Test Engineer, R&D
Clera · San Francisco · onsite
ABOUT THE ROLE
Build test infrastructure for a defense technology company developing autonomous electromechanical systems. Working with a lean engineering team across hardware, software, and electrical disciplines, you will support products from prototype through production.
WHAT YOU'LL DO
- Design and execute end-to-end test procedures, including setup, operation, data collection, teardown, analysis, and failure reports.
- Build test electronics, harnesses, instrumentation setups, and fixtures.
- Develop Python-based automated test procedures and custom test tools.
- Debug firmware, power rails, and electrical systems to identify root causes.
- Partner with embedded, electrical, and mechanical engineers to reproduce issues, validate fixes, and prevent regressions.
- Define test plans, acceptance criteria, and readiness gates as products progress from prototype to production.
- Build hardware-in-the-loop and software-in-the-loop test environments.
- Support design for manufacturability and production readiness with hardware teams.
- Follow safety procedures during high-power and high-voltage testing.
- Conduct regular field tests, increasing testing activity around sprints, demos, and milestones.
WHAT WE'RE LOOKING FOR
- Sustained test-engineering responsibility on real aerospace or electromechanical systems, alongside military experience.
- Strong electrical bench skills with oscilloscopes, logic analyzers, power supplies, digital multimeters, and harness fabrication.
- Proficiency in Python or scripting for test automation, including building custom tools.
- Experience debugging across firmware and electrical systems, and conducting performance, reliability, and safety testing.
- Clear written communication, including failure reports and root cause analysis.
- Background in robotics, defense, aerospace, or related work involving electromechanical products and hands-on test setups.
- Familiarity with design for manufacturability and production testability.
- Experience with HIL or SIL, relevant aerospace or defense standards, environmental or high-voltage testing, or export-controlled systems is a plus.
- U.S. Person status is required due to access to export-controlled information.
COMPENSATION & BENEFITS
Base salary: $130,000 to $170,000 annually. Visa sponsorship is not available.
LOCATION
On-site in San Francisco, California, United States. Regular field testing is part of the role.