Electrical Test Engineer

About Motivo

We are looking for a passionate, enthusiastic multidisciplinary engineer, capable of leading the technical decision-making process in electro-mechanical projects that require a solid system architecture. Motivo is a project-based product development company focused on designing systems containing mechanical, electrical, and software components. Our programs typically span from clean-sheet design through prototype validation, though we occasionally shepherd our clients through to the start of production as well. We develop products for diverse market segments, including mobility/automotive, medical/health/fitness, industrial automation, energy storage and conversion, aerospace, consumer devices, and more. We are the secret weapon behind many early-stage startups seeking to develop their first product, as well as Fortune 500 R&D branches looking to innovate on their next flagship product.

What is a Test Engineer at Motivo?

At Motivo, Test Engineers are highly valued and versatile team members. They are the linchpin in executing complex validation and verification (V&V) projects from testbench concept to final commissioning. We look for creative problem-solvers with a keen eye for detail and the ability to balance competing priorities.

Working closely with a Project Manager, Systems Engineer, and multidisciplinary technical leads, a Test Engineer guides focused engineering teams through the critical testing phases of product development. This involves:

• Planning technical and programmatic aspects of testbench architecture and data acquisition.
• Defining and reviewing complete test setups, ensuring traceability of testing requirements to system requirements.
• Identifying and managing testing risks, especially regarding High Voltage (HV) safety and dynamic load simulation.
• Identifying key instrumentation, sensors, and DAQ hardware.
• Leading technical teams to successful hardware validation and project completion.

In later phases, you'll lead brainstorms, review data, provide technical guidance, and assist with debugging and troubleshooting during system integration and V&V activities. An ideal candidate possesses a strong understanding of mechanical fixturing, electrical DAQ, and automated software scripting to effectively test complex systems. This role is perfect for an incredibly sharp engineer with an insatiable curiosity for all aspects of engineering!

Key Responsibilities

As a Test Engineer, you will:

• Architect, design, and build custom test rigs for the performance, durability, and environmental testing of high-voltage and low-voltage actuators.
• Specify and integrate dynamometers, linear load actuators, torque sensors, and load cells.
• Design test fixtures with strict adherence to High Voltage (800V) safety standards, implementing safety interlocks and isolation monitoring for 1kW to 5kW motor systems.
• Select, wire, and configure sensors and Data Acquisition (DAQ) hardware to capture high-fidelity, real-time test data.
• Develop test scripts and automated software interfaces (using Python, LabVIEW, or MATLAB) to run multi-variable test matrices and automatically flag anomalies.
• Collaborate with Firmware and Electrical Engineers to set up Hardware-in-the-Loop (HIL) test environments to validate MCU firmware and CAN/Ethernet communications.
• Champion a robust V&V approach across the organization, developing and executing formal system-level validation plans.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Mechatronics, or a related field.
• 7+ years of professional experience in a test engineering role, with hands-on experience designing and building electromechanical test stands or dynamometers.
• Demonstrated experience working safely with High Voltage DC systems (up to 800V) and implementing appropriate test cell safety protocols.
• Deep knowledge of sensor selection, signal conditioning, and DAQ hardware configuration.
• Proficiency in test automation and data analysis using scripting languages (Python, LabVIEW, C++, or MATLAB).
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to effectively collaborate with internal design teams to resolve cross-disciplinary issues.
• A passion for innovation and a desire to work in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.

Preferred

• Master of Science in a relevant engineering discipline.
• Experience in industries such as aerospace, electric vehicles (EV), or robotics testing flight-critical or safety-critical hardware.
• Familiarity with aerospace environmental testing standards (e.g., DO-160) covering thermal, vibration, and EMI/EMC.
• Experience with hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) and software-in-the-loop (SIL) testing frameworks (e.g., dSPACE, Speedgoat).
• Familiarity with vehicle communication networks (CAN, CAN-FD, CANopen).

Benefits

We're convinced that the team and the projects are hands-down the best part of working at Motivo. To support that, we offer a solid benefits package including high-quality insurance, a 401(k) match, generous vacation time, and our Monday-Thursday 4/10 work week. We offer profit-sharing bonuses, which are tied to overall company performance, because we believe in winning together; we're transparent about the company's numbers, and when our hard work drives financial success, employees may share in the upside.

Base Salary Range:$110,000 - $130,000

Salary is dependent on experience, knowledge and interview performance.