Field Test Engineer - Autonomous Robotics Platform

Role Overview

We are seeking a seasoned Field Test and Integration Engineer to support the validation and deployment of an autonomous ground robotics platform. This role encompasses the entire validation process, including systems integration, sensor calibration, parameter tuning, executing structured field tests, and producing detailed technical reports.

The successful candidate will work closely with multidisciplinary engineering teams to prepare new platform configurations for real-world deployment and verify their performance under operational conditions. The position requires a blend of strong hands-on technical skills and extensive field experience, comfortable with configuring ROS launch files, LiDAR-camera calibration, conducting comprehensive test campaigns, and documenting results rigorously.

Key Responsibilities

• Design comprehensive test plans, protocols, and acceptance criteria derived from system requirements and operational use cases.
• Conduct end-to-end testing of hardware, software, and integrated subsystems both in controlled settings and outdoor environments.
• Track and evaluate system performance metrics such as navigation accuracy, localization drift, obstacle avoidance, path tracking, and system stability.
• Maintain meticulous test logs, records, and traceability within test management tools.
• Adhere strictly to safety standards and operational procedures during all testing phases.
• Support hardware-software integration tasks, including subsystem commissioning, sensor integration, and configuring onboard computing systems.
• Validate communication interfaces and protocols including ROS1/ROS2 topics, CAN bus, serial connections, and Ethernet links.
• Ensure proper hardware connections, driver functionality, and data pipelines during sensor and actuator integration.
• Carry out integration and regression testing after system updates or component modifications.
• Document and manage integration defects with detailed replication steps and system states.
• Perform intrinsic and extrinsic sensor calibrations (LiDAR, cameras of various types, IMU, GNSS/GPS) using standardized methodologies.
• Assess calibration accuracy through reprojection error and diagnostics.
• Guarantee accurate time synchronization across sensors and compute systems to enable precise sensor fusion.
• Tune navigation and control parameters such as velocity profiles, waypoint tracking gains, costmaps, and recovery maneuvers.
• Validate SLAM initialization, mapping consistency, loop closure, and localization stability across different environments.
• Maintain detailed calibration logs and manage parameter versioning for transparency and reproducibility.
• Operate and uphold robotic platforms and associated gear across diverse field conditions including deserts, outdoor, and semi-structured terrains.
• Carry out system checks before deployment and troubleshoot issues during operations.
• Monitor live telemetry and diagnostics, taking safe corrective action if anomalies occur.
• Manage logistics in the field including site preparation, safety measures, equipment transport, and data collection post-testing.
• Create comprehensive test reports covering objectives, methods, outcomes, defect summaries, and engineering recommendations.
• Contribute to release readiness assessments by analyzing test coverage, tracking defects, and evaluating risks.
• Offer actionable feedback to development teams based on observed system performance and failure modes.
• Drive continuous enhancements in validation processes, sensor calibration workflows, and integration techniques.

Required Qualifications and Skills

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Robotics, Mechatronics, Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, or closely related discipline.
• Over 8 years' experience testing autonomous systems, robotic platforms, or complex integrated hardware/software systems.
• Expertise with ROS/ROS2 including topic inspection, launch file configuration, and data recording and replay.
• Proven skills in sensor calibration covering intrinsic, extrinsic, and temporal adjustments.
• Practical knowledge in tuning navigation, perception, or control systems.
• Strong understanding of autonomous system architectures including perception, localization, mapping, planning, and control.
• Proficiency in Python and Bash scripting for data analysis and log processing.
• Excellent written communication skills to generate structured technical documentation.
• Solid grasp of safety principles and field operation protocols.
• Readiness to travel to remote field locations.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with SLAM systems validation such as Cartographer, RTAB-Map, or LIO-SAM.
• Familiarity with simulation platforms including Gazebo, Isaac Sim, or Unity.
• Experience using test management software like Jira, Zephyr, or Testmo and handling requirements traceability.
• Knowledge of CAN bus and embedded communication protocols.
• Exposure to outdoor or rugged robotic systems.
• Awareness of functional safety standards such as ISO 26262 and IEC 61508.
• Background in verification and validation methodologies or formal release procedures.
• Previous contract or consultancy roles in robotics, industrial, or applied research environments.