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# Test Development Engineer - Actuation Systems

- **Company:** FIGURE, INC.
- **Location:** San Jose, CA, United States
- **Experience:** Expert
- **Salary:** $150,000.0 - $250,000.0
- **Contract:** Permanent contract
- **Skills:** Abstraction Layers, EtherCAT, Hardware Design, Python (Programming Language), MATLAB, Software Architecture, Systems Development Life Cycle, Simulink, Git, HMI Screens
- **Published:** August 10, 2026
- **Apply:** https://www.indeed.com/viewjob?jk=f4f61eb9c76fcd87

## About the Role

* 8+ years of hands-on experience in dynamic motion control systems and advanced test system development
 * Proven track record building testing solutions for actuation or motor systems, including dynamometers
 * Hands-on experience with EtherCAT-based servo drives (Elmo, Kollmorgen, or equivalent) and PM motor control
 * Experience integrating and calibrating analog torque sensors (HBM or equivalent) and high-resolution absolute encoders (BiSS-C or equivalent)
 * High proficiency with Matlab/Simulink, Simulink Real-Time, Speedgoat, Python and git
 * Multidisciplinary knowledge spanning controls engineering, actuation characterization, mechanical dynamics, and electrical engineering for dyno systems
 * Strong hands-on lab competency paired with rigorous engineering analysis
 * Exceptional documentation, communication, and planning skills
 * Resilient and effective in fast-paced, ambiguous environments

Bonus Qualifications:

 * Ability to write EE schematics
 * Advanced vibration analysis techniques (order tracking, spatial sampling)
 * Experience with UI/HMI development for test operators

## Description

We are seeking an experienced Test Development Engineer to own the development and implementation of testing infrastructure for actuation systems - spanning software architecture, hardware integration, calibration, and system characterization. This role will work closely with mechanical, electrical, and build teams to deliver robust, scalable dyno systems that validate our humanoid's actuation subsystems from early development through life-cycle testing., * Lead the development and maintenance of highly automated, scalable actuation test systems, collaborating with mechanical, electrical, and build teams

 * Develop scalable dyno software on Speedgoat/Simulink Real-Time - including controls, hardware abstraction layer, data acquisition, calibration, and UI - architected to support multiple test systems deployed in parallel
 * Interface and integrate dyno hardware (EtherCAT drives, PM motors, analog torque cells, precision encoders) with Speedgoat, and develop the associated control architectures
 * Calibrate dynos, validate measurement accuracy, and troubleshoot issues across the full signal chain from sensor to controller
 * Run structured test campaigns during dyno bring-up to characterize and stabilize system behavior before handoff
 * Document integration processes, test plans, and validation results with precision and clarity
 * Build deep, cross-disciplinary knowledge of actuation subsystems - including friction, stiffness, and vibration characterization - to drive ongoing technology development, and provide training and technical support to test engineers


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