Test Engineer

Job Description

Job Description

Test Engineer – Job Description

Location : San Bruno, CA & Fremont, CA | Full-time (or Contract-to-Hire) | Minimum 3 Days Onsite

Mission

The mission for this Test Engineer position is to ensure robust, reliable, and efficient test processes that support both production and product quality. You will play a key role in sustaining Empo Health’s current generation product as it scales from pilot production to higher-volume builds, while also contributing directly to the development of our next-generation products. This is a hands-on role embedded in a small, agile hardware team, working directly with our Operations, Engineering, and R&D teams as well as on the production line in Fremont.

Outcomes (Next 12 Months)

Stabilize all manufacturing tests and test debug for current production of our current generation device.

Rapidly troubleshoot electrical, mechanical, and software test issues on the production line to maintain throughput in close collaboration with our engineering team, identifying root cause and implementing subsequent line improvements.

Train and support production line operators in executing tests and performing first-level troubleshooting.

Maintain, repair, and improve current test fixtures and automated test systems.

Suggest and implement test system improvements to increase robustness, reliability, and efficiency.

Execute and document Engineering Change Orders (ECOs) related to test procedures and fixtures.

Diagnose field returns and feed findings into root cause analysis, closing test escapes where applicable.

Lead testing development for new product development.

Collaborate cross-functionally to originate and execute verification and validation test plans, ensuring compliance with quality management systems.

Implement all manufacturing tests and debug for our 1.1 Device, to be released in 6-9 months.

Implement traceable logging of test results suitable for low- to mid-volume builds (~1000 units per quarter), enabling trend detection and compliance with medical device requirements.

Contribute to production scaling efforts - help enable an order-of-magnitude increase in production capacity.

Help establish a culture of engineering and quality excellence where testing is an integral part of product development and commercialization cycle.

Role-Specific Requirements

3–7 years of experience in test engineering, manufacturing engineering, or a related role.

Strong hands-on troubleshooting skills across electrical and mechanical domains.

Proficiency in Python software scripting , and deployment / revision management (GIT required).

Exposure to medical devices or other regulated product environments (ISO 13485, FDA QSR, IEC 60601).

Strong experience developing and improving test fixtures and test protocols

Experience with measurement equipment, and data logging tools.

Ability to efficiently diagnose and document issues.

Excellent documentation and communication skills.

Degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Mechatronics or similar

Available to work onsite in San Bruno (Empo Health Office) and Fremont (manufacturer) at least 3 days / week, with occasional travel to additional contract manufacturing sites, some of which may be offshore.

Additional Desired Experience

Experience with test automation frameworks, such as RobotFramework or PyTest.

Exposure to Design of Experiments (DOE) for hardware or system validation.

Experience supporting sustaining engineering, ECOs, and field-driven changes.

Experience designing or specifying benchtop or semi-automated test systems that integrate sensors, actuators, and basic firmware interfaces (e.g., I2C, UART, GPIO).

Familiarity with electrical safety, mechanical interlocks, and ergonomic considerations for operator-facing test stations.

Ability to implement lightweight, maintainable data logging solutions (e.g., CSV, SQLite, network share, or cloud sheet-based tools) for traceability in a regulated environment.

Exposure to scripting and automation beyond Python, ideally including test workflows driven by machine vision (PLC programming, LabVIEW, Arduino / C, etc.).

Experience collaborating with cross-functional engineering teams in fast-paced environments.

Ability to support next-generation product development, including breadboarding, early-stage testing, and cable harness fabrication as needed.

In this Role, Your Key Responsibilities Will Be :

Own testing at Empo Health and set the tone for how testing is approached across development and production.

Maintain current factory scripts and write new factory scripts.

Troubleshoot, repair, and improve test systems supporting production builds.

Maintain and release test documentation in compliance with engineering and quality standards.

Work with Operations, NPI, quality, and design engineering teams to ensure smooth production and feedback loops.

Work with cross-functional teams to design, build, or oversee assembly of test fixtures that integrate mechanical, electrical, and embedded system components.

Establish scalable, traceable test workflows tailored to low-volume regulated manufacturing—balancing agility, compliance, and cost.

Ensure operator-facing test systems include appropriate safety, usability, and troubleshooting features.

Originate or support verification and validation test protocols for new and existing products.

Interface with our contract manufacturer, including onsite support for builds and issue resolution.

Influence and grow the test engineering function as the company scales. Ensure that testing considerations and touchpoints are understood early in the development cycle.

Assist the R&D team with testing and early investigations of additional product concepts.

About Empo Health

Empo Health is a seed-funded, NSF-supported medical device startup developing in-home monitoring tools that expand access to preventive care. Our first product, the Empo Footprint, is a smart scale that scans the bottom of the feet to detect early signs of diabetic foot ulcers.

What We Offer

A small team where you can make meaningful contributions and affect major portions of development and production.

Opportunity to influence the culture of a small, growing startup while learning from veterans in the industry.

Hybrid-friendly working environment (with a 3+ day / week onsite expectation).

“Take what you need” vacation and sick leave policy.

Generous coverage for medical, dental, vision, and mental wellness plans.

12-week parental leave + part-time transition period at full pay.

Equity incentive options for early full-time employees.

Important Note

We value diverse backgrounds and perspectives at Empo Health. Even if you don’t meet every qualification above, we encourage you to apply if you believe you’d be a strong fit for the role. You might bring something we didn’t know we needed.