Principal Hardware Test Automation Engineer

About us:Aeva’s mission is to bring the next wave of perception to a broad range of applications from automated driving to industrial robotics, consumer electronics, consumer health, security, and beyond. Aeva is transforming autonomy with its groundbreaking sensing and perception technology that integrates all key LiDAR components onto a silicon photonics chip in a compact module. Aeva 4D LiDAR sensors uniquely detect instant velocity in addition to 3D position, allowing autonomous devices like vehicles and robots to make more intelligent and safe decisions.

Role Overview:You will drive the architecture and development of the automation software used for test & assembly stations as well as the production infrastructure used in the manufacturing line for Aeva’s 4D lidar sensors.

What you'll be doing:

• Lead a team of skilled engineers dedicated to the design and development of automation software used to run assembly and test stations in the manufacturing line.
• Work on the full software stack, enabling automation of complex Lidar tests, component alignment, and tests, robot-based part handling for the fully automated manufacturing line, designing control interfaces, integration with factory automation and standardizing data components, and optimizing calibration procedures.
• Collaborate cross-functionally with embedded software, hardware test, signal processing, and contract manufacturing factory automation partners to ensure we build the best possible solutions.
• Collaborate with project managers to define project scopes, schedules, and resource allocations, ensuring timely and successful project deliveries.
• Provide technical leadership and mentorship to team members, fostering collaborative and creative solutions.

What you'll have:

• BS in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, or a related technical field.
• 15+ years of experience in software development, with a focus on developing automation solutions for manufacturing lines.
• Must have experience in Hardware In the Loop (HIL) test automation development for products such as Cameras, Lidar, sensors, Photonics/optical transceivers, interconnects, AR/VR products, or automated optical alignment systems.
• Strong proficiency in Python & C++ programming and relevant libraries/frameworks, instrument driver development for hardware test automation.
• Experience with continuous integration and deployment (CI/CD) practices, unit and integration testing, and version control.
• Previous experience in leading and managing teams, fostering collaboration, and driving results.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, capable of working with cross-functional teams and stakeholders.
• Proven ability to work in a fast-paced and dynamic environment, managing multiple priorities and projects simultaneously.

Nice to haves:

• Familiar with protocols used for instrument communication, including serial, USB, Ethernet, GPIB, etc.
• User interface design experience, preferably using the PyQt framework.
• Experience building applications that use threading and/or multiprocessing.

What's in it for you:

• Be part of a fast-paced and dynamic team
• Very competitive compensation and meaningful stock grants
• Exceptional benefits: Medical, Dental, Vision, and more
• Unlimited PTO: We care about results, not punching timecards