Pay rate: $40+ an hour depending on experience
Location: Fort Collins, CO
Work model: Hands-on, lab-based role (on-site)
We’re looking for a Hardware Test Engineer to
own test case development and execution for R&D products and proof-of-concept systems. You’ll help shape our
lab infrastructure and test workflows, and you’ll partner closely with engineering teams to turn ambiguous requirements into clear, repeatable tests. Success in this role comes from technical curiosity, strong documentation habits, and comfort working across
hardware, software, and embedded systems.
What you’ll do
- Start your day by checking the validation queue (new builds, incoming hardware, priority asks), then pick the highest-impact tests to run based on program needs and lab availability.
- Translate engineering asks and ambiguous requirements into clear test cases: define setup, steps, pass/fail criteria, data to capture, and how results will be reported.
- Set up benches and fixtures, verify calibration/readiness, and run subsystem and full-system tests while capturing measurements, logs, and observations.
- Use lab tools (oscilloscope, spectrum analyzer, electronic load, etc.) to characterize behavior, validate performance, and isolate failure modes.
- Document results the same day: update the test case with real-world notes, attach artifacts (photos, plots, logs), and summarize outcomes in a short, readable format.
- When something fails, reproduce it, narrow the conditions, collect “good vs bad” comparisons, and walk engineers through what you’re seeing so the team can move quickly toward the root cause.
- Keep the test repository clean and usable: maintain templates, naming conventions, versioning, and test coverage so others can run the same tests with consistent outcomes.
- Create small improvements that make testing faster and more repeatable: simple scripts, data capture helpers, automation hooks, or fixture tweaks that reduce manual effort.
- Participate in regular syncs with hardware/firmware/software teams to align on upcoming changes, risks, and what needs validation before the next milestone.
- Help keep the lab running smoothly: track shared resources, note equipment issues early, and maintain safe, organized workspaces so testing doesn’t get blocked.
Tools & environment you’ll work with
- Test management and tracking: TestRail, Jira, documentation tools
- Lab equipment: oscilloscopes, spectrum analyzers, electronic loads, and other electro-mechanical test setups
- Systems: hardware + embedded/OS-level components (and occasional automation)
Work environment & safety
- Maintain lab readiness: organization, logs, maintenance, and safety procedures
- Operate and troubleshoot mechanical, electrical, and software-driven lab equipment
- Safely lift and relocate hardware such as test fixtures (and occasionally larger items like robotic arms)
You’ll be part of a high-impact R&D environment where your work directly influences performance, reliability, and readiness of cutting-edge technology. You’ll have real ownership in shaping how we test, how we document, and how we scale lab capability working alongside multidisciplinary engineering teams that value technical rigor and practical execution.
- Proven experience writing and executing hardware test cases independently
- Strong hands-on experience using electronic lab equipment (scope, spectrum analyzer, electronic load, etc.)
- Solid documentation skills: you can create clear procedures, test plans, and reports
- Comfortable working in tools like TestRail, Jira, and Word/Docs
- Ability to manage multiple priorities and still deliver on-time, high-quality results
- Clear communication skills with technical teams and stakeholders
- Comfortable using engineering math to set pass/fail limits and sanity-check results
- Able to work in a dynamic R&D environment with evolving requirements and tight timelines
- Scripting experience in Python, C++, or similar
- Advanced mathematical skills for calculation of design equations
- Background in optics, sensors, robotics, or advanced hardware systems
- Experience with embedded triage (hardware/firmware/OS boundaries)
Nice-to-have (we’ll love it if you have it)
- Experience with Linux and command-line environments
- Experience modifying existing scripts/codebases and turning SOPs into repeatable tooling
- Automation experience in Python, C++, or similar
Keywords provides all its contingent workforce with:
- Medical, dental and vision benefits
- Paid time off (including sick and select holidays)
- 401(k) enrollment with 3% employer matching
We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law
Role Information: EN
Studio: Keywords Studios
Location: Fort Collins, CO
Area of Work: R&D
Service: Manufacturing
Employment Type: Contractor
Working Pattern: Full Time
