Sr. Hardware Validation Engineer

We are looking for an experienced Hardware Validation Engineer to own the in-house test infrastructure that validates our humanoid robots. This is a foundational, hands-on role: you will not just run tests; you will build the rigs that run them. You will be the engineer who walks into a conversation with a systems owner, leaves with a clear picture of what needs to be tested and what equipment that requires, then turns around and gets it built — sourcing parts, designing mechanical and electrical components, and commissioning the rigs on the validation floor.

What You'll Do

• Test Rig & Jig Arrangement (Core Focus)
  • In-House Validation Rigs: Lead the arrangement of test rigs and jigs for in-house validation of subsystems and full robots. You decide what gets built, what gets bought, and how they integrate into the validation workflow.
  • Test Rig Development: Design and build custom mechanical jigs and fixtures to stress-test specific sub-systems (e.g., repeating arm movements, actuator loading, cable flexing, end-effector cycling).
  • Commissioning: Bring each rig from a CAD model to a working setup on the floor — wiring, instrumentation, data capture, and first-article validation.
• Scope & Requirements Definition
  • Systems Owners Engagement: Work directly with the owners of each robot subsystem (actuators, manipulators, perception, power, etc.) to define what needs to be validated, at what coverage, and with what fidelity.
  • Supportive Test Equipment Specs: Translate validation needs into concrete requirements for supportive equipment — PCB test beds, mechanical fixtures, instrumentation, data loggers — and decide what we build vs. buy.
  • Validation Plans: Convert the resulting scope into validation plans that align with the product release roadmap.
• Procurement & Supplier Coordination
  • Parts Sourcing: Identify, evaluate, and order parts and equipment from external suppliers — from standard COTS components to custom fixtures.
  • Vendor Management: Manage relationships with suppliers of test equipment and custom fabricated parts; negotiate lead times that align with our test schedule.
  • Cost & Lead Time: Own the budget and lead-time picture for the validation infrastructure you build.
• Mechanical & Electrical Rig Design
  • Mechanical Design: Design mechanical components of test rigs in CAD — fixtures, frames, motion stages, mounts — to a quality where they can be fabricated and assembled without rework.
  • Electrical Design: Design the electrical side of the rigs — wiring, power distribution, sensor integration, basic control electronics — including schematics and BOMs.
  • DFX for Test Rigs: Apply manufacturability and reliability principles to your own rigs, so they remain trustworthy for the months or years they will be in service.
• Reliability & Compliance Support
  • Life-Cycle & Endurance Testing: Support long-term endurance and life-cycle tests (HALT/HASS, MTBF) where the rigs you build are the enabling infrastructure.
  • Regulatory Awareness: Understand what each validation activity contributes to certification (EMC, environmental, safety) and design rigs that produce certification-grade data where required.

What We're Looking For

• Experience: 5+ years in hardware validation, test engineering, or test equipment development, preferably in robotics, automotive, or aerospace.
• Rig Design: Proven hands-on experience designing and building test rigs and fixtures — from concept through commissioning.
• Mechanical Design: Strong CAD skills (SolidWorks, Fusion, NX, or similar) and a working knowledge of mechanical components (linear stages, bearings, motors, actuators) and basic machining/fabrication processes.
• Electrical Design: Comfortable designing the electrical side of a rig — schematics, wiring harnesses, power distribution, sensor integration. You can spec and wire up a DAQ from scratch.
• Cross-Functional: Track record of working closely with system/component owners to translate validation needs into testable infrastructure.
• Procurement: Experience sourcing parts and equipment from external suppliers, including custom fabrication.

Nice-to-Have:

• Data Acquisition: Proficiency with DAQ systems (LabVIEW, National Instruments, Dewesoft) and common sensors (accelerometers, thermocouples, load cells, encoders).
• Regulatory Knowledge: Familiarity with certification processes (UL, CE, FCC) and standards (IEC 61000 for EMC, IEC 60068 for Environmental).
• Robotics: Prior experience validating robotic systems (manipulators, legged platforms, AMRs).
• Python: For automating data collection and basic test orchestration.
• PCB Test Beds: Hands-on experience designing or commissioning PCB-level test fixtures.

The Equipment You Will Build & Manage

• Custom Mechanical Endurance Rigs (arm cyclers, joint loaders, cable flex testers)
• PCB Test Beds and Functional Test Fixtures
• Sensor & Actuator Characterization Stations
• Battery and Power Test Setups
• Data Acquisition and Logging Infrastructure

What We Offer

• Meaningful time off to rest and recharge: 23 days of annual leave (accrued), 15 days of paid sick leave, and paid company holidays.
• Fully funded private healthcare for UK employees, with broad provider access, virtual and in-person care, and strong mental health and serious illness support.
• Equity included—I believe builders should share in what they build.
• Pension scheme with a total 8% contribution (5% employee, 3% employer) on full earnings.
• Free daily breakfast, catered lunch, and snacks in-office.
• Collaboration with top-tier engineers, researchers, and product experts in AI and robotics.
• Freedom to influence the product and own key initiatives.