Test Operations Technician

Pay: $35 - 40/hr

We are seeking a hands-on Test Operations Technician to support the continuous development and validation of our robotic platform used in the commercial fishing industry. 

This role requires significant hands-on involvement in our test lab, where you will execute robotic system testing while owning the operational readiness of the laboratory environment. You will prepare and maintain test hardware, execute engineering-defined procedures, troubleshoot issues, and manage test resources.

This role is essential to maintaining the speed and quality of our engineering organization by ensuring our robots, laboratory, and testing resources are always ready to support development. 

The ideal candidate is electromechanically inclined, dependable, systematic, and enjoys working close to the hardware. This position is 100% on-site at our El Segundo facility during standard business hours and requires regular handling of live and dead fish as part of testing and validation activities.

What you get to do:

• Own the day-to-day operational readiness of the test laboratory, ensuring equipment, workspaces, and support resources are organized, functional, and ready for testing

• Own fish operations supporting testing, including intake, storage, inventory tracking, preparation, post-test processing, and disposal
  

• Own the readiness and configuration of robotic systems and test fixtures after installation in the test environment, including setup, maintenance, repairs, conversions, and troubleshooting
  

• Execute acceptance testing on robotic subassemblies and full systems following engineering-defined test plans
  

• Perform hands-on software release testing on physical hardware to verify performance, stability, and safety
  

• Troubleshoot test failures, collect clear diagnostic data, and document results for engineering review
  

• Assist engineers during experimental development testing and rapid iteration cycles
  

• Perform routine cleaning and maintenance of the test room, equipment, and supporting facilities to maintain a safe and efficient working environment
  

• Continuously identify opportunities to improve laboratory organization, workflows, and operational efficiency
  

What you will need:

• 2+ years of hands-on technical experience in a lab, manufacturing, field service, or test environment
  

• Strong electromechanical aptitude and comfort working with related tools
  

• Ability to read and follow technical procedures, wiring diagrams, and assembly documentation
  

• Experience troubleshooting electromechanical actuation systems
  

• Ability to lift up to 40–50 lbs and work on your feet for extended periods
  

• Willingness to work in wet, cold, and physically demanding environments
  

• Comfortable handling live and dead fish, including processing and post-test clean-up
  

• Proactive mindset and communication style to ensure prioritization, schedule, and status are mutually understood
  

• Comfortable balancing technical testing with the day-to-day operational responsibilities required to support a busy engineering laboratory
  

• Demonstrated ability to independently manage operational responsibilities with a high level of organization and attention to detail
  

Bonus if you have experience with:

• Robotics, automation, or industrial equipment

• Hardware testing or product validation

• Electrical wiring, sensors, motors, or control systems

• Linux command-line tools, serial communications, or firmware deployment

• Hydraulics or fluid power systems

• Facilities coordination and laboratory operations

• Inventory management, preventive maintenance, and/or calibration programs

• Aquaculture, food processing, or biological laboratory environments

Other things to know:

• This is a 100% on-site role based in El Segundo, CA during standard business hours.

• This position involves regular handling of live and dead fish as part of testing, validation, and laboratory operations.

• Work is frequently performed in wet, cold, noisy, and physically demanding environments.

• Occasional travel (typically a few times per year) to docks and commercial fishing vessels may be required to support system integration and field testing.