Robotics Systems Test & Validation Engineer

We’re Blue River, a team of innovators driven to create intelligent machinery that solves monumental problems for our customers. We empower our customers - farmers, construction crews, and foresters to implement safer and more sustainable solutions, driving increased profitability with less reliance on scarce labor. We believe that focusing on the small stuff, pixel-by-pixel and task-by-task, leads to big gains. 

Blue River Technology aligns with John Deere’s vision to “innovate on behalf of humanity” by quickly identifying and solving high-value, high-uncertainty challenges in AI, machine learning, computer vision, and robotics. BRT acts as a research and development flywheel, building not only new products but also new platforms that reliably create value for both Deere and its customers. From fully autonomous machines to highly precise farming equipment, BRT and Deere are partnering to deliver technical breakthroughs across industries such as agriculture and construction. 

Our people are at the heart of what we do. Through cross-disciplinary collaboration, this mission-driven team is eager to define the new frontier of robotics. We are always asking hard questions, rapidly iterating, and getting our boots in the field to figure it out. We won’t give up until we’ve made a tangible and positive impact on the planet!

Blue River Technology is based in Santa Clara, CA. 

Summary

We are seeking a Robotics Systems Test & Validation Engineer for Blue River's Vehicle Autonomy Team. This person will build trust in our autonomous solutions. You will define, develop, and execute feature-level testing on agricultural machinery and test setups, identifying vulnerabilities to strengthen our systems. Working closely with cross-functional engineering teams, you will help tackle ambitious goals and solve complex real-world challenges in a fast-paced environment.

This person will serve as the lead for reproducing field issues, debugging, documenting, prototyping, and system testing of new technologies that will be revolutionary in robotic and computer vision-based systems for agriculture. The ideal candidate will have system-level curiosity, enjoy a fast-paced environment, and will deliver results regardless of challenges. 

• Employment Type: Full-Time
• Work Location: Austin, TX
• Visa sponsorship: Not available for this position.  

Job Responsibilities

A combination, not necessarily all-inclusive, of the following:

• Lead software release testing and validate updates prior to customer deployment.
• Develop validation plans to ensure test coverage for requirements and bug fixes.
• Design test plans, execute testing, analyze results, and present actionable recommendations.
• Partner across engineering teams to build end-to-end test suites and drive product enhancements.
• Guide system integration for complex robotic platforms across cross-functional teams.
• Analyze product failures using engineering methods to identify root causes.
• Install and integrate software at both component and full-system levels.
• Conduct exploratory testing to uncover coverage gaps in test plans.

Required Experience and Skills

• 2+ years of experience testing high-tech vehicle, robotic, or agricultural products.
• Experience translating system and customer needs into testable requirements.
• Solid understanding of software complexity and system architecture interaction.
• Advanced experience with complex systems development; hardware- and software-focused understanding of how to meet high-level system needs.
• Capable of creating the documentation for system validation; experienced in complex systems support.
• Scrappiness and perseverance; demonstrated ability to succeed in uncertain situations, with a high degree of agility and creativity to adapt and respond to learnings.

Preferred Experience and Skills

• Hands-on experience maintaining, repairing, and operating heavy agricultural equipment.
• Strong problem-solving, debugging (electro-mechanical/perception systems), and communication skills.
• Ability to adapt, plan, and execute effectively in fast-paced, ambiguous environments.
• Collaborative mindset with the ability to work independently, across cross-functional teams, and maintain strong customer/vendor relationships.
• Experience with documentation, tracking, and CI/CD development tools (e.g., Jira, GitHub, Jenkins).
• BS degree or higher in Engineering or a related technical field.
• Background in agricultural equipment design.
• Proficiency in Python or other programming languages.
• Experience with Linux, script programming, CAN bus, and Ethernet networking.

Only individual applicants will be considered. We do not work with unsolicited third-party agencies or proxy interview services. 

At Blue River, your base pay is one part of your total compensation package. For this position, the reasonably expected pay range is between $91,000 - $168,000/year for the level at which this job has been scoped. Your base pay will depend on several factors, including your experience, qualifications, education, location, and skills. This position is also eligible for an annual performance bonus and a competitive benefit package. During the recruitment process, we may identify an alternative role or level to which you are more suited. If your ideal role at Blue River differs from the advertised position, we will provide an updated pay range as soon as possible during the hiring process.

We’re passionate about creating an inclusive workplace that promotes and values diversity. While we have more work to do to advance diversity and inclusion, we’re investing in our programs, including recruiting, mentorship, career development, and learning & development, to ensure they support our Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion goals. We support each employee in living a full life, enabling a thriving career, and accomplishing a meaningful, challenging mission while collaborating with incredible people. We are dedicated to building a diverse and inclusive workplace, so if you’re excited about this role but your experience doesn’t align completely with the job description, we encourage you to apply anyway.

We are an equal-opportunity employer and do not discriminate based on race, religion, color, national origin, sex, gender, gender expression, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status. We will ensure that individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, perform essential job functions, and receive other benefits and privileges of employment. Please contact us to request an accommodation.