Atoms Test Engineering Technician runs hands-on testing on development vehicles and systems, supporting test plans and capturing data for engineering. Supports prototyping, harness development, test bench builds, and vehicle bring-up.
Responsibilities
We’re hiring a mid-level Test Engineering Technician for the Dev Fleet & Test team. You’’ll run hands-on testing on our development vehicles and systems, working with test, hardware and autonomy engineers. You will turn test plans into execution: get vehicles test-ready, set up instrumentation and data logging, run test procedures on the track and in the field, and capture clean data and clear findings for engineering. Beyond testing, you’ll support other development work as needed, including prototyping, harness development, test bench builds and maintenance, and vehicle bring-up. Much of this work is first-of-its-kind, so we need someone who can work from loose plans with little instruction, think through setup and safety on their own, and is as comfortable with software bring-up and diagnostics as with the hardware. A good hire runs routine tests and small builds on their own within about 3–6 months. The role is onsite in SF, with regular travel to test sites (e.g., Richmond) and some early-morning, after-hours or weekend testing.
Run vehicle and system tests from test plans, often first-of-its-kind and with limited instructions, and write down exactly what was run and observed
Get development vehicles test-ready, including pre-test inspections, functional and safety checks, and go/no-go sign-off
Support development work beyond testing, including prototyping, building wire harnesses, test bench builds and maintenance, and bringing up new vehicles
Set up and maintain test instrumentation, data logging and fixtures, including sensors, DAQ, harnesses and test cables
Run hardware and software bring-up: flash firmware, configure compute, and check that sensors, data and vehicle interfaces are working
Diagnose and troubleshoot problems across mechanical, electrical, firmware and software using logs, CAN tools and test equipment
Turn test results and failures into clear, actionable reports and tickets for hardware and autonomy engineers, and help improve test procedures and checklists
Support testing at the track and in the field, and keep test equipment, spares and the shop organized
Qualification
Working knowledge of low-voltage powerCareful about data qualityAbility to lift up to 50 lbsExperience with autonomous vehicles
Required
3+ years of hands-on experience in vehicle or hardware testing, test technician work, prototype build, automotive or EV service, or electromechanical integration
Comfort working on first-of-its-kind tests and builds with little documentation, and good judgment about setup, safety and when to stop a test
Methodical troubleshooting across hardware and software, plus comfort with Linux, the command line and reading logs
Working knowledge of low-voltage power, grounding, connectors and CAN bus, and the ability to read wiring diagrams, schematics and mechanical drawings
Hands-on harness and fabrication skills (crimping, soldering, continuity testing), plus experience with multimeters, oscilloscopes, DAQ systems and CAN analysis tools
Careful about data quality: clear, timely test notes, results and documentation that others can trust and repeat, clear communication with engineers & the ability to explain what happened, what you checked and what you think is wrong
Ability to lift up to 50 lbs, work outdoors in different weather, travel to test sites, and support early-morning, after-hours or weekend testing
Experience with autonomous vehicles, EVs, motorsport or heavy equipment; CAD, scripting (Python or Bash) for test automation or data analysis preferred
A driver’s license with test-driving or safety-driver experience preferred
