Hardware Prototype & Test Engineer

The Role

We’re looking for an experienced HW Test Engineer, Special Projects to lead testing and validation of our products. You’ll be part of a small, mission‑driven team working on innovative new technology products with ample opportunities for career growth. This is end‑to‑end hardware test engineering – build physical prototypes, bring up hardware, run experiments to generate test data, and manage that data to create actionable information for the team. This is not QA; it’s test for hardware systems and manufacturing environments. The role is based out of our San Francisco office 5 days/week or Boulder/Denver area, with expected travel up to 20%.

Responsibilities

• Design and run experiments to validate the performance of new designs and track and analyze results.
• Develop and maintain automated test applications and GUIs for production environments, hardware validation, and reliability testing.
• Prototype and test complex electromechanical systems, including sensors, pumps, mechanisms, and electronics.
• Build prototypes using techniques such as 3D printing, machining, and quick‑turn tooling with in‑house tools and external suppliers.
• Collaborate with mechanical, electrical, and software engineering to support efforts across the product development lifecycle.
• Develop test systems using embedded hardware like Arduino and code in Python.
• Integrate software with physical instrumentation and custom hardware/firmware.
• Design operator‑friendly user interfaces for running and monitoring tests (desktop or web‑based).
• Architect, design, and implement data visualization and test result reporting.
• Document methodologies to help the team use the tools you create.
• Design, build, and deploy custom physical test fixtures and jigs for R&D and manufacturing environments, specifying sensors and mechanical interfaces.
• Perform hands‑on root‑cause analysis and debug of electrical and mechanical failures in test systems and products down to the component or PCB level.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of hardware/software test experience with a focus on integrated systems.
• Track record of shipping high‑volume consumer products, including manufacturing support in Asia; willingness and ability to travel to China as needed.
• Hands‑on prototyping experience with mechanical and electrical systems.
• Proficiency with 3D modeling (e.g., SolidWorks, ProEngineer, etc.).
• Experience using and maintaining basic shop tools like 3D printers, bandsaw, and milling machine.
• Experience with Python or C#/WPF for test GUIs.
• Experience with Git, GitHub, command‑line scripting tools, Homebrew (macOS), and apt (Linux).
• Experience soldering, wiring, and debugging.
• Familiarity with hardware communication protocols (I2C, SPI, etc.).
• Understanding of test sequencing, data logging, and hardware automation.
• Hands‑on experience with PCB bring‑up, debug, and rework.
• BSEE, BSCE, BSCS, BSME or equivalent; MS preferred.

Benefits

• Full access to health, vision, and dental insurance for you and your dependents.
• Supplemental life insurance.
• Flexible PTO.
• Commuter benefits to ease your daily commute.
• Paid parental leave.
• Equity participation with periodic equity refreshments based on performance.
• Your own Pod, the product you help build.

*List of benefits may vary depending on your location