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Tutor Intelligence builds and deploys AI-powered robots that perform real work in warehouses and factories across the US. The company opened its first manufacturing facility in Watertown, MA in 2026 and aims to have 1,000+ robots in the field by 2028.
As a Hardware Test Engineer, you will define and implement comprehensive testing strategies for robots and critical components, from incoming parts inspection through final acceptance testing and field failure analysis. You'll work as part of the Production Engineering team, closely collaborating with the Lead Hardware Engineer – Production who sets overall test strategy.
Key responsibilities include:
**Manufacturing Test:** Design and build the complete test environment for production, including component, subassembly, bring-up, end-of-line, and Factory Acceptance Testing (FAT). You'll write test procedures, define pass/fail criteria, and ensure comprehensive test coverage to prevent defects from reaching customers.
**Critical Component Testing:** Establish testing protocols for critical components such as robot arms, control boxes, PCBAs, power systems, sensors, and harnesses, including incoming inspection and supplier quality checks.
**Field Failure Analysis:** Build and manage the test and failure analysis process for parts returned from the field. Confirm failures, identify root causes, and close the loop with suppliers, Engineering, and Manufacturing.
**Failure Data & Reliability:** Track and analyze manufacturing and field failure data to spot trends, identify repeat failures, and provide clear recommendations to Manufacturing and Engineering teams.
**Test Systems & Fixtures:** Design and build fixtures, automated test scripts, and diagnostic tools that make testing faster, repeatable, and less dependent on operator skill.
**Process Improvement:** Debug robots on the production line, drive corrective actions, and work with production engineers to improve processes that cause defects.
**Data Traceability:** Ensure test results are recorded in the MES and tied to each robot and component serial number for complete failure traceability.
Success metrics include mapping current test coverage against known failure modes within 90 days, establishing a returned-part testing process, and trending field escapes toward zero within one year.
**Requirements:**
- Bachelor's degree in Electrical, Mechanical, Computer, or Mechatronics Engineering
- Typically 3–6 years of experience in test, reliability, quality, or production engineering on electromechanical hardware
- Hands-on debugging experience with oscilloscopes, meters, and diagnostic tools across power systems, PCBAs, motors, sensors, and communication interfaces
- Experience writing test procedures, defining pass/fail criteria, and building test fixtures or automated test systems
- Knowledge of failure analysis and root cause methods (8D, 5 Whys, fishbone diagrams, FMEA)
- Comfort working with failure data to identify trends and make recommendations
- Daily, hands-on use of AI tools like Claude in engineering work
- Desire to work on the production floor and build processes from scratch
**Preferred qualifications:**
- Robotics, industrial automation, or startup experience
- Python for test automation and data analysis
- Reliability engineering expertise (life testing, HALT/HASS, MTBF analysis)
- RMA, MRB, or supplier corrective action (SCAR) experience
- MES and traceability systems knowledge
