Production Test Engineer

Description Production Test Engineer

Liquid Robotics is seeking a Mid-Level Production Test Engineer to join our Potomac Region team. This on-site position will report to the Senior Liaison Engineer and focus on developing repeatable test procedures and designing test fixtures for use in production, then executing those procedures to support Manufacturing and QA. The Production Test Engineer will help ensure product quality and manufacturability by creating robust, well-documented test artifacts and carrying out test campaigns on production units and returned field hardware.

Essential Responsibilities:

• Develop, document, and maintain production test procedures and associated pass/fail criteria for assemblies, subsystems, and full Wave Glider units.
• Design and specify test fixtures, jigs, software/scripts and harnesses to enable repeatable, safe, and efficient production and qualification testing.
• Build, assemble, and validate test fixtures in collaboration with manufacturing and sustainment engineering.
• Execute production and acceptance tests in support of Manufacturing and QA; record and report results, nonconformances, and trends.
• Support troubleshooting and root cause activities by executing targeted tests, capturing diagnostic data, and coordinating with engineering disciplines.
• Create and maintain clear test documentation including test plans, procedures, runbooks, and test reports.
• Participate in design reviews to provide testability and DFT (Design for Test) input and to ensure test coverage.
• Support qualification and regression test campaigns for design changes and ECOs; verify fixes and validate corrective actions.
• Train production and QA personnel on test procedures and safe operation of test fixtures and equipment.
• Suggest and implement process improvements to reduce test time, increase coverage, and improve reliability of test results.

Key Attributes:

• Detail-oriented and methodical with strong test discipline.
• Practical hands-on skills for mechanical and electrical test setup and execution.
• Strong communicator, able to convey test results and recommendations to engineers, Manufacturing, and QA.
• Comfortable working in a cross-functional environment and responding to production priorities.
• Able to follow procedures precisely and also identify opportunities to improve testability and efficiency.

Minimum Qualifications:

• BS in Engineering, Applied Science, or related technical discipline. Advanced degree is a plus.
• 3-6 years of experience in test engineering, manufacturing test, or production support for electro-mechanical systems (maritime, robotics, aerospace, or similar industries preferred).
• Experience developing test procedures, designing/using test fixtures, and executing hands-on test campaigns.
• Proficiency with test equipment such as multimeters, oscilloscopes, power supplies, data loggers, and functional test hardware; familiarity with automated test equipment is a plus.
• Experience with scripting languages/tools for automation and data analysis (Python, MATLAB, LabVIEW, or similar).
• Able to read and understand PCBA schematics, CAD models, firmware and software.
• Experience documenting tests, producing test reports, and working within ECR/ECO and configuration-controlled environments.
• Strong troubleshooting skills across electrical, mechanical, and system-level behaviors.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Familiarity with the Liquid Robotics Wave Glider system is desirable but not required.
• U.S. Person status required. Ability to obtain a US Secret Clearance required. Preference given to candidates with active security clearance at time of hire.

Pay is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations. Summary pay range: $92,000 - $164,000

About Liquid Robotics

Liquid Robotics designs and manufactures Wave Gliders®, the first wave and solar powered autonomous ocean robots. With our partners we address many of the planet's greatest challenges, by transforming how to assess, monitor, and protect the ocean. We solve critical problems for defense, commercial, and science customers. Visit us at www.liquid-robotics.com to learn more.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Liquid Robotics is an Equal Opportunity Employer (EOE). Employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, physical or mental disability, genetic factors, military/veteran status or other characteristics protected by law.