturing test workflows.
  • Ability to troubleshoot and debug both hardware and software issues in a manufacturing environment.

 

Nice to Have:

  • Experience in electro-mechanical systems, robotics, or motion control systems.
  • Familiarity with ROS (Robot Operating System) for hardware-software integration.
  • Hands-on experience with Linux systems, shell scripting, and Docker for managing containerized environments.
  • Experience developing automated test systems for high-volume manufacturing.
  • Knowledge of data analysis tools and techniques for test optimization.
  • Familiarity with industry standards such as IPC or ISO 9001.
  • Understanding of manufacturing processes and production workflows.

 

Perks:

  • Competitive salary w/ benefits
  • Highly motivating equity incentive package
  • Flexible work hours policy
  • Professional development opportunities
  • Unlimited Paid Time Off (PTO)
  • 401k plan

 

 

 

*This is a direct hire.  Please, no outside Agency solicitations. 

Apptronik provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.

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