Mechanical Test Engineer

Mechanical Test Engineer

The Mechanical Test Engineer owns and operates a robotics test laboratory that supports the development, validation, and continuous improvement of advanced robotic hardware systems. This role serves as the primary owner of the lab's hardware infrastructure, including robotic systems, test equipment, fixtures, tooling, and gantry-based test environments that simulate real-world operating conditions. The Mechanical Test Engineer combines strong mechanical engineering fundamentals with hands-on laboratory experience and advanced CAD skills, particularly in Solid Works, to design, build, and maintain high-quality test solutions.

This position requires a proactive problem solver with exceptional ownership, clear communication skills, and a strong bias for action, working closely with a Software Engineer to develop and execute comprehensive testing solutions while maintaining responsibility for all mechanical and hardware aspects of the lab.

Responsibilities:

• Own the day-to-day operation, organization, and continuous improvement of a robotics test lab.
• Serve as the primary owner of all hardware-related lab infrastructure, including equipment, fixtures, tooling, and test assets.
• Design, develop, and maintain mechanical fixtures, tooling, and test equipment, and manage associated 3D models, assemblies, detailed drawings, and engineering documentation.
• Build, integrate, troubleshoot, and maintain robotic hardware systems, sensors, and electromechanical assemblies.
• Operate, maintain, and support large-scale test infrastructure, including gantry systems used to simulate real-world environments and robotic operating conditions.
• Develop and execute test plans to validate hardware performance, reliability, durability, and functionality.
• Analyze test results, identify root causes of failures, and drive effective corrective actions.
• Collaborate closely with a Software Engineer to implement and improve automated test solutions.
• Support prototype development, hardware rework, fixture fabrication, and engineering validation activities.
• Establish and improve test procedures, safety practices, documentation standards, and operational workflows within the lab.
• Manage lab equipment, inventory, calibration schedules, and overall test readiness to ensure consistent availability and reliability of test resources.
• Communicate test status, findings, risks, and recommendations clearly to engineering stakeholders.
• Drive projects and lab initiatives from concept through execution with minimal oversight, demonstrating strong ownership and accountability.

Essential

Skills:

• Strong mechanical engineering fundamentals with the ability to apply them to robotic hardware systems and test environments.
• Hands-on experience working in a mechanical or robotics test laboratory setting.
• Advanced CAD skills, particularly proficiency in Solid Works for 3D modeling, assemblies, and detailed mechanical drawings.
• Proven ability to design, develop, and maintain mechanical fixtures, tooling, and test equipment.
• Experience building, integrating, troubleshooting, and maintaining robotic hardware systems, sensors, and electromechanical assemblies.
• Capability to develop and execute structured test plans focused on performance, reliability, durability, and functionality.
• Skill in analyzing test data, identifying root causes of failures, and driving corrective actions.
• Strong communication skills to convey test results, risks, and recommendations to technical stakeholders.
• Demonstrated proactive problem-solving skills and a strong bias for action.
• Ability to work with minimal oversight and take full ownership of lab infrastructure and projects.

Additional Skills &

Qualifications:

• Experience operating and supporting large-scale test infrastructure, such as gantry-based systems that simulate real-world operating conditions.
• Background in mechanical design for robotics, including fixture and tooling design.
• Familiarity with establishing and improving test procedures, safety practices, and documentation standards.
• Experience collaborating closely with software engineers to develop and refine automated test solutions.
• Ability to manage lab inventory, calibration schedules, and equipment readiness.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail in maintaining engineering documentation and lab workflows.

Work Environment:

The Mechanical Test Engineer works primarily in a robotics test laboratory environment that houses robotic systems, sensors, electromechanical assemblies, and…