Automation Operations Engineer

We are seeking a dedicated Automation Operations Engineer to join our team in the heart of Silicon Valley, working directly with world-class experts and technologies at a world-famous, public California-based multinational technology leader. In this role, you will be responsible for deploying, maintaining, and executing hardware test fixtures in our Cupertino lab-contributing directly to cutting-edge consumer electronics products and services used by billions of people every day. Req.# Responsibilities Fixture & Device Setup: Set up, deploy, and maintain test devices and fixtures for automation testing, including mechanical setup and device-under-test (DUT) configuration as instructed by the engineering team Hardware Handling & Modification: Build models, disassemble, modify, and re-assemble systems; handle prototype and development hardware with strict adherence to security and handling protocols Infrastructure Support: Work alongside engineers to bring up and maintain test infrastructure, taking responsibility for agent staging, updates, and smoke testing Execution & Monitoring: Run experiments defined by staff engineers, start tests on daily software builds, and monitor them for success Debugging & Troubleshooting: Perform failure recovery, troubleshooting, and root cause analysis when automation or hardware test setups fail Data Analysis & Reporting: Perform basic analysis of test data validity, create test reports, summaries, and dashboards, and provide daily/weekly status updates with clear timelines and deliverables Documentation: Develop and update associated documentation, including assembly/disassembly procedures and agent update guides Lab Management: Maintain a clean, organized, and well-managed lab space, ensuring equipment and devices are properly accounted for and maintained Logistics & Transportation: Handle prototype device pickup within 48 hours of availability, deploy new prototype devices to test areas within 48 hours of pickup, and transport devices between distribution centers and labs (requiring travel between buildings using a personal vehicle) Process Improvement: Identify and propose design, process, or performance improvements to engineers to minimize test fixture downtime Requirements Education: Bachelor's degree in Computer Engineering, Software Engineering, or equivalent practical experience Automation & Scripting: Familiarity with Python-based test automation; comfortable writing basic scripts, debugging small issues, and interacting with microcontrollers and I/O devices Hardware & Fixtures: Experience deploying automated fixtures, including mechanical setup Infrastructure & Systems: Experience with infrastructure and configuration management systems (e.g., Ansible, Puppet) OS & Networking: Solid experience with shell scripting, networking, and managing macOS systems Soft Skills & Adaptability: Self-sufficient problem solver with excellent debugging skills, high attention to detail, and the ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment with changing priorities Communication: Excellent written and verbal communication skills for effective collaboration with cross-location teams Interest: A strong interest and enthusiasm for hardware testing Nice to have Familiarity with Python test frameworks and test development Familiarity with Apple products and ecosystem Experience with 3D printing, soldering, and similar tools Experience working with robotic test fixtures Prior professional experience in hardware (HW) testing