Senior Test and Validation Engineer

Here at Humanoid, we believe in a future where robots amplify human potential. That’s why we’ve set out on a mission to build the world’s most capable, commercially-scalable, and safe humanoid robots. We’re bringing that mission to life with HMND‑01 - our rapidly developed humanoid platform being deployed in real industrial environments - and we’re growing the team to take it even further.

About the Role

As a Senior Test and Validation Engineer at Humanoid, you will be responsible for bringing new hardware subsystems into a functional, controllable, measurable, and integration-ready state, including calibration, tuning, characterization, and modeling across actuators, hand/gripper mechanisms, and integrated robotic assemblies.

You will work closely with mechanical design, firmware, controls, manufacturing, and system integration teams to diagnose unstable behavior, define the right parameters and models, and accelerate hardware maturity for upstream controller and software development.

What You’ll Do

• Design, plan, and execute test procedures for actuators, mechanisms, grippers, and robotic hands.
• Build and maintain test fixtures and test rigs for dynamic and endurance testing.
• Tune and calibrate sensors like encoder and control loops in the driver, including current, velocity, and position control, and verify stability conditions.
• Develop subsystem characterization methods and identify key parameters such as torque constant profile, friction, inertia, backlash, stiffness, thermal behavior, and efficiency.
• Design, plan, and execute test procedures for actuators, mechanisms, grippers, and robotic hands.
• Build and maintain test fixtures and test rigs for dynamic and endurance testing.
• Develop automated test systems (hardware + software) to validate motor performance, force output, back drivability, and safety limits.
• Conduct lifecycle, stress, thermal, and environmental tests on components and subsystems.
• Analyze test results, create test reports, and drive design feedback loops with engineering teams.
• Collaborate with design engineers to define testable requirements, tolerances, and performance metrics.
• Support incoming QC, assembly-level verification, and field failure diagnostics.
• Maintain test documentation, protocols, and results databases.
• Work closely with control and firmware teams to evaluate actuator behavior in closed-loop scenarios.

We’re Looking For

• Master’s or PhD degree in Mechanical, Mechatronics, Electrical Engineering, Robotics, or a related field.
• 5+ years of experience with robotic hardware, controls, actuator characterization, system commissioning.
• Hands-on experience with motors, actuators, encoders, force/torque sensors, and hardware instrumentation.
• Strong troubleshooting ability and comfort working through ambiguous or unstable hardware problems.
• Experience with calibration, parameter identification, modeling, and mathematical optimization.
• Proficient with tools such as Python (preferred), MATLAB, or C++ for data capture, analysis, and model fitting using OOP(Object Oriented Programming).
• Comfortable with mechanical tools, instrumentation, and prototyping in lab environments.
• Strong understanding of safety testing, failure modes (FMEA), and reliability analysis.
• Excellent documentation, communication, and cross-functional collaboration skills.
• Familiarity with data acquisition systems (DAQ) and tools such as LabVIEW, Python, or MATLAB.

Bonus Qualifications

• Experience with strain-wave gear, planetary gear, or custom robotic actuators.
• Experience with robotic hands, grippers, underactuated mechanisms, or tendon-driven systems.
• Experience with and complete understanding of commercial BLDC drivers.
• Familiarity with low-level control development, parameter identification, or dynamic modeling for electromechanical systems.
• Knowledge of EtherCAT, EtherNET, or related motion control DS402.
• Experience supporting integrated arm or leg bring-up on larger robotic platforms.

What We Offer

• Comprehensive extended health benefits starting on your first day, including fully paid medical and dental, virtual care, employee and family assistance, and worldwide emergency medical support.
• Meaningful time off to rest and recharge: 23 days of annual leave (accrued), 15 days of paid sick leave, and paid company holidays.
• Paid end-of-year shutdown: annual company-wide holiday closure spanning Christmas through New Year’s Day.
• Competitive equity: stock options with meaningful upside as we scale.
• Free daily catered lunch, snacks, and drinks in‑office.
• Collaboration with top‑tier engineers, researchers, and product experts in AI and robotics.
• Freedom to influence the product and own key initiatives.