Test Development Engineer - Actuation Systems

About the role

Figure develops autonomous humanoid robots for home and commercial use. This role owns testing infrastructure for actuation systems and aligns with the company's goal to ship humanoid robots with human-level intelligence. The position requires in-office collaboration five days per week. You will architect and maintain the test frameworks that validate the complete actuation stack from motor command to joint motion. You will partner closely with controls, mechanical, and electrical teams to define test strategies that de-risk hardware and software integration. You will drive the creation of repeatable, high-fidelity test scenarios that mirror real-world operational demands. You will analyze test data to identify anomalies and work with engineers across disciplines to root-cause and resolve issues. You will contribute to standards and best practices that ensure test coverage, safety, and traceability across the product lifecycle. You will mentor other engineers on test techniques and elevate the overall quality and rigor of the validation process.

Key facts

-

Location: USA

-

Engagement: Full-time

-

Team: Actuation Systems

• Years: 8+
• Degree: Bachelor's or higher
• Visa: None specified
• The base salary range is $150,000 to $250,000 annually in the United States.

What you'll do

• Execute validation test plans for actuation subsystems across the full development cycle from prototype to production.
• Develop and maintain software tools in Python to automate test execution, data capture, and reporting for dynamic motion control experiments.
• Configure and operate Simulink Real-Time and Speedgoat hardware-in-the-loop platforms to run deterministic actuation tests.
• Integrate and calibrate analog torque sensors and high-resolution absolute encoders to ensure precise measurement of dynamic joint behavior.
• Build and characterize dyno systems, including dynamometers, to measure torque, speed, and efficiency across the actuator envelope.
• Apply advanced vibration analysis techniques such as order tracking and spatial sampling to diagnose structural and resonance issues in actuation systems.
• Collaborate with controls engineers to tune motor control algorithms and verify performance against specification under realistic loads.
• Read electronic schematics to trace signal paths and debug faults in power stages, sensor loops, and communication buses.
• Develop user interfaces or HMI for test operators to configure tests, monitor status, and review results in real time.
• Document procedures, results, and anomalies in detail so that tests are reproducible and knowledge is retained across the team.
• Coordinate with mechanical and electrical build teams to align test fixtures, wiring harnesses, and sensor installations with design intent.
• Support on-call responsibilities for test-related incidents during development and validation windows.
• Analyze large datasets from test campaigns to identify trends, outliers, and opportunities for improved test coverage.
• Mentor junior engineers in test methods, tooling, and interpretation of results to raise the standard of engineering practice.
• Participate in design reviews and provide test evidence that informs tradeoffs and decision-making.
• Maintain version control repositories for test software, configuration files, and analysis scripts using git.
• Ensure compliance with safety and quality processes while iterating quickly in a fast-paced, ambiguous environment.
• Drive traceability between requirements, tests, and verification results to reduce risk and support regulatory or customer audits.
• Explore emerging test technologies and techniques to improve efficiency, coverage, and reliability of actuation validation.

Requirements

• 8+ years of hands-on experience in dynamic motion control systems and advanced test system development is mandatory.
• Demonstrated experience building test solutions for actuation or motor systems, including dynamometers, is required.
• Hands-on work with EtherCAT-based servo drives and PM motor control is required.
• Integration and calibration of analog torque sensors and high-resolution absolute encoders are required.
• High proficiency in Matlab/Simulink, Simulink Real-Time, Speedgoat, Python, and version control with git is required.
• Multidisciplinary knowledge across controls engineering, actuation characterization, mechanical dynamics, and electrical engineering for dyno systems is required.
• Strong hands-on lab skills and rigorous engineering analysis are required.
• Documentation, communication, and planning skills are required.
• Resilience in fast-paced, ambiguous environments is required.
• A degree is required for this position.
• The role requires 8+ years of experience, and the specified technical skills must be present.
• In-office work is required five days per week in San Jose, California.

Nice to have

• Ability to read electronic schematics is beneficial.
• Advanced vibration analysis techniques, such as order tracking and spatial sampling, are beneficial.
• Experience developing UI or HMI for test operators is beneficial.

Practical notes

• The role requires a degree, 8+ years of experience, and the specified technical skills.
• In-office work is required five days per week in San Jose, California.
• Typical interview steps for engineering roles usually start with a recruiter screen, followed by one or two technical rounds. Candidates often solve a coding problem, discuss past projects, and answer system design questions. Some loops include a take-home task. Final rounds typically cover team fit and give candidates a chance to ask questions. Interviewers look for how you break down an unfamiliar problem, not just whether you reach the answer. Practicing a few problems aloud and reviewing your own past projects are the best preparation.

Good to know

• Humanoid robotics in this role focuses on actuation system test and validation.
• Common tools include Simulink, Real-Time systems, and data acquisition hardware.
• The work involves multidisciplinary engineering and close collaboration across mechanical, electrical, and build teams.
• Documentation and clear communication are central to success.
• This role operates in a fast-moving environment where structured testing supports real-world robot deployment.

Career growth

• Engineering careers usually progress from individual contributor to senior, staff, and principal levels.
• Some engineers move into management and lead teams of five to twenty people.
• Others stay on the technical track.
• Growth follows demonstrated impact, not tenure alone.
• A typical engineering ladder has clear levels with defined expectations for scope, quality, and mentorship.
• Moving up usually requires owning outcomes end to end rather than completing assigned tickets.