Field Test Engineer (m/f/d)

Role Overview An experienced Field Test & Integration Engineer is required on a to support the validation and deployment of an autonomous ground robotics platform. This role spans the full validation lifecycle, including systems integration, sensor calibration, parameter tuning, structured field testing, and technical reporting.

The position involves close collaboration with cross-functional engineering teams to bring new platform configurations to field-ready status and validate their performance under real-world operating conditions.

The ideal candidate combines strong hands-on technical capability with field experience, and is equally comfortable configuring ROS launch files, performing LiDAR-camera calibration, executing test campaigns, and producing structured technical reports.

Key Responsibilities Test Planning & Execution

• Design and develop test plans, field campaigns, protocols, and acceptance criteria based on system requirements and operational scenarios
• Execute end-to-end testing of hardware, software, and integrated subsystems in both controlled and real-world environments
• Monitor and capture system performance metrics, including navigation accuracy, localization drift, obstacle avoidance, path tracking, and overall system stability
• Maintain accurate test logs, execution records, and traceability within test management systems
• Ensure all testing activities comply with safety standards and operational protocols

Systems Integration

• Support hardware-software integration activities, including subsystem bring-up, sensor integration, and onboard compute configuration
• Validate system interfaces and communication protocols (ROS1/ROS2 topics, services, actions; CAN bus; serial; Ethernet)
• Verify hardware connections, driver functionality, and data pipeline integrity during integration of sensors and actuators
• Execute integration and regression testing following system updates or component changes
• Reproduce, document, and track integration defects with clear logs, system states, and replication steps

Sensor Calibration & System Tuning

• Perform intrinsic and extrinsic calibration of sensors including LiDAR, cameras (monocular, stereo, RGB-D), IMU, and GNSS/GPS using standard toolchains
• Validate calibration accuracy through reprojection error analysis and diagnostic evaluation
• Ensure proper time synchronization across all sensors and compute systems for accurate sensor fusion
• Tune navigation and control parameters such as velocity profiles, waypoint tracking gains, costmaps, and recovery behaviors
• Validate SLAM initialization, mapping consistency, loop closure performance, and localization stability across environments
• Maintain detailed calibration records and parameter version control for traceability

Field Operations & Equipment Management

• Operate and maintain robotic platforms and supporting equipment in diverse field environments (e.g., desert, outdoor, semi-structured terrain)
• Conduct pre-deployment system checks and diagnose issues before and during operations
• Monitor live telemetry and diagnostics during testing; safely intervene when anomalies arise
• Manage field logistics including site setup, safety controls, equipment transport, and post-test data retrieval

Reporting & Continuous Improvement

• Produce structured test reports including objectives, methodologies, results, defect summaries, and engineering recommendations
• Support release readiness assessments through test coverage analysis, defect tracking, and risk evaluation
• Provide actionable feedback to engineering teams based on observed system behavior and failure modes
• Contribute to continuous improvement of validation processes, calibration workflows, and integration practices

Required Qualifications & Skills

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Robotics, Mechatronics, Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, or a related field
• 8+ years of experience in testing autonomous systems, robotics platforms, or complex integrated hardware/software systems
• Hands-on experience with ROS/ROS2 (topic inspection, launch configuration, bag recording/replay)
• Proven experience in sensor calibration (intrinsic, extrinsic, and temporal)
• Practical experience tuning navigation, perception, or control systems
• Strong understanding of autonomous system architecture (perception, localization, mapping, planning, control)
• Proficiency in Python and Bash for scripting, data analysis, and log processing
• Strong written communication skills with the ability to produce structured technical documentation
• Solid understanding of safety principles and field operation protocols
• Willingness and ability to travel to remote field locations

Preferred

• Experience validating SLAM systems (e.g., Cartographer, RTAB-Map, LIO-SAM)
• Familiarity with simulation tools such as Gazebo, Isaac Sim, or Unity
• Experience with test management tools (e.g., Jira, Zephyr, Testmo) and requirements traceability
• Knowledge of CAN bus and embedded communication protocols
• Experience working with outdoor or rugged robotic systems
• Familiarity with functional safety standards (e.g., ISO 26262, IEC 61508)
• Background in verification and validation methodologies or formal release processes
• Prior contract or consulting experience within robotics, industrial, or applied research environments

Field Test Engineer in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates