Test Engineer - Hardware and Systems

About the Role  

Chariot Defense is looking for a Test Engineer to own hardware validation across our power systems across mechanical, electrical, thermal, power electronics and controls, performing component-level all the way to full system integration testing in environmental and operational conditions. You'll sit at the intersection of hardware, firmware, and systems engineering, building the test infrastructure and executing the validation strategy that gets Amphora and future cutting-edge products in energy and power storage, and mobility, from prototype to fielded.

Our team comes from Tesla, Anduril, Apple, Archer, and the U.S. military. We build hardware that operators depend on in the field — and we validate it like lives depend on it, because they do. We emerged from stealth in 2025, are already fielded across DoD exercises, and are backed by General Catalyst, a16z, and DCVC. This is a high-ownership, high-impact, hands-on role. You'll write the test plan, build the fixture, develop the electronics, controls, and firmware, run the test, triage the failure, and close the loop with design.

Key Responsibilities

• Design, build, instrument, and automate test equipment for electrical, mechanical, thermal and environmental validation of hardware — batteries, inverters, DC-DC converters, controllers/ ECUs, distribution units, and integrated Amphora systems
• Own hardware unit-level test station development: design specialized automated test equipment (ATE), write test scripts, and maintain test coverage as hardware evolves
• Execute component, subsystem, and system-level validation across electrical, thermal, and mechanical dimensions — including high-voltage characterization and fault injection
• Develop and run environmental test programs per MIL, energy, and automotive specs: temperature cycling, vibration, shock, ingress, corrosion etc.
• Collaborate with firmware engineers to validate embedded control logic, power management algorithms, and system behavior under real and edge-case conditions
• Interface with design engineers to identify failure modes early, generate DVP&R entries, and drive design changes based on test findings
• Build and maintain DAQ systems; automate data collection and post-processing pipelines in Python, LabVIEW, Matlab/ Simulink or similar tools.
• Support HIL/SIL validation setups; correlate bench test data with simulation models to close the loop on design confidence
• Help establish Chariot's test lab infrastructure — equipment selection, calibration processes, safety protocols, and documentation standards

What We’re Looking For

Required:

• BS or MS in Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Mechatronics, Robotics, or related field
• Experience in an immersive system design project or research study/ thesis, in collegiate project teams (e.g.: FSAE, BAJA, Hyper-mileage/ Solar Vehicles), other extracurricular participation, or professional settings.
• 3+ years of hands-on hardware test and validation experience — electronics/ ECUs, power electronics and power systems, Lithium-ion based batteries, or high-density embedded hardware
• Proficiency with electrical test equipment: oscilloscopes, power supplies, DAQs, multimeters, function generators, electronic loads
• Experience designing or contributing to automated test equipment (ATE) or test station development
• Proficiency in Python, LabVIEW or other automated test platforms for test automation, data acquisition, and post-processing
• Solid understanding of mechanical, thermal, electrical, and controls first principles and fundamentals
• Familiarity with CAN, SPI, I2C, LIN, UART, or other embedded communication protocols and the ability to use them for test and debug
• Experience working safely with high-voltage systems

Qualifications

Required:

• BS or MS in Mechanical Engineering, or equivalent work experience.
• Experience in an immersive system design project or research study/ thesis, in collegiate project teams (e.g.: SAE, FSAE, BAJA, others), other extracurricular participation, or professional settings.
• A minimum of 2+ years of experience in a technical engineering, design, or product role in a professional setting.
• Proven 3D CAD skills (any platform, but SOLIDWORKS preferred), as well as CAE/ FEA experience, and the ability to produce high-quality engineering 2D drawings that comply with common industry standards (e.g.: GD&T, ASME standards etc.)
• Strong understanding of engineering fundamentals in structures, materials, fluids and aero, thermal, controls, mechanics/ dynamics, system modeling, and fundamentals of physics.
• Manufacturing knowledge & experience with machine shops (sheet metal, CNC, lathe, sand casting, forging, die-casting etc.).
• Rapid prototyping background (structures/electronics/software) & 3D printing knowledge.
• Proficient in hands-on prototyping (machining, shop tools, welding, soldering), and demonstrated hands-on fabrication skills.
• Familiarity with MIL-STD, DO-160, or other automotive, defense, and aerospace standards.

Preferred:

• Top-notch engineering intuition and first principles thinking toward designing complex products
• Able to independently identify critical information or priority gaps and apply effort toward closing those gaps.Undaunted by imperfect, incomplete or absent datasets or information, and capable of making sound, comprehensive, and swift first-principled decisions.
• Not satisfied by superficial explanations of a problem or “band-aid engineering”; seeks persistently to find the specific root cause
  Gratified by helping your peers succeed, building a robust team culture, and propagating deep camaraderie amongst your peers.
• Seeks to break down information silos by collaborating rigorously with others to solve problems, share knowledge, and provide input
• Owns your test from requirements to execution — you don't wait for someone else to define the problem
• Effectively communicates across hardware, firmware, and systems teams without needing a translator
• You understand that in defense hardware, "good enough" isn't a concept — and you build your test coverage accordingly

Role Requirements

• This position is an onsite role based in Chariot Defense’s San Bruno, CA, office.

• Willingness to support 10% travel, domestically and internationally, as well as work extended and weekend hours, when necessary

• Able to work on your feet for extended periods in a shop setting.

• Able to lift and carry 50lbs.

A reasonable estimate of the current salary range is $120,000-$160,000 annually. Compensation packages also include early-stage equity and access to company-sponsored benefit plans.