Hardware Test Engineer

About Our Work

We are neuroscientists who build ground-breaking technology for the spatial computing era. We stimulate nerves to create artificial tactile sensations, creating new, more meaningful connections to the user for notifications, 3D digital content, physical AI, health information, and beyond. Our first products will be mobile, wearable devices that stream haptic data from multiple digital sources to create meaningful sensations of touch.

What You'll Be Doing

The Hardware Test Engineer is responsible for supporting the development, validation, and optimization of wearable haptic technology products through comprehensive hardware testing and analysis. This role develops and executes hardware verification and validation protocols, performs system-level troubleshooting, and ensures product performance, reliability, and quality throughout the product development lifecycle.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop, maintain, and execute hardware validation and verification test plans for wearable haptic devices and subsystems
• Perform functional, electrical, environmental, reliability, and system-level testing on prototypes and production hardware
• Diagnose hardware failures, identify root causes, and collaborate with development teams to implement corrective actions
• Design and improve testing methodologies, automation strategies, and troubleshooting procedures to support product quality and development efficiency
• Work closely with Electrical Engineering, Firmware, Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing, and Product teams to align testing priorities with project timelines and business objectives
• Support vendor evaluation and component qualification activities through technical testing and performance analysis
• Document test procedures, test results, defect reports, and engineering recommendations in a clear and organized manner
• Analyze test data and provide technical recommendations to senior leadership and cross-functional stakeholders
• Assist in defining quality standards and validation criteria for wearable hardware systems
• Ensure compliance with internal engineering standards, safety requirements, and applicable regulatory considerations
• Contribute technical leadership in hardware testing initiatives affecting product execution and organizational strategy
• Other duties as assigned

What You'll Need for This Position

Education

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or related technical field

Must-Have Skills & Experience

• 2–5 years of experience in hardware development, hardware testing, engineering validation, or related technology environments
• Proficient in troubleshooting electronic systems, embedded hardware, or wearable technology platforms
• Familiarity with lab equipment such as oscilloscopes, multimeters, logic analyzers, power supplies, and environmental testing equipment
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with exceptional attention to detail.
• Ability to work independently on complex technical objectives with guidance from senior leadership
• Experience with haptic systems, wearable electronics, sensors, embedded systems, or consumer hardware products.
• Exposure to automated test systems, scripting, or data analysis tools
• Experience supporting EVT/DVT/PVT phases of hardware product development
• Knowledge of reliability testing, failure analysis, and manufacturing test methodologies
• Ability to evaluate emerging technologies and apply them effectively
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
• Excellent communication skills

What's in It for You

Work closely with cutting-edge technology. You'll be hands-on with novel neural haptic technology that's defining the future of spatial computing and immersive experiences.

Work in a close-knit, startup environment. We strive to create an intellectually stimulating and collegial working environment. Our energy for inventing, creating, and learning spans work and play: we have regular happy hours, plan field trips, play games, play music, and generally have a good time.

An early employee experience. We are an early-stage deep tech startup company that requires all members to contribute across the entire business. On any given day, there will be new challenges and new demands to propel the business forward. We expect all employees to be able to dive into any new challenges that present themselves, even if they are beyond the job description above. If your are driven by the desire to see success and to create new tech not seen by the world previously, you will fit right in to the team's culture.

Compensation & Benefits

Afference is committed to providing the sense of touch for the evolution of the human connection to technology and the future of the digital experience. We are leading this effort through deep science and technology, which provides unique experiences compared to classical haptic technologies. Our lean team of experts demands a high level of excellence but can compensate with the commensurate upside potential of an early-growth startup in a high-growth sector of extended reality.

Compensation offers depend on skills, qualifications, and experience, and range between:

$100,000 to $110,000 per year at 100% FTE

Benefits include:

• Medical, dental vision, life, STD, FSA, additional company perks
• Equity incentives
• Self-managed PTO

Location: On-site; Cleveland, OH office