Senior Engineering / Lab Technical Lead

job summary:
This isn't a traditional lab technician role, and we want to be upfront about that from the start. We're looking for someone who can own technical execution end-to-end - who doesn't just follow test plans but writes them, doesn't just build test benches but designs them, and doesn't just escalate problems but solves them. If you're

the kind of engineer who's happiest when you're equally comfortable reading a schematic and turning a wrench, this role was written for you.

 
location: Boston, Massachusetts
job type: Contract
salary: $95 - 105 per hour
work hours: 8am to 5pm
education: Bachelors

responsibilities:
Test Bench Build & Execution

● Design, build, and operate test benches for prototype robotic hardware - including power systems,

motion actuation, sensor arrays, and communication interfaces.

● Develop test plans and acceptance criteria in partnership with hardware engineers; own execution of

those tests and documentation of results.

● Build custom fixtures, jigs, and test setups for hardware validation - combining mechanical fabrication,

electrical wiring, and software scripting as needed.

● Operate and maintain diagnostic equipment including oscilloscopes, logic analyzers, multimeters, and

signal analyzers; train junior staff on their use.

Hardware Builds & Integration

● Support and in some cases lead prototype hardware builds - integrating actuators, sensors

(force/torque, IMUs, encoders, vision systems), compute modules, and power distribution systems.

● Perform PCB bring-up and debug, interpret schematics and layout files, and triage issues at the

component, board, and system level.

● Validate communication buses including CAN, EtherCAT, and RS-485; troubleshoot timing, signal

integrity, and protocol issues.

● Provide DFM/DFA (Design for Manufacturability / Design for Assembly) feedback to hardware engineers

based on hands-on build experience.

Troubleshooting & Failure Analysis

● Own root cause analysis for hardware failures across the full platform - power, compute, comms,

actuation, and sensing.

● Reproduce and document failures systematically; author clear failure analysis reports that engineering

teams can act on.

● Build and maintain a debug playbook for the lab - capturing known failure modes, diagnostic

approaches, and resolution paths.

● Serve as the technical escalation point for complex issues in the lab, bridging the gap between hands-on

debugging and engineering team decision-making.

Reliability Engineering

● Design and execute reliability and environmental test programs - thermal cycling, vibration,

mechanical stress, and long-duration soak testing.

● Analyze failure data to identify patterns and systemic risks; partner with hardware engineers on design

improvements.

● Maintain calibration records and test equipment certification to ensure measurement accuracy and data

integrity.

qualifications:
Required

● Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience in Electrical Engineering, Mechatronics, Mechanical Engineering, or a closely related discipline.

● Ability to work onsite in Boston, MA

● 7+ years of hands-on experience in hardware development, test engineering, or systems integration - ideally across more than one of EE, reliability, and mechatronics.

● Deep proficiency with electronic test equipment and debugging at both the component and system level.

● Ability to read and interpret electrical schematics, PCB layouts, and mechanical drawings without assistance.

● Experience building test benches and custom test fixtures from scratch - not just operating existing setups.

● Strong written documentation habits - you write clear test plans, build procedures, and FA reports as a matter of course, not as an afterthought.

Preferred

● Experience in a robotics, physical AI, or advanced hardware R&D environment - familiarity with high- DoF robotic systems, servo drives, or embedded motor control.

● Background in reliability engineering methodologies: FMEA, HALT/HASS, Weibull analysis, or similar.

● Scripting or programming ability (Python preferred) for test automation, data logging, and results analysis.

● Exposure to HIL (Hardware-in-the-Loop) testing setups and methodologies.

● Experience with CAD tools (SolidWorks, Fusion 360, or similar) for fixture design and documentation.

skills:
AI,test automation,programming,CAD tools,data logging,power distribution systems,EtherCAT,FMEA,hardware development,hardware validation,Hardware-in-the-Loop,PCB layouts,Python,Reliability Engineering,robotic systems,Scripting,signal integrity,debug,debugging,reliability testing,SolidWorks,systems integration,vision systems,decision-making,troubleshoot,Troubleshooting,Strong written,reliability,trustworthy,acceptance criteria,actuators,Assembly,partnership,calibration,prototype,cycling,DFM,Design for Manufacturability,electrical schematics,servo drives,power systems,electrical wiring,electronic test equipment,environmental test,Failure Analysis,failure modes,Electrical Engineering,logic analyzers,fabrication,Mechanical Engineering,mechanical drawings,Mechatronics,motor control,oscilloscopes,PCB,researchers,R&D,risks,robotic,robotics,root cause analysis,sensor,sensors,mechanical stress,test engineering,test fixtures,test equipment,test plans,Develop test plans,Test Bench,testing,fixture design,torque,triage,diagnostic equipment,vibration,Weibull analysis,wrench

Equal Opportunity Employer: Race, Color, Religion, Sex, Sexual Orientation, Gender Identity, National Origin, Age, Genetic Information, Disability, Protected Veteran Status, or any other legally protected group status.

At Randstad Digital, we welcome people of all abilities and want to ensure that our hiring and interview process meets the needs of all applicants. If you require a reasonable accommodation to make your application or interview experience a great one, please contact View email address on us.fitly.work.




Pay offered to a successful candidate will be based on several factors including the candidate's education, work experience, work location, specific job duties, certifications, etc. In addition, Randstad Digital offers a comprehensive benefits package, including: medical, prescription, dental, vision, AD&D, and life insurance offerings, short-term disability, and a 401K plan (all benefits are based on eligibility).

This posting is open for thirty (30) days.

It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.