Hardware Platform Engineer 2 - Test and Reliability

The Company

Outrider, the pioneer in autonomous yard operations for logistics hubs, helps large enterprises improve safety and increase efficiency. The only company exclusively focused on automating all aspects of yard operations, Outrider eliminates manual tasks that are hazardous and repetitive. Outrider’s mission is to drive the rapid adoption of sustainable freight transportation by deploying zero-emission systems. Outrider is a private company backed by NEA, 8VC, Koch Disruptive Technologies, and other top-tier investors. For more information, visit www.outrider.ai

The Role

The Platform Engineer II will report to the Sr. Manager of Hardware Engineering and support the development and testing of HW systems for autonomous vehicles and robotic manipulation. This position requires strong test and integration skills, executing test plans and troubleshooting electro-mechanical systems to help ensure our product meets rigorous durability, performance, and lifecycle requirements before and after field deployment.

Successful candidates will have some demonstrated experience contributing technically to the design and implementation of components of robotic systems, and are eager to grow into greater ownership of complex systems under the mentorship of senior engineers.

This role is mission-critical for helping deliver a safety-critical system for industrial automation. The opportunity offers a technical, hands-on team member the chance to help develop a market-defining enterprise product that combines autonomous vehicle technology with a software-as-a-service (SaaS) business model.

The ideal candidate will embrace our goal to drive zero-emission, self-driving vehicle adoption, and help us realize our potential to define, build, and lead a new category of robotic automation for the enterprise.

This role is based in Denver, CO.

Duties & Responsibilities

• Contribute to test strategies for mechanical and electro-mechanical subsystems: help define test plans, acceptance criteria, and pass/fail requirements aligned to product specifications and customer use cases
• Design, build, and maintain reliability test fixtures and test rigs that simulate real-world operating conditions for life testing, fatigue, thermal cycling, and environmental stress screening, with guidance from senior team members
• Support reliability initiatives by analyzing failure modes, assisting with design and process improvements, and contributing to corrective actions that improve product performance, durability, and lifecycle cost
• Support field testing and debugging, both locally and at remote customer sites
• Support manufacturing operations by running and maintaining assembly test fixtures 

Required qualifications

• 2-4 years of experience with integrated software/hardware systems such as robotics, autonomous vehicles, or other automotive/aerospace products, ideally with some exposure to test engineering or reliability
• BS in mechanical engineering, computer engineering, electrical/electronics engineering, or a similar discipline
• Some experience designing or supporting test fixtures and reliability test rigs for electro-mechanical systems
• Exposure to accelerated life testing (ALT) methodologies (academic, internship, or professional experience)
• Experience with data acquisition and instrumentation (DAQ systems, sensors, oscilloscopes, multimeters) for capturing and interpreting test data 
• Experience using basic shop equipment (3d printer, bandsaw, mill, drill, etc) to build rapid prototypes
• Strong technical analysis skills and eagerness to learn

Ideal qualifications

• Working knowledge of Python and/or C++ for test automation or hardware-in-the-loop validation
• Familiarity wiring sensors and designing cable harnesses
• Experience with industrial automation equipment and/or systems for use in hardened environments
• Background in electrical engineering, controls, or mechatronics, with experience integrating sensors, actuators, or embedded systems into test setups
• Experience in manufacturing, industrial, or process engineering, particularly around production test stations, fixture uptime, or line troubleshooting
• Experience working in a multidisciplinary robotics team

Compensation & benefits

• Salary range: $120,000 - 150,000
• Actual compensation is based on several factors, including but not limited to job-related skills, qualifications, experience, and specific work location due to differences in the cost of labor. In addition to a base salary, this role is also eligible for benefits, and equity bonus.
• Equity: equity package commensurate on experience and skills
• Health Insurance
• Dental insurance
• Vision Insurance
• Parental Leave
• 401(K) Retirement
• Flexible Spending Account (FSA)
• Health Savings Account (HSA)
• Short-Term Disability
• Long–Term Disability 
• Life insurance
• Pet insurance
• Vision insurance
• Wellness programs
• Mental health benefits
• Professional Development Benefits
• Flexible Time Off