Robotics QA Engineer

About Our Team

Chef Robotics is on a mission to accelerate the advent of intelligent machines in the physical world. As the rise of LLMs like ChatGPT has shown, AI has the potential to drive immense change. However, we believe AI’s biggest impact will be in the physical world, given industries like manufacturing, food, and transportation represent 90% of global GDP. We're starting with food, with a goal to put an intelligent robot in every commercial kitchen in the world. We have signed multiple multi-year contracts with various large food companies and we are growing fast. We're backed by investors like Kleiner Perkins, Construct, Bloomberg BETA and Promus Ventures. We have a great team, where you will be surrounded by talented engineers and tech leaders from companies like Cruise, Zoox, Google, Verb Surgical, Tesla, Nuro, Vicarious, Amazon Robotics, Strateos, Built Robotics, Facebook, Plenty, Yelp, and Microsoft.

About the Role

The Robotics Quality Assurance (QA) Engineer will be responsible for the validation of robotic food automation systems, encompassing both hardware and software components. This individual will conduct hands-on evaluations of robots, conveyor systems, and Human-Machine Interface (HMI) interfaces, utilizing actual food ingredients to ascertain optimal performance in industrial settings. Rigorous attention to detail and innovative problem resolution will be critical in ensuring the robustness of integrated food automation systems.

• Execute comprehensive test protocols for robotic food automation systems and conveyor integrations.
• Conduct regression testing to verify system stability following software updates.
• Administer automated test suites and scrutinize results for anomalies across the integrated system.
• Document test outcomes with meticulous bug reports, including step-by-step replication procedures, system logs, and video evidence.

• Perform manual testing using tangible food ingredients (e.g., fresh produce, proteins, sauces, grains).
• Assess system functionality across various food textures, temperatures, and consistencies.
• Confirm robot precision in food item manipulation.
• Conduct calibration verification of sensor systems.

• Validate touchscreen interfaces.
• Test operator alert mechanisms and emergency shutdown functionality.
• Verify the accuracy of production metrics and status displays.
• Evaluate UI responsiveness under system load conditions.
• Confirm user role permissions and security parameters.

• Proactively identify atypical scenarios that may challenge the system (e.g., malformed produce, ingredient variations, unique environmental constraints).
• Test under extreme environmental conditions: low luminance, high humidity, and temperature fluctuations.
• Develop test scenarios for intricate food automation edge cases (e.g., overlapping ingredients, irregular portions).
• Document and replicate system malfunctions using scientific methodology.
• Identify and evaluate time-sensitive interactions between robotic components.

• Adhere to and refine testing procedures and documentation.
• Maintain test data sets encompassing a variety of food variations.
• Participate in bug triage meetings and provide detailed feedback.
• Monitor and report quality metrics to discern trends.
• Construct reproducible test fixtures for complex scenarios.

• A minimum of three years of quality assurance testing experience in hardware, robotics, or automation systems.
• Experience in industrial equipment testing, preferably with conveyor systems.
• Familiarity with HMI/touch interface testing methodologies.
• Experience with bug tracking systems (e.g., Jira, Linear) and test management tools.
• Understanding of automation testing and Continuous Integration/Continuous Deployment (CI/CD) processes for embedded systems.
• Proficiency in authoring precise test cases and bug reports detailing hardware/software interactions.
• Comfortable working with technical systems and comprehension of fundamental programming concepts.

• Robust analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Meticulous attention to detail with exceptional observational capabilities.
• Innovative thinking for edge case identification in integrated systems.
• Capacity for systematic analysis of complex mechanical-digital interactions.
• Patient and methodical approach to testing.
• Proficient troubleshooting skills for intermittent issues.

• Comfortable handling food ingredients (both raw and cooked).
• Experience with timing measurements and synchronization testing.
• Ability to lift up to 25 pounds regularly.
• Willingness to work in test production environments.
• Availability for occasional on-site testing at customer locations.
• Comfort working in proximity to moving machinery with strict adherence to safety protocols.

• Experience with vision system validation.
• Familiarity with food processing or packaging equipment.
• Background in manufacturing or production environments.
• Experience with electromechanical system testing.

$140,000 - $170,000 a year

Chef is an early-stage startup where equity is a major part of the compensation package. As the company secures more capital, we will gradually increase salary and cash compensation. The starting salary will depend on seniority.

In addition to salary and early-stage equity, we offer a comprehensive benefits package that includes medical, dental, and vision insurance, commuter benefits, flexible paid time off (PTO), catered lunch, and 401(k) matching.

Equal Opportunity Employer

We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, sex, gender identity and expression, sexual orientation, national origin, ancestry, citizen status, uniform service member and veteran status, marital status, age, pregnancy status, protected medical condition, genetic information, disability, or any other protected status.

Multiple studies have found that a higher percentage of women and BIPOC candidates won't apply if they don't meet every listed qualification. Chef values candidates of all backgrounds. If you find yourself excited by our mission but you don't check every box in the description, we encourage you to apply anyway!