SA
Hardware Validation Engineer
Accepting applicationsSkild AI · San Mateo, CA
Full-Time Mid AICadenceDFTEthernetI2C
Posted
6h ago
Category
Test
Experience
Mid
Country
United States
Company Overview
At Skild AI, we are building the world's first general purpose robotic intelligence that is robust and adapts to unseen scenarios without failing. We believe massive scale through data-driven machine learning is the key to unlocking these capabilities for the widespread deployment of robots within society. Our team consists of individuals with varying levels of experience and backgrounds, from new graduates to domain experts. Relevant industry experience is important, but ultimately less so than your demonstrated abilities and attitude. We are looking for passionate individuals who are eager to explore uncharted waters and contribute to our innovative projects.
Position Overview
We are seeking a motivated and hands-on Hardware Validation Engineer to work closely with our Electrical Engineering team in developing and validating next-generation robotics electronics systems. This role focuses on defining and executing validation strategies for complex PCB designs used in robotics applications, including power systems, DC-DC converters, embedded computing platforms, motor control interfaces, and sensor systems.
In addition to new hardware validation, this role will also support debugging and failure analysis of existing robotic platforms in both lab and operational environments. The ideal candidate enjoys working hands-on with hardware, troubleshooting complex issues, developing test methodologies, and collaborating across engineering disciplines to improve system reliability and future hardware designs.
Responsibilities
Develop comprehensive validation and test plans for new PCB designs and embedded electronic systems
Define functional, electrical, thermal, and reliability test procedures for robotics hardware
Execute board bring-up, debugging, and characterization activities in the lab
Validate subsystems including power distribution and protection circuits, DC-DC converters and power sequencing, embedded computing hardware, sensor interfaces and communication buses, and high-speed digital and analog circuits
Perform lithium battery safety and validation testing, including charge/discharge characterization, protection circuit verification, thermal behavior evaluation, and failure-mode analysis
Develop and execute wire harness reliability and characterization tests, including continuity, insulation resistance, strain relief, vibration and flex-cycle, and connector retention validation
Design, build, and maintain hardware test fixtures and validation setups
Support debugging and repair of existing robotic systems and deployed hardware
Investigate hardware failures, identify root causes, and drive corrective actions
Collaborate with Electrical, Mechanical, Firmware, and Systems Engineers to improve testability, manufacturability, robustness, and serviceability of designs
Collect, analyze, and document test data, failure reports, validation procedures, and engineering findings
Communicate technical issues, test results, and root cause findings across cross-functional engineering teams
Support automation of repetitive validation and diagnostic tasks using scripting tools where appropriate
Support prototype builds, integration activities, and system-level testing
Maintain lab equipment, calibration records, and validation documentation
Preferred Qualifications
Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Mechatronics, or related field
Internship, academic project, or hands-on experience with PCB debugging or embedded electronics
Proficiency with lab equipment including oscilloscopes, multimeters, power supplies, electronic loads, and logic analyzers
Familiarity with power electronics, DC-DC converters, embedded systems, sensor and communication interfaces (I2C, SPI, UART, CAN, Ethernet), and lithium battery systems
Strong troubleshooting, debugging, and root cause analysis skills
Ability to read schematics, wiring diagrams, and interpret datasheets
Experience with robotics systems or autonomous platforms
Experience with PCB design tools such as Altium, KiCad, or Cadence
Experience with lithium battery testing or battery management systems (BMS)
Experience developing test automation scripts using Python or similar languages
Understanding of Design for Testability (DFT) principles
Experience with fixture design, pogo-pin interfaces, or functional test systems
Experience testing wire harnesses, connectors, or electromechanical assemblies
Exposure to EMI/EMC, thermal, vibration, or environmental testing
Familiarity with Linux-based embedded systems
Base Salary Range: $100,000 USD - $300,000 USD
Show more Show less
At Skild AI, we are building the world's first general purpose robotic intelligence that is robust and adapts to unseen scenarios without failing. We believe massive scale through data-driven machine learning is the key to unlocking these capabilities for the widespread deployment of robots within society. Our team consists of individuals with varying levels of experience and backgrounds, from new graduates to domain experts. Relevant industry experience is important, but ultimately less so than your demonstrated abilities and attitude. We are looking for passionate individuals who are eager to explore uncharted waters and contribute to our innovative projects.
Position Overview
We are seeking a motivated and hands-on Hardware Validation Engineer to work closely with our Electrical Engineering team in developing and validating next-generation robotics electronics systems. This role focuses on defining and executing validation strategies for complex PCB designs used in robotics applications, including power systems, DC-DC converters, embedded computing platforms, motor control interfaces, and sensor systems.
In addition to new hardware validation, this role will also support debugging and failure analysis of existing robotic platforms in both lab and operational environments. The ideal candidate enjoys working hands-on with hardware, troubleshooting complex issues, developing test methodologies, and collaborating across engineering disciplines to improve system reliability and future hardware designs.
Responsibilities
Develop comprehensive validation and test plans for new PCB designs and embedded electronic systems
Define functional, electrical, thermal, and reliability test procedures for robotics hardware
Execute board bring-up, debugging, and characterization activities in the lab
Validate subsystems including power distribution and protection circuits, DC-DC converters and power sequencing, embedded computing hardware, sensor interfaces and communication buses, and high-speed digital and analog circuits
Perform lithium battery safety and validation testing, including charge/discharge characterization, protection circuit verification, thermal behavior evaluation, and failure-mode analysis
Develop and execute wire harness reliability and characterization tests, including continuity, insulation resistance, strain relief, vibration and flex-cycle, and connector retention validation
Design, build, and maintain hardware test fixtures and validation setups
Support debugging and repair of existing robotic systems and deployed hardware
Investigate hardware failures, identify root causes, and drive corrective actions
Collaborate with Electrical, Mechanical, Firmware, and Systems Engineers to improve testability, manufacturability, robustness, and serviceability of designs
Collect, analyze, and document test data, failure reports, validation procedures, and engineering findings
Communicate technical issues, test results, and root cause findings across cross-functional engineering teams
Support automation of repetitive validation and diagnostic tasks using scripting tools where appropriate
Support prototype builds, integration activities, and system-level testing
Maintain lab equipment, calibration records, and validation documentation
Preferred Qualifications
Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Mechatronics, or related field
Internship, academic project, or hands-on experience with PCB debugging or embedded electronics
Proficiency with lab equipment including oscilloscopes, multimeters, power supplies, electronic loads, and logic analyzers
Familiarity with power electronics, DC-DC converters, embedded systems, sensor and communication interfaces (I2C, SPI, UART, CAN, Ethernet), and lithium battery systems
Strong troubleshooting, debugging, and root cause analysis skills
Ability to read schematics, wiring diagrams, and interpret datasheets
Experience with robotics systems or autonomous platforms
Experience with PCB design tools such as Altium, KiCad, or Cadence
Experience with lithium battery testing or battery management systems (BMS)
Experience developing test automation scripts using Python or similar languages
Understanding of Design for Testability (DFT) principles
Experience with fixture design, pogo-pin interfaces, or functional test systems
Experience testing wire harnesses, connectors, or electromechanical assemblies
Exposure to EMI/EMC, thermal, vibration, or environmental testing
Familiarity with Linux-based embedded systems
Base Salary Range: $100,000 USD - $300,000 USD
Show more Show less