Hardware Test Engineer

About this Role:Pickle Robot is seeking a Hardware Test Engineer to join our growing Engineering team. In this role, you will be responsible for designing, developing, and executing test plans to ensure the reliability and performance of our robotic systems deployed across logistics warehouses. You’ll work closely with our Hardware, Software, and Product teams to validate new designs, troubleshoot issues, and drive continuous improvement in product quality. This is an ideal position for someone who loves working hands-on with complex electromechanical systems, enjoys building test rigs and automated test setups, and thrives in a fast-paced, collaborative environment.

What You’ll Accomplish:

• Test Plan Development: Develop and document comprehensive test plans for mechanical, electrical, and system-level hardware components.
• Test Execution: Perform functional, environmental, and reliability tests on robotic subsystems, sensors, actuators, and control systems.
• Failure Analysis: Investigate test failures, perform root cause analysis, and work with design teams to drive corrective actions.
• Prototype Evaluation: Validate first-article components and prototype builds to ensure they meet design requirements and operational needs.
• Maintain ownership of follow-up communications both internally and externally, including logging and documenting your findings and resolution steps.
• Data Collection & Reporting: Record detailed test data, perform analysis, and communicate results to engineering and leadership teams.
• Continuous Improvement: Identify opportunities to enhance test procedures, improve product robustness, and streamline validation workflows.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Work alongside Mechanical, Electrical, and Software teams to develop integrated testing strategies that ensure overall system reliability.

Who You Are:

• 2–5 years of experience in hardware test engineering, product validation, or quality assurance for electromechanical or robotics systems.
• Strong understanding of mechanical and electrical systems and their interactions.
• Experience with sensors, motors, actuators, wiring harnesses, and control systems.
• Hands-on experience building test fixtures, performing diagnostics, and using standard lab equipment (oscilloscopes, multimeters, environmental chambers, etc.).
• Familiarity with basic scripting languages (Python, Bash) for automating test data collection is a plus.
• Exceptional attention to detail and commitment to product quality.
• Strong communication skills for documenting and presenting findings.
• Highly organized and capable of managing multiple test campaigns simultaneously.
• Comfortable operating in a dynamic startup environment where processes are still evolving.
Preferred Skills:
• CAD experience (Onshape, SolidWorks, or similar) for fixture design.
• Knowledge of robotic system components (robotic arms, conveyor systems, vision systems) is a plus.
• Familiarity with reliability engineering principles (HALT/HASS, environmental stress screening.
Location & Travel:
• Willing and able to work from our Cambridge/ Charlestown, MA office at least 3 times per week.

About Pickle RobotPickle Robot is a pioneer in Physical AI for supply chain applications. Today Pickle robots autonomously unload trucks, trailers, and import containers at human-scale or better performance. The alternative is manual work that is difficult, dirty, sometimes dangerous, and increasingly hard to staff at distribution centers around the globe. Pickle Robot is laser focused on automating truck unloading using generative AI, machine learning, computer vision, advanced sensors, and industrial robotics to deliver engineered products customers rely on. Pickle Robot Unload Systems work alongside people on loading docks to make the work safer, faster, and more efficient. Pickle robots are physical AI that unload trucks.
Pickle provides best-in-class benefits including health, dental, & vision insurance; unlimited vacation, along with all federal and state holidays; 401K contributions of 5% your salary, travel supplies, and other items to make your working life more fun, comfortable, and productive.