Robotics Test Engineer

Position Summary

We are seeking a hands-on and analytical Field Test Engineer to evaluate innovative cleaning solutions and determine their suitability for real-world deployment. This role involves executing, and documenting comprehensive testing protocols, while working closely with product, engineering, and senior leadership teams. Long-term, this person will lead a team of field observers to support large-scale testing and performance monitoring across multiple locations.

This role will specifically focus on robotic cleaning solutions, such as autonomous vacuums and floor scrubbers, supporting their testing and development in real-world environments.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Responsibilities may include but are not limited to:
• Collaborate closely with the Tech Product Specialist to share field insights, review field findings and assess the solution's readiness and suitability for broader deployment

• Conduct in-field and lab-based testing for new and existing robotic cleaning solutions, including but not limited to robotic vacuums and floor scrubbers to evaluate navigation, sensor accuracy, obstacle avoidance, cleaning effectiveness, and task completion
• Drive customer-facing demos of robotics solutions, providing expert guidance and ensuring a clear understanding of product capabilities and value
• Monitor system behavior during operation and identify performance gaps, mechanical failures, or software issues
• Analyze test data and translate observations into clear, actionable feedback
• Collaborate with engineering, IT, and vendor teams to troubleshoot technical issues and validate improvements
• Evaluate user experience aspects such as ease of use, setup time, error messages, and operator training needs

• Document performance metrics, anomalies, and operational observations to support data-driven decision-making and provide recommendations on robot suitability for future deployments sites
• Serve as the Robotics Subject Matter Expert (SME), offering expertise across testing, deployment, and troubleshooting

Future Responsibilities - As the program expands in 2026, this person will support a team of observers across multiple locations testing a variety of innovative solutions.

• Create standardized training and documentation for field observers to ensure consistency and accuracy in data collection
• Hire, train, and manage a team of field observers who will assist with data collection, testing observations, and reporting across various test sites

• Serve as a Robot Observer in the field when coverage gaps arise, ensuring continuous support and oversight of robotic operations

Leadership Capabilities

Inspire and Influence
• Inspires and demonstrates honesty and integrity in everything they do.
• Leads by example through ownership and accountability, clear communication, and strong cross-functional partnerships.
• Clear communicator with a proven ability to articulate a vision and gain buy-in from the team.
• Ability to drive change in a dynamic environment.
• Acts as a change agent who educates the team to understand key metrics and driving results through data-based decisions.

Build Talent and Teams
• Proven capabilities of identifying and developing talent to build high function teams who deliver results in an environment where process maturity is required.
• Ability to successfully work in a matrix organization.
• Celebrate successes and recognize strong performance (results, behaviors, values, etc.)

Standards and Compliance
• Ensure self and team are adhering to company and legal policies, demonstrate ethical integrity.
• Ensure team adherence to safety, regulations, and company policies and procedures.

Knowledge, Skills, and Competencies

Knowledge:
• Strong understanding of emerging innovative technologies (robotic cleaning solutions preferred)
• Field deployment or operations experience

Skills:
• Strong problem-solving and critical thinking skills
• Excellent written and verbal communication
• High attention to detail and strong organizational skills
• Able to identify risks and escalate appropriately

Competencies:
• People focused with commitment to excellent service
• Flexibility and adaptability with working in non-standard shift schedules

• Highly motivated and demonstrates a growth mindset

• Proactive, self-starter with the ability to work independently and in a team

Educational Qualifications/Job Experience Requirements

Education:
• Bachelor's degree in engineering, Computer Science, Business, or a related field

Experience:
• 2+ years of hands-on experience with robotics, automation or innovative technology
• Experience working with cross-functional teams (engineering, product, IT, vendors)
• Experience executing testing plans or pilot programs
• Strong ability to document findings and write technical or operational reports
• Comfort with analyzing performance data and making actionable recommendations
• Experience troubleshooting hardware and/or software issues in the field
• Experience in commercial cleaning and knowledge of cleaning protocols and equipment
• Experience managing or supporting retail cleaning operations in high-traffic environments
• Bilingual in English and Spanish is strongly preferred

Working Conditions/Physical Requirements

Schedule :
• This role supports our on-site cleaning teams, so schedules during deployments are variable and may require support for various shifts including day and overnights
• Outside of deployments and observations, the work schedule is standard Monday - Friday
• There may be a need for on-call support outside of regular working hours to address urgent issues and/or critical incidents

Physical requirements:
• Ability to stand, walk, kneel, or crouch for extended periods
• Comfortable lifting 50+ lbs (tools, robot components, packaging, etc.)
• Manual dexterity to operate tools, devices, and robot interfaces
• Ability to speak clearly (use of voice).
• Vision requirements include close vision, distance vision, moderate peripheral vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus.

Environment:
• Work will primarily take place in retail environments such as major grocery chains, department stores, and office complexes
• Lighting varies based on building requirements and may be adjusted within reason.
• Time constraints and related pressures to complete work are high.

Travel: Up to 60%
• Daily within your assigned region
• Frequent travel within the US to support client demos and tests
• Must have a valid driver's license and reliable transportation