What are the responsibilities and job description for the Test Engineer position at Shinkei?
We are seeking a hands-on Test Engineer to support the continuous development and validation of our robotic platform used in the commercial fishing industry.
This role requires significant hands-on involvement in the test lab supporting cross-functional development testing, troubleshooting, data collection, and system maintenance. This includes assisting with fish intake, handling, processing, inventory management, cleanup, and other activities necessary to maintain a safe and effective testing environment. The hands-on involvement of this role is intentional and serves to build a foundation for developing system knowledge, troubleshooting skills, and operational understanding required to grow into broader test engineering responsibilities as the team expands.
The ideal candidate is detail-oriented, proactive, technically curious, and comfortable working in a fast-paced R&D environment. We are looking for engineers who enjoy being close to the hardware and are excited to build a deep understanding of robotics systems through hands-on work. This position is 100% on-site at our El Segundo facility during standard business hours and requires handling live and dead fish as part of testing and validation activities.
What You Get To Do
This role requires significant hands-on involvement in the test lab supporting cross-functional development testing, troubleshooting, data collection, and system maintenance. This includes assisting with fish intake, handling, processing, inventory management, cleanup, and other activities necessary to maintain a safe and effective testing environment. The hands-on involvement of this role is intentional and serves to build a foundation for developing system knowledge, troubleshooting skills, and operational understanding required to grow into broader test engineering responsibilities as the team expands.
The ideal candidate is detail-oriented, proactive, technically curious, and comfortable working in a fast-paced R&D environment. We are looking for engineers who enjoy being close to the hardware and are excited to build a deep understanding of robotics systems through hands-on work. This position is 100% on-site at our El Segundo facility during standard business hours and requires handling live and dead fish as part of testing and validation activities.
What You Get To Do
- Execute post-build inspections, Acceptance Test Procedures (ATPs), and Qualification Test Procedures (QTPs) on subassemblies and systems
- Execute software release testing on physical hardware to verify performance, stability, and safety
- Assist in the development, maintenance, and improvement of test stands, tools, and lab infrastructure
- Assist in development and continuous improvement of test plans, procedures, and automated scripts utilized during ATP/QTP
- Maintain, configure, repair, and troubleshoot robots, test fixtures, and supporting lab equipment
- Review test data and provide actionable feedback, observations, and improvement recommendations to engineering design teams
- Maintain detailed and organized test records to ensure traceability and repeatability
- Support rapid iteration and experimental development activities in a fast-paced R&D environment
- Ensure a clean, safe, and disciplined test environment
- Support Test Operations activities including live fish intake, live wells, processing, and inventory
- Develop a strong working understanding of all subsystems, software, and operational workflows associated with products under test
- Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Robotics, Mechatronics, Computer Engineering, or a related technical field (or equivalent practical experience)
- 1–3 years of hands-on experience in a test, lab, robotics, manufacturing, field service, or technical environment (internship experience applicable)
- Demonstrated troubleshooting ability with electromechanical and integrated systems
- Strong electromechanical aptitude and comfort working with tools, fixtures, wiring, and hardware assemblies
- Ability to clearly document issues, findings, and test results in a structured and repeatable manner
- Comfortable working in a fast-paced R&D environment with evolving priorities and schedules
- Ability to lift up to 40–50 lbs and work on your feet for extended periods
- Willingness to work in wet, cold, and physically demanding environments
- Comfortable handling live and dead fish, including processing and post-test clean-up
- Proactive mindset and communication style to ensure prioritization, schedule, and status are mutually understood
- A team-oriented mindset; willing to support both technical and operational aspects of the lab
- Willingness to travel occasionally (typically a few times per year) to docks and commercial fishing vessels to support system integration, testing, and troubleshooting.
- Curiosity and willingness to develop foundational understanding across multiple disciplines including:
- Mechanical systems
- Robotics and controls
- Electrical systems
- Software systems
- Computer systems and networking
- Fish biology and anatomy
- Fish harvesting and commercial fishing operations
- Robotics, automation, or mechatronic systems
- Acceptance testing, qualification testing, or product validation
- Developing or executing test procedures and test plans
- Linux-based systems and command-line tools
- Firmware or software release testing on physical hardware
- Cameras and machine vision applications
- Hydraulics, high/low voltage electronics, and control systems/theory
- Aquaculture, fish biology, food processing, or other biological systems
- Rapid prototyping tools such as 3D printers and machine shop tools
- This is a 100% on-site role based in El Segundo, CA during standard business hours.
- This position involves regular handling of live and dead fish as part of testing, validation, and operational activities.
- Work is frequently performed in wet, cold, noisy, and physically demanding environments.