Infrastructure Engineer-HIL

FORT Robotics is the safety and security layer for smart machines and autonomous systems. We worry about the worst-case scenarios of robotic deployment so our customers don't have to.

Our SIL 3-certified wireless control platform — including Safe Remote Controls, Wireless E-Stops, Vehicle Safety Controllers, Endpoint Controllers, and the FORT Manager software suite — gives builders and operators of robots and heavy equipment the tools to deploy faster, reduce risk, and interact safely with people and other machines. Hundreds of companies across warehousing, construction, agriculture, manufacturing, mining, transportation, lawn care, and delivery trust FORT to keep workers safe and operations moving.

Headquartered in Philadelphia and backed by investors including Prime Movers Lab, Prologis, Tiger Global, and Mark Cuban, FORT is scaling rapidly as physical AI and autonomy reshape every industry. If you want to help build the foundation for a safer, more autonomous future — alongside a team that takes both safety and velocity seriously — we'd love to meet you.

Job Summary:

We are seeking a Senior Engineer focused on building and scaling Hardware-in-the-Loop (HIL) test infrastructure and automation platforms. This role goes beyond test execution — you will design multi-bench systems, CI/CD-driven workflows, and reliable lab infrastructure to enable efficient, repeatable validation of Fort products.

Key Responsibilities:

• Design and scale Hardware-in-the-Loop (HIL) benches for system and device-level validation
• Build infrastructure for multi-bench orchestration (scheduling, parallel execution, resource management)
• Build and manage DevOps workflows for test infrastructure, including pipeline automation, environment provisioning, and artifact management.
• Design and integrate CI/CD pipelines for hardware-based testing
• Build containerized (like Docker) environments for reproducible test execution
• Develop systems to control hardware programmatically (power, connectivity, devices)
• Improve lab infrastructure, fixtures, and test environments for scalability and reliability
• Build logging, metrics, and observability systems for debugging and traceability
• Collaborate with firmware, cloud, and hardware teams to resolve system-level issues
• Mentor engineers and drive best practices for scalable test infrastructure

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s or Master’s in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Computer Science, or related discipline preferred
• 5+ years of experience in embedded systems, robotics, or hardware-software systems
• Strong experience with HIL/SIL systems or test infrastructure
• Proficiency in Python for automation/framework development
• Experience designing automation systems at scale (multi-device, multi-environment, or distributed systems)
• Strong experience with CI/CD systems (GitLab, Jenkins, or similar), including pipeline design and automation workflows
• Experience with containerization technologies (Docker) and building reproducible development and test environments
• Familiarity with DevOps practices and scalable system design
• Experience with embedded communication protocols (Ethernet, CAN, BLE, Wi-Fi)
• Strong debugging skills across hardware and software systems
• Ability to design modular, maintainable systems and work cross-functionally

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience with distributed systems or orchestration platforms
• Experience with cloud/logging tools (Azure, Grafana, etc.)
• Knowledge of safety standards (IEC 61508, ISO 26262)
• Hands-on hardware/fixture design experience
• Interest in applying AI/ML in daily engineering workflows

Benefits:

• Competitive salary range of $130,000 - $150,000 USD
• Flexible hybrid work arrangement
• Opportunities for professional development and career growth

Company Culture:

At FORT Robotics, we foster a culture of innovation, collaboration, and inclusivity. We believe that diverse perspectives drive better solutions and we are committed to building a team that reflects the communities we serve. Join us in shaping a safer, more autonomous future.

FORT Robotics is the safety and security layer for smart machines and autonomous systems. Our SIL 3-certified wireless control platform — spanning Safe Remote Controls, Wireless E-Stops, Vehicle Safety Controllers, and the FORT Manager software suite — empowers builders and operators of robots and heavy equipment to deploy faster, reduce risk, and unlock the full potential of automation.

Hundreds of companies across warehousing, construction, agriculture, manufacturing, mining, transportation, lawn care, and delivery trust FORT to keep people safe and machines productive. Backed by investors including Prime Movers Lab, Prologis, Tiger Global, and Mark Cuban, we're headquartered in Philadelphia and building the foundation for a safer, more autonomous future.