Search Jobs
Engr 2, Hardware Test (R&D Hardware Test Engineer)
106 Roche Drive Durham, NC 27703 US
Job Description
The R&D Hardware Test Engineer designs, develops, and implements automated electro-mechanical test systems that accelerate product development, improve reliability, and expand lab testing capability. This role focuses heavily on LabVIEW programming, automated data acquisition, test fixture development, and electro-mechanical test design. The engineer partners with mechanical, electrical, and controls engineers to define test strategies, enhance Product Qualification Plans (PQPs), and ensure robust verification and validation of complex pharmacy automation devices.
This position expands the lab’s capacity for automation, reliability testing, and infrastructure support while enabling faster iteration, reduced downtime, and higher-quality data across multiple product lines. The R&D Hardware Test Engineer plays a strategic role in test innovation, benchmark program development, and automated test methodologies.
Key Responsibilities Test System Design & Automation
-
Design electro-mechanical test systems and fixtures to support verification, validation, and reliability testing.
-
Develop automated test workflows in LabVIEW including DAQ configuration, control logic, and data handling.
-
Build automation scripts, control interfaces, and bench-level tools to reduce manual testing.
-
Improve or develop PLC-based systems (e.g., DAQ, Arduino platforms).
-
Create benchmark programs and automated sequences to reduce machine downtime and accelerate troubleshooting.
-
Review Product Qualification Plans (PQPs) and recommend additional test coverage, automation opportunities, and reliability improvements.
-
Partner with mechanical, electrical, and controls engineers to create robust test plans for subsystems and prototypes.
-
Perform hands-on test execution when needed, ensuring accurate data capture and traceability.
-
Develop statistical test methods using LabVIEW, Python, SQL, and Minitab.
-
Build integrated DAQ systems for sensors, motion control, communication technologies, and electro-mechanical devices.
-
Analyze performance data, reliability results, and failure modes to support engineering decisions.
-
Automate data aggregation and reporting for engineering teams.
-
Increase testing throughput by enabling parallel test setups, cross-training, and automation of key workflows.
-
Reduce lab downtime via preventative maintenance, benchmark testing, and improved system health monitoring.
-
Support computer and networked device configuration across R&D labs.
-
Contribute to lab asset tracking, configuration management, and equipment lifecycle processes.
-
Troubleshoot complex electro-mechanical and automation issues.
-
Contribute to best practices for safety, testing procedures, and ISO-aligned processes.
-
Design and assemble rapid prototypes and test fixtures to evaluate the feasibility of new concepts.
-
Perform wiring, assembly, mechanical build activities, and instrumentation setup.
-
Assist with commissioning new test hardware and validating performance.
-
Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or a related technical field (Mechanical, Electrical, Mechatronics, Systems, Automation, Physics, Applied Science, etc.).
-
Master’s degree is a plus.
-
Experience with verification and validation testing.
-
Hands-on experience designing automated test systems and fixtures.
-
Strong LabVIEW programming background.
-
Experience with computer-controlled electromechanical or networked systems.
-
Exposure to reliability testing, statistical methods, or DFSS.
-
Experience working on cross-functional development teams.
-
Programming or scripting experience with LabVIEW, Python, SQL, or similar tools.
-
Experience with DAQ systems, sensors, PLCs, and motion control.
-
Ability to design (CAD), assemble, and troubleshoot complex test setups.
-
Strong mechanical and electrical aptitude.
-
Ability to work independently and collaboratively.
-
Excellent communication, documentation, and presentation skills.
-
High attention to detail and strong action orientation.
-
Requires frequent sitting, standing, and bending.
-
Requires occasional stooping and kneeling.
-
Ability to safely lift up to 45 pounds unaided.
Pay based on experience level - $55-63/hr
Equal Opportunity Employer: We are proud to be an equal opportunity employer. We welcome and encourage applications from all qualified candidates regardless of race, sex, gender identity or expression, disability, age, religion or belief, sexual orientation, or any other characteristic protected by applicable laws and regulations. It is our policy not to discriminate against any applicant or employee, and we are committed to fostering a diverse, inclusive, and respectful work environment across all locations in which we operate. We believe that diversity, equity, and inclusion are fundamental to our mission and enhance our ability to serve clients globally. If you have a disability or require any reasonable accommodations during the application or interview process, please inform your recruiter or contact us directly so that we can explore the appropriate arrangements.
Fraud Alert: Candidate safety is a top priority at Planet Pharma. The industry has seen an increase in people falsely representing themselves as recruiters to gather personal information from job seekers. For your safety, do not provide sensitive data to anyone you have not spoken with thoroughly, never provide banking information during the application process and always double check the email address of the Recruiter to ensure it’s from an official Planet Pharma domain (@planet-pharma.com, @planet-pharma.co.uk, and @ppgadvisorypartners.com) and not a domain with an alternative extension like .net, .org or .jobs.
Share This Job:
Related Jobs:
About Durham, NC
Are you sure you want to apply for this job?
Please take a moment to verify your personal information and resume are up-to-date before you apply.