Senior Validation Engineer

About the Role

We are looking for a Senior Hardware Test Engineer to own the test methodology for HMND‑01’s hardware components, robot subsystems, and complete humanoid robots. You will be the engineer who decides what “good” looks like — from a single actuator on the bench to a full robot walking through an integration sequence.

This is a hands-on, technical leadership role. You will design test methods, run them yourself on early prototypes, and partner closely with the test automation team, Manufacturing Engineering, Production Operations, and Supply Chain Quality as we move from EVT toward production. You’ll be the hardware voice that shapes what gets measured on the line, at what tolerance, and why — without owning the QC routine or rig build, which sit with Production Ops Quality and Manufacturing Engineering respectively.

What You'll Be Testing

• Actuators (motors, gearboxes, encoders, drivers)

• Robot manipulators and end-effectors

• Legged subsystems and balance behaviors

• Power and battery systems

• Full humanoid robot assemblies

Must-Have

• Experience: 5+ years in hardware test engineering, with hands-on testing of complex electromechanical systems — robotics, automotive, aerospace, or similar.

• Test Methodology: Strong grasp of test theory, test design, and pass/fail criteria definition. You can write a test spec that another engineer can execute without follow-up questions.

• Mechanical: Solid understanding of mechanical design principles, common core components (gears, bearings, actuators), measurement tools (calipers, micrometers, load cells, encoders), and technical drawings including GD&T basics.

• Electrical: Comfortable reading schematics, using a multimeter and oscilloscope, and reasoning about basic power and signal integrity.

• Production Fluency: Familiarity with hardware production operations — flow, takt, work instructions, traveler documentation — enough to collaborate effectively with Manufacturing Engineering and Production Ops without trying to own their work.

• Tooling: Experience with test and task tracking systems (Jira, X-Ray, TestRail, or similar).

• Matrix Operating Style: Comfortable influencing test stations, rigs, and equipment design through clear requirements and tight partnership, not through ownership.

• Mindset: Systems thinking — you naturally see how a problem at the component level can manifest as a behavior at the full-robot level.

Nice-to-Have

• Robotics experience, especially with serial-link manipulators or legged systems.

• Hands-on test rig and fixture design experience (mechanical and/or electrical) — useful for speaking the same language as Manufacturing Engineering on rig requirements.

• Python (or similar) for ad-hoc data analysis and lightweight test automation.

• CAD (SolidWorks/Fusion/NX) for sketching test fixtures.

• Familiarity with ROS2.

• Experience with embedded systems and field buses such as CAN or EtherCAT.

• Experience with industrial automation equipment (servos, gateways, sensors, PLCs).

• Knowledge of statistical quality control fundamentals (SPC, MSA) — for working effectively with Quality on test data interpretation.

What We Offer

• Meaningful time off to rest and recharge: 23 days of annual leave (accrued), 15 days of paid sick leave, and paid company holidays.

• Fully funded private healthcare for UK employees, with broad provider access, virtual and in‑person care, and strong mental health and serious illness support.

• Equity included–we believe builders should share in what they build.

• Pension scheme with a total 8% contribution (5% employee, 3% employer) on full earnings.

• Free daily breakfast, catered lunch, and snacks in‑office.

• Collaboration with top‑tier engineers, researchers, and product experts in AI and robotics.

• Freedom to influence the product and own key initiatives.