Engineering Test Technician (SMI)
South San Francisco, California, USAFull-TimeMid-levelSoftware Engineering
About You and The Role
- The hardware test environment is a multi-disciplinary team responsible for building and maintaining Zipline’s engineering prototype fleet. As a Test Technician, you’ll play a key role in validating new designs, building and maintaining tester equipment, and providing rapid feedback to engineering teams. This is a highly hands-on role that requires a strong background in assembly, troubleshooting, and instrumentation, along with the ability to clearly communicate issues and propose improvements that increase reliability and efficiency.
- This role is 100% on-site at our South San Francisco office, 5 days per week.
What You'll Do
- Build and test prototype hardware across a wide range of maturity levels, providing manufacturability and efficiency feedback to engineering teams.
- Assemble, commission, and maintain tester equipment used to validate new hardware.
- Instrument test articles with sensors and data acquisition systems, ensuring accuracy and repeatability of results.
- Collaborate closely with hardware teams to identify issues, troubleshoot failures, and develop solutions.
- Proactively flag risks, inefficiencies, or opportunities for process improvements, and help implement changes.
- Design and prototype fixtures to support builds, tests, and maintenance tasks.
- Manage multiple hardware builds through various stages of mechanical and electrical testing.
What You'll Bring
- Experience with prototyping, assembly, or manufacturing of electro-mechanical systems.
- Hands-on skills in instrumentation (sensors, DAQ, wiring, calibration) and troubleshooting test setups.
- A high level of craftsmanship, attention to detail, and ability to deliver quickly under time pressure.
- Strong communication skills, with the ability to clearly explain technical challenges and tradeoffs.
- A mix of skills such as soldering, harnessing, machining, technical documentation, or data analysis.
Bonus if you have:
- Familiarity with test automation or scripting (Python, C++, or similar).
- Ability to create or modify simple CAD models.
- Familiarity with test automation or scripting (Python, C++, or similar).
- Ability to create or modify simple CAD models.
Other Requirements
- Ability to lift and move up to 30 lbs
- Comfort working with tools, chemicals, and hardware in a lab/manufacturing environment (including respirator use when required)
- Flexibility to support multiple shift schedules or overtime during high‑demand periods
What Else You Need to Know
- The starting cash range for this role is $28-38/hr. Please note that this is a target, starting cash range for a candidate who meets the minimum qualifications for this role. The final cash pay for this role will depend on a variety of factors, including a specific candidate's experience, qualifications, skills, working location, and projected impact. The total compensation package for this role may also include: equity compensation; discretionary annual or performance bonuses; sales incentives; benefits such as medical, dental and vision insurance; paid time off; and more.
