Hardware Prototype & Test Engineer

Hardware Prototype & Test Engineer

Location: San Francisco, CaliforniaAbout the RoleThe organization is seeking a Hardware Prototype & Test Engineer to lead hardware testing and validation efforts for next-generation products.

This role is highly hands-on and involves building prototypes, designing experiments, collecting performance data, and helping engineering teams make informed design decisions. This is a hardware test engineering position, not a traditional QA role.Key ResponsibilitiesDesign and run experiments to validate the performance of new designs, as well as 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 like 3D printing, machining, and quick turn tooling with in-house tools and external suppliers.Develop test systems using embedded hardware like Arduino, and coding in Python.Software integrations with physical instrumentation and custom hardware/firmwareDesign operator-friendly user interfaces for running and monitoring tests (desktop or web-based).Design, build, and deploy custom physical test fixtures and jigs for R&D and manufacturing environments, including specification of 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 & Requirements5+ years of hardware/software test experience with a focus in integrated systemsExperience with hands-on prototyping of mechanical and electrical systems.Proficiency with 3D modeling (eg. Solidworks, ProEngineer, etc.).Experience with Python, or C#/WPF for test GUIs.Familiarity with hardware communication protocols (I2C, SPI, etc.).Proven hands-on experience with PCB bring-up, debug, and rework.This role is ideal for engineers who enjoy working directly with physical products, building prototypes, testing hardware, and solving complex engineering challenges.This position is not eligible for visa sponsorship or support such as H1B, TN, E-3, CPT, OPT, STEM OPT, or employment-based permanent residence processes, now or in the future.