# Senior Hardware Test and Reliability Engineer

**Company:** [Skydio](https://hotfix.jobs/companies/skydio)
**Location:** San Mateo, CA
**Role:** Hardware Engineering
**Salary:** $170k – $230k/yr
**Experience:** 6+ years
**Skills:** Python, SQL, pcba, hardware testing, reliability engineering, robotics testing, failure analysis, Root Cause Analysis, test automation, telemetry analysis, electromechanical systems, design for reliability, ai models
**Posted:** 2026-08-06

> Leads validation, reliability testing, failure analysis, and risk management for complex electromechanical autonomous flying systems from prototype through production. The role requires 6+ years of hardware test experience, strong PCBA debugging, robotics or mechanical intuition, and Python or SQL data-analysis skills.

## Job Description

## Responsibilities
- Define and execute comprehensive test strategies with product development, embedded software, quality, manufacturing, and suppliers from early prototyping through volume production.
- Lead technical test strategy and own validation planning, execution, and risk management from early prototypes through volume production.
- Perform failure analysis, identify root causes, implement corrective actions, resolve system issues, and develop process and design mitigations with electrical, mechanical, and software engineering teams.
- Contribute to design reviews and provide design-for-reliability inputs from initial prototypes through customer shipment and beyond.
- Analyze developmental flight telemetry and customer data to identify potential problems, perform risk assessments, develop prognostic and condition-based maintenance protocols, and establish data-driven reliability test specifications.

## Requirements
- 6+ years of hands-on experience testing, developing, and delivering reliable complex electromechanical systems, with emphasis on high-density PCBA test engineering and debugging.
- Experience leading technical validation programs end to end, including test strategy, execution quality, and system readiness.
- Extensive knowledge of physics of failure and integration risks for critical electronics and mechanical subsystems, including compute systems and electromechanical or electronic sensors.
- Proficiency in Python and/or SQL for large-scale data analysis and automated testing.
- Ability to communicate hardware reliability concepts to internal and external cross-functional teams.

## Nice-to-haves
- Robotics testing experience and strong mechanical intuition.
- Experience using AI models to improve analysis efficiency while minimizing hallucinations.
- FAA Part 107 certification; obtaining certification within the first 60 days is encouraged and required for certain positions.

## Compensation and Benefits
- Annual base salary: **$170,000–$230,000**.
- Equity in the form of stock options.
- Comprehensive health insurance plans.
- Paid vacation, sick leave, holiday pay, and a 401(k) savings plan.
- Relocation assistance may be available for eligible roles.

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