Test and Validation Engineer

Carnegie Robotics is a leader in designing and producing automated systems for use in a wide variety of commercial and government applications. We’re seeking a highly skilled Validation Engineer with the technical rigor and interpersonal skills to lead verification and validation (V&V) efforts for cutting-edge autonomous systems. In this role, you will be a defender of system quality, ensuring that our software, electrical, and mechanical components integrate seamlessly to meet customer requirements in challenging off-road environments. The ideal candidate will be able to reliably take strategic direction, provide technical leadership in testing methodologies, and interact professionally with teammates, customers, and potential customers.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Test Strategy & Planning: Author comprehensive test plans that define the scope, methodology, and success criteria for off-road autonomous systems.
• Infrastructure Development: Design and develop physical test benches and automated testers to streamline validation and support hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) testing.
• Virtual Validation: Program and execute automated tests within simulation environments (e.g., CARLA, or proprietary sims) to validate software performance before field deployment
• Hardware Instrumentation: Physically instrument autonomous vehicles with high-precision sensors and data acquisition (DAQ) equipment to prepare for field testing.
• Analysis & Custom Tooling: Develop and utilize custom analysis tools (Python/C++) to parse datasets, identify anomalies, and troubleshoot complex system issues found during all phases of development.
• Reporting & Risk Management: Leverage analyzed field data and technical evidence to author formal reports that clearly articulate program risks and safety posture.
• Collaboration: Work side-by-side with project, hardware, and software teams to ensure all deliverables meet high-quality standards and that requirements are fully verified.

Validation Engineer Required Qualifications / Skills

• Technical Writing: Excellent communication skills with a focus on writing reproducible test plans and formal validation reports.
• Analysis & Programming: Proficiency of at least one programming language (e.g., Python, C++) for data analysis and tool development.
• Instrumentation: Experience with data acquisition systems and vehicle sensors.
• Engineering Toolset: familiarity with modern engineering and management tools:
  • Software configuration management (e.g., Git)
  • CAD packages (SolidWorks, Fusion 360, etc.)
  • Project management software (JIRA, Costpoint)
  • Microsoft Office Suite, Google Suite
• Organizational Skills: Strong ability to coordinate disparate fields of study to identify and mitigate system-level risks.

Validation Engineer Preferred Qualifications / Skills

• Autonomous Systems: Previous experience with autonomous vehicles or robotics.
• Automation: Experience building automated test equipment (ATE) or HIL test environments.
• Simulation: Experience with robotics simulation environments and automated regression testing.
• Regulatory Knowledge: Familiarity with USG Systems Engineering Processes, Military Standards (e.g., MIL-STD-882E).
• Systems Thinking: Ability to translate complex technical failures into documented programmatic risks.

Education and Experience Requirements

• Bachelor’s Degree in a technical field (Mechanical, Electrical, Robotics, Systems, or Software Engineering preferred).

Benefits

• UPMC health coverage with FSA or HSA options
• Comprehensive dental, vision, and life insurance
• Fidelity 401(k) plan with employer match
• Free catered lunch every day with a vegan option
• 31 Days of PTO (including holidays)
• Comp time for company travel

Carnegie Robotics LLC is an Equal Opportunity Employer that welcomes applications from all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, marital status, or status as a covered veteran in accordance with applicable laws and Carnegie Robotics’ employment policies.