Hardware Validation - Electrical Engineer

Hardware Validation Engineer

San Mateo, California

Company Overview

At Skild AI, we are building the world's first general purpose robotic intelligence that is robust and adapts to unseen scenarios without failing. We believe massive scale through data-driven machine learning is the key to unlocking these capabilities for the widespread deployment of robots within society. Our team consists of individuals with varying levels of experience and backgrounds, from new graduates to domain experts. Relevant industry experience is important, but ultimately less so than your demonstrated abilities and attitude. We are looking for passionate individuals who are eager to explore uncharted waters and contribute to our innovative projects.

Position Overview

We are seeking a motivated and hands-on Hardware Validation Engineer to work closely with our Electrical Engineering team in developing and validating next-generation robotics electronics systems. This role focuses on defining and executing validation strategies for complex PCB designs used in robotics applications, including power systems, DC-DC converters, embedded computing platforms, motor control interfaces, and sensor systems.

In addition to new hardware validation, this role will also support debugging and failure analysis of existing robotic platforms in both lab and operational environments. The ideal candidate enjoys working hands-on with hardware, troubleshooting complex issues, developing test methodologies, and collaborating across engineering disciplines to improve system reliability and future hardware designs.

Responsibilities

• Develop comprehensive validation and test plans for new PCB designs and embedded electronic systems
• Define functional, electrical, thermal, and reliability test procedures for robotics hardware
• Execute board bring-up, debugging, and characterization activities in the lab
• Validate subsystems including power distribution and protection circuits, DC-DC converters and power sequencing, embedded computing hardware, sensor interfaces and communication buses, and high-speed digital and analog circuits
• Perform lithium battery safety and validation testing, including charge/discharge characterization, protection circuit verification, thermal behavior evaluation, and failure-mode analysis
• Develop and execute wire harness reliability and characterization tests, including continuity, insulation resistance, strain relief, vibration and flex-cycle, and connector retention validation
• Design, build, and maintain hardware test fixtures and validation setups
• Support debugging and repair of existing robotic systems and deployed hardware
• Investigate hardware failures, identify root causes, and drive corrective actions
• Collaborate with Electrical, Mechanical, Firmware, and Systems Engineers to improve testability, manufacturability, robustness, and serviceability of designs
• Collect, analyze, and document test data, failure reports, validation procedures, and engineering findings
• Communicate technical issues, test results, and root cause findings across cross-functional engineering teams
• Support automation of repetitive validation and diagnostic tasks using scripting tools where appropriate
• Support prototype builds, integration activities, and system-level testing
• Maintain lab equipment, calibration records, and validation documentation

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Mechatronics, or related field
• Internship, academic project, or hands-on experience with PCB debugging or embedded electronics
• Proficiency with lab equipment including oscilloscopes, multimeters, power supplies, electronic loads, and logic analyzers
• Familiarity with power electronics, DC-DC converters, embedded systems, sensor and communication interfaces (I2C, SPI, UART, CAN, Ethernet), and lithium battery systems
• Strong troubleshooting, debugging, and root cause analysis skills
• Ability to read schematics, wiring diagrams, and interpret datasheets
• Experience with robotics systems or autonomous platforms
• Experience with PCB design tools such as Altium, KiCad, or Cadence
• Experience with lithium battery testing or battery management systems (BMS)
• Experience developing test automation scripts using Python or similar languages
• Understanding of Design for Testability (DFT) principles
• Experience with fixture design, pogo-pin interfaces, or functional test systems
• Experience testing wire harnesses, connectors, or electromechanical assemblies
• Exposure to EMI/EMC, thermal, vibration, or environmental testing
• Familiarity with Linux-based embedded systems

Base Salary Range

$100,000 - $300,000 USD