Hardware Engineer - Test Development

Location: Foster City, CA (Hybrid / Travel within Bay Area as needed) Pay Rate: $79.50 / Hour (Equivalent to ~$165,000/year!) Position Type: Full-Time Contract (W2) Partner Agency: Comrise

? The Vibe: Push AI Beyond the Screen

Are you tired of testing incremental software patches or working on component hardware that never leaves a lab bench?

We are looking for an exceptional, forward-thinking Hardware Engineer - Test Development to join a world-class team supporting a trailblazer in the autonomous ride-hailing revolution. In this role, you won't just follow a checklist. You will get your hands on early-stage prototypes, using Python automation to design the very stress tests, custom rigs, and infrastructure that validate the next generation of vehicular sense and compute hardware.

If you are an innovative self-starter who loves crossing between raw electrical signals, custom automation scripts, and complex mechanical environments, this is your sandbox.

????? Your Daily Impact (What You'll Actually Do):

You will own the hardware validation lifecycle from early prototypes to road-ready vehicle modules:

• Architect from Scratch: Translate complex engineering ideas into functional block diagrams, complete Bills of Materials (BoMs), and bulletproof test plans.
• Build Custom Rigs: Develop purpose-built test infrastructure, including custom load simulators, specialized test harnessing, and automated scripts written in Python.
• Master the Lab: Utilize high-end electrical and environmental test equipment (oscilloscopes, network analyzers, VNAs, TDRs, and environmental chambers) to torture-test hardware under extreme real-world conditions.
• Hunt Down Failure Modes: Partner directly with suppliers, design engineers, and systems teams to pinpoint failures, optimize performance, and drive documentation releases.
• Own the Tech Narrative: Draft and present high-impact Technical Reviews, Design Reviews, and comprehensive Data Reviews to engineering leadership.

• The Degree: B.S. in Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a highly related technical discipline.
• Battle-Tested Experience: 4+ years of professional engineering experience, including at least 2+ years strictly focused on electronics development.
• High-Reliability DNA: Proven background testing complex electronic components across the automotive, aerospace, or advanced mobility sectors.
• Software & Design Chops: Strong hands-on proficiency navigating Ubuntu/Linux and Python for test automation. Exposure to design ecosystems (PCBA via Altium and 3D Modeling via Catia/3DExperience) is highly preferred.

???? Bonus Points & Sizzle Metrics:

• An M.S. or Ph.D. in an Engineering discipline.
• A competitive engineering background (e.g., Formula SAE, FIRST Robotics, or DARPA challenges).
• Deep structural systems and networking knowledge (memory hierarchy, routing, LANs, storage subsystems, and systems architecture).
• Hands-on familiarity with Ethernet switching chipsets (Broadcom, Marvell), PCIe, CAN bus, and common protocols (SPI, I2C, MDIO).
• Competency with simulation or requirement-test software like Ansys, Polarion, Data Acquisition systems (Keysight/UEI), or Jira/Confluence.

???? Ready to Put the Future of Autonomy to the Test?

If you have a genuine passion for breaking down complex hardware problems and want to see your automation scripts interact with technology that moves in the real world, let's talk. Interviews are kicking off right now!