HRU Technical Resources

Job Description Test Engineer - Electromechanical Systems & Prototype Testing Location: Fredericksburg, VA Employment Type: Direct Hire Work Arrangement: Onsite 1st Shift, Monday-Friday Compensation: $90,000-$115,000 annually + Competitive Benefits Position Overview We are seeking a hands-on Test Engineer to support the assembly, testing, troubleshooting, and validation of complex electromechanical systems, including robotic arms, unmanned ground vehicles (UGVs), and prototype equipment. This role focuses on building, disassembling, modifying, and testing electrical and mechanical devices to support engineering design decisions, validate new products and materials, and ensure prototype systems meet functional and performance requirements. The ideal candidate will have practical experience working with electromechanical assemblies, electrical test instrumentation, mechanical measurement tools, and shop equipment. They should be comfortable performing hands-on troubleshooting, collecting and analyzing test data, and communicating findings to engineering teams. Success in this position requires a combination of mechanical aptitude, electrical troubleshooting skills, attention to detail, and strong Microsoft Excel proficiency. Key Responsibilities 1. Electromechanical Assembly & Troubleshooting Build, disassemble, rebuild, modify, and troubleshoot electrical and mechanical devices, assemblies, and prototype systems. Perform hands-on assembly, debugging, and testing of complex electromechanical equipment. Identify and resolve mechanical, electrical, and control system issues during prototype development and validation. Collaborate with engineers to investigate design issues, troubleshoot failures, and implement improvements. Support fabrication, assembly, and modification of prototype equipment and test fixtures. Read and interpret electrical schematics, mechanical drawings, and engineering documentation. 2. Prototype Testing & Validation Develop and execute test plans, procedures, and protocols for electromechanical systems and prototype equipment. Perform functional and performance testing to support engineering design decisions and product development. Conduct testing to validate new designs, components, and materials. Verify subsystem and complete system functionality during prototype builds. Validate prototype performance against customer requirements and engineering specifications. Support testing of robotic systems and embedded control software. Identify, document, and communicate test failures, performance issues, and potential design improvements. Assist with production verification, integration testing, and troubleshooting activities. 3. Test Equipment & Measurement Operate electrical test equipment, including multimeters, oscilloscopes, and other diagnostic instrumentation. Use mechanical measurement tools, including calipers and micrometers, to verify component dimensions and tolerances. Utilize force, torque, position, temperature, and other sensors to collect test measurements. Set up, operate, and troubleshoot test equipment and instrumentation. Use common shop tools, including wrenches, screwdrivers, saws, drill presses, bench grinders, and other mechanical assembly equipment. Ensure proper use, handling, and maintenance of test equipment and tools. 4. Data Collection, Analysis & Reporting Collect, organize, analyze, and report test data using Microsoft Excel. Develop and maintain accurate test records, technical documentation, and engineering reports. Evaluate test results to identify trends, performance concerns, and potential design issues. Communicate testing results and recommendations to engineering and project teams. Upload software, collect system test data, and follow equipment-specific testing procedures. Learn and utilize new software tools and test applications as required. Maintain accurate documentation of troubleshooting activities, test procedures, and validation results. 5. Engineering Collaboration & Project Support Work closely with mechanical, electrical, software, manufacturing, quality, and systems engineering teams. Provide feedback to engineering teams to support design improvements and prototype development. Communicate effectively with technicians, engineers, vendors, customers, and other stakeholders. Manage assigned testing activities and projects to meet established schedules and technical requirements. Support manufacturing, service, and warranty-related troubleshooting activities as needed. Assist with additional engineering and testing responsibilities as assigned. Required Qualifications Education & Experience Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Robotics Engineering, or a related engineering discipline. Approximately 5 years of relevant experience in electromechanical testing, prototype development, product validation, or related engineering activities. Demonstrated hands-on experience building, disassembling, rebuilding, and troubleshooting electrical and mechanical devices. Experience testing and evaluating prototype electromechanical systems. Experience performing functional testing, performance validation, and troubleshooting of mechanical and electrical assemblies. Experience collecting, analyzing, and reporting test data. Technical Skills Strong understanding of electromechanical systems and their mechanical, electrical, and control system interfaces. Hands-on experience using electrical measurement equipment, including multimeters and oscilloscopes. Experience using mechanical measurement tools such as calipers and micrometers. Familiarity with force, torque, position, and temperature sensors. Ability to safely operate common shop tools, including wrenches, fastener drivers, saws, drill presses, and bench grinders. Ability to read and interpret electrical schematics and mechanical engineering drawings. Strong proficiency with Microsoft Excel for data collection, organization, evaluation, and reporting. Ability to learn and use new software tools with guidance from software engineers or technical personnel. Ability to upload software and collect test data using system-specific procedures. Strong troubleshooting, analytical, and practical problem-solving skills. Ability to accurately document testing activities, findings, and technical results. Professional Skills Strong written and verbal communication skills. Ability to collaborate effectively with multidisciplinary engineering and technical teams. Strong attention to detail and commitment to accurate test results. Ability to work independently while following established testing procedures and project requirements. Strong organizational and time management skills. Willingness to perform hands-on assembly, troubleshooting, and testing activities. Preferred Qualifications Experience testing robotic systems, unmanned ground vehicles, robotic arms, or other complex electromechanical equipment. Experience with prototype development, engineering validation, or research and development testing. Familiarity with CAD software, particularly SolidWorks, for reviewing and referencing mechanical models. Experience using logic analyzers, data acquisition systems, or specialized test instrumentation. Experience with embedded control systems and software-based test procedures. Familiarity with environmental and electromagnetic compatibility testing standards, including MIL-STD-810 and MIL-STD-461. Experience supporting manufacturing, product development, or production validation activities. Experience developing test procedures, technical reports, and engineering documentation. Work Environment & Physical Requirements Work is performed in engineering, laboratory, office, manufacturing, and prototype testing environments. May involve exposure to manufacturing noise, dust, fumes, oils, and temperature variations. Requires the ability to alternate between sitting, standing, and walking for extended periods. Must be able to lift and carry parts or equipment weighing up to 45 pounds. Must follow established safety procedures, workmanship standards, and housekeeping requirements. Must wear appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) when required. Training will be provided on applicable safety procedures and specialized tools or software. May provide technical oversight or direction to other designers or technicians as assigned. Priority Qualifications - Candidate Evaluation The following capabilities are the highest priorities when evaluating candidates: Hands-On Electromechanical Experience: Experience building, disassembling, rebuilding, and troubleshooting electrical and mechanical devices. Prototype Testing & Validation: Experience testing prototype equipment, validating system functionality, and identifying mechanical or electrical performance issues. Test & Measurement Equipment: Practical experience using multimeters, oscilloscopes, calipers, micrometers, and applicable measurement sensors. . click apply for full job details