Robotics Systems Test & Validation Operator

Job Description:

Job Title: Robotics Systems Test & Validation Operator
Location: Folsom, California - USA
Time Type: Full Time

Hourly Rate: $25-27 hourly

About Nextpower


Nextpower is a global leader in intelligent solar tracker and software solutions, optimizing solar power plant performance worldwide.


Within Nextpower, we develop and deploy robotic and AI-driven systems that operate in real solar environments. These systems combine robotics, perception, embedded compute, autonomy, and cloud infrastructure to increase inspection capacity, improve safety, and scale operations.


We are seeking a Robotics Systems Test & Validation Operator to help ensure that what we build actually works reliably, safely, and effectively before it reaches the field.


This role sits at the intersection of Operations, Engineering, and Quality. While we do not have a formal Quality function today, this role is a key step toward raising that bar.


This role is based in Folsom, California. Travel to Fremont may be required, approximately 10 percent, typically a few days per month.


Why This Role Exists


We ship quickly. That is a strength.


As we scale the system, we are investing in a more structured and disciplined approach to testing, validation, and release quality. The goal is to ensure that every change we make, across hardware, software, and user experience, works reliably in real-world conditions before it reaches the field.


This role is a key part of that evolution and you will help us move faster while raising the bar by building a high-signal, engineering-driven testing function, representing the end user within the development and release process, ensuring hardware and software changes are validated before deployment, and helping create a release system where quality, reliability, and usability scale with the pace of development.


Key Responsibilities


System Testing and Validation

• Lead daily testing of release candidates on real systems

• Validate system behavior across navigation, inspection, teleoperation, and edge cases

• Go beyond smoke testing by running repeated scenarios, exploring edge cases, and attempting to break the system

• Help determine what is ready to ship and what is not

You are not just executing tests. You are responsible for evaluating system behavior, identifying issues, and providing clear guidance on release readiness.


Release Testing and Feedback Loop

• Support the release process by validating integrated system behavior

• Test full releases, not just individual components or repos

• Identify regressions and unintended interactions across systems

• Provide clear, actionable feedback to engineering teams

Feedback should clearly communicate:

• What failed

• Why it matters

• Recommended next steps or mitigation

Operator Experience and UX Validation

• Evaluate how new features impact real operator workflows

• Identify friction, confusion, and usability issues

• Suggest improvements based on real usage and testing

• Support testing of different operator setups such as controls, displays, and workflows

• Participate in structured UX and operator testing efforts

You will help ensure that improvements actually make operators:

• Faster

• Safer

• More confident

Test Setup and Execution

• Set up robots, systems, and environments for repeatable testing

• Build and modify simple test setups or fixtures as needed

• Support testing across hardware and software configurations

• Run extended and stress tests to validate reliability

Data Capture and System Feedback

• Capture logs, videos, and test results during testing

• Clearly communicate findings and issues

• Help identify patterns in failures and system behavior

• Support basic analysis of performance and reliability

Cross-Functional Support

• Work closely with Engineering, Integration, and Operations teams

• Help reproduce field issues in controlled environments

• Support validation of both robotics and AI system releases

Minimum Qualifications

• Associate's degree in a technical field, or equivalent hands-on experience in robotics, operations, or system testing

• 2+ years of experience in a technical or operational role such as robotics, manufacturing, field operations, or testing

• Experience operating robotic systems, vehicles, or similar technical systems

• Strong attention to detail and problem-solving mindset

• Ability to follow structured processes while thinking critically when systems behave unexpectedly

• Comfortable working hands-on with physical systems

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience as a robot operator, technician, production, or test operator

• Experience working with engineering teams on system validation or troubleshooting

• Familiarity with robotics, sensors, or teleoperation interfaces

• Experience identifying and reporting system bugs or issues

• Interest in user experience and workflow design

• Familiarity with Linux or command-line tools

What Success Looks Like

• Releases are validated before they reach the field

• Bugs are caught earlier in the process

• Engineers trust your feedback and rely on your validation

• Operator experience measurably improves over time

• Testing becomes structured, repeatable, and high-signal

Join Us


At Nextpower, we are building systems that operate in real environments and create real value.


As a Robotics Systems Test & Validation Operator, you will play a critical role in ensuring those systems are reliable, usable, and ready for the field.


You will not just test the system. You will help make it better.


At Nextpower, we are driving the global energy transition with an integrated clean energy technology platform that combines intelligent structural, electrical, and digital solutions for utility-scale power plants. Our comprehensive portfolio enables faster project delivery, higher performance, and greater reliability, helping our customers capture the full value of solar power. Our talented worldwide teams are redefining how solar power plants are designed, built, and operated every day with smart technology, data-driven insights, and advanced automation. Together, we're building the foundation for the world's next generation of clean energy infrastructure.

Nextpower is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.

We are Nextpower