Senior Electrical Test Engineer Job at Reliable Robotics: High-Paying Opportunity in Mountain View, CA
Introduction
Are you a seasoned electrical engineer seeking a rewarding career in autonomous aviation technology? The Senior Electrical Test Engineer role at Reliable Robotics offers a competitive salary range of $188,000 to $250,000 per year in Mountain View, California. Posted on October 19, 2025, this position targets experts in electrical testing for cutting-edge aerospace systems. Reliable Robotics, a leader in autonomous flight systems for cargo aircraft, needs professionals to ensure hardware reliability in export-controlled environments.
This guide breaks down the job essentials, from qualifications to application tips, optimized for searches like “senior electrical test engineer jobs Mountain View” and “Reliable Robotics careers“. Whether you’re exploring electrical test engineer salaries in CA or aerospace engineering opportunities, discover how this role fits into the booming Bay Area tech scene.
Analysis
The Senior Electrical Test Engineer position at Reliable Robotics demands deep expertise in validating electrical systems for autonomous aircraft. Reliable Robotics specializes in retrofitting cargo planes with autonomous flight technology, making electrical testing critical for safety and compliance.
Company Background
Founded in 2017, Reliable Robotics operates from Mountain View, CA, in the heart of Silicon Valley. The company has raised over $50 million in funding from investors like Boeing and the U.S. Air Force, focusing on FAA-certified autonomous systems. Their work involves hardware like sensors, actuators, and power systems, where senior test engineers play a pivotal role.
Role Responsibilities
Expect duties such as designing test plans, executing hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) simulations, troubleshooting failures, and documenting results per aerospace standards like DO-160. This senior-level job requires leading teams and interfacing with design engineers, emphasizing precision in high-stakes environments.
Qualifications Breakdown
Candidates typically need a Bachelor’s or Master’s in Electrical Engineering, 7+ years of experience in avionics or similar, proficiency in tools like LabVIEW, oscilloscopes, and multimeters, and familiarity with export-controlled projects. U.S. citizenship or permanent residency is often mandatory due to ITAR regulations.
Summary
In summary, the Senior Electrical Test Engineer job at Reliable Robotics in Mountain View, CA, provides a salary of $188,000-$250,000 annually for experts in electrical hardware testing within autonomous aviation. Key highlights include Silicon Valley location, innovative tech focus, and strict U.S. person requirements for export controls. This opportunity suits professionals advancing in aerospace electrical engineering careers.
Key Points
- Job Title: Senior Electrical Test Engineer
- Company: Reliable Robotics
- Location: Mountain View, CA (Silicon Valley hub)
- Salary: $188,000 – $250,000 USD per year
- Posting Date: October 19, 2025
- Focus Areas: Electrical testing for autonomous aircraft systems
- Eligibility: U.S. persons only (citizens, permanent residents; excludes asylees under 8 U.S.C. § 1158 without authorization)
Practical Advice
Securing a Senior Electrical Test Engineer role requires strategic preparation. Tailor your resume to highlight avionics testing experience, quantifiable achievements like “reduced test failures by 30% via automated scripts,” and certifications such as Certified Test Engineer (CTE).
Application Steps
- Visit Reliable Robotics’ careers page or the posting source to apply directly.
- Customize your cover letter mentioning export control compliance and passion for autonomous tech.
- Prepare for interviews: Expect technical questions on schematic analysis, signal integrity, and Python scripting for test automation.
- Network on LinkedIn with Reliable Robotics employees; the company values referrals.
Skill-Building Tips
Enhance your profile with online courses from Coursera (e.g., “Avionics Testing”) or hands-on projects using Arduino for electrical prototyping. Stay updated on FAA standards via RTCA documents.
Points of Caution
While attractive, this job has hurdles. The high salary reflects intense competition—Bay Area engineering roles receive 100+ applications weekly. Visa holders (H-1B, etc.) may be ineligible due to export controls.
- Relocation Challenges: Mountain View’s cost of living is 200% above national average; budget $4,000+ monthly rent.
- Work Intensity: Aerospace testing involves overtime during certification phases.
- Market Saturation: Similar roles at Joby Aviation or Archer Aviation may offer comparable pay but different autonomy focus.
Comparison
Compared to peers, Reliable Robotics’ offering stands out. Here’s a table-based view:
| Company/Role | Location | Salary Range | Key Focus |
|---|---|---|---|
| Reliable Robotics – Sr. Electrical Test Engineer | Mountain View, CA | $188K-$250K | Autonomous cargo aircraft |
| Boeing – Sr. Test Engineer | Everett, WA | $150K-$220K | Commercial jets |
| SpaceX – Electrical Test Engineer | Hawthorne, CA | $170K-$240K | Rocket hardware |
| Joby Aviation – Sr. Avionics Test Engineer | Santa Cruz, CA | $180K-$245K | eVTOL air taxis |
Reliable Robotics edges in salary ceiling for its niche, per Glassdoor and Levels.fyi data (2024-2025 averages).
Legal Implications
This role involves export-controlled technology under ITAR (22 CFR Parts 120-130) and EAR, restricting access to U.S. persons. The posting references 8 U.S.C. § 1158 (asylee status), indicating asylees must obtain separate authorization. Non-compliance risks fines up to $1 million per violation (ITAR §127.1). Verify your status via USCIS; green card holders qualify, but certain visa types do not. Employers like Reliable Robotics conduct E-Verify and must report unauthorized access.
Compliance Best Practices
Review your I-9 form eligibility. Consult an immigration attorney if unsure—firms like Fragomen specialize in tech export controls.
Conclusion
The Senior Electrical Test Engineer position at Reliable Robotics represents a prime opportunity for electrical test engineers in aerospace to join a pioneering firm reshaping aviation. With a generous $188K-$250K salary in Mountain View, CA, and focus on autonomous tech, it’s ideal for U.S.-eligible professionals ready for high-impact work. Apply promptly, prepare rigorously, and position yourself in this competitive field. For more on senior engineering jobs Bay Area, monitor sites like LinkedIn and Indeed.
FAQ
What is the salary for Senior Electrical Test Engineer at Reliable Robotics?
$188,000 – $250,000 USD annually, depending on experience and negotiation.
Is U.S. citizenship required?
Yes, or permanent residency; export controls limit to U.S. persons.
What skills are essential?
Avionics testing, LabVIEW, HIL, DO-160 compliance, 7+ years experience.
Where is the job located?
Mountain View, California—hybrid or onsite likely.
How competitive is this role?
Highly; tailor applications to stand out in Silicon Valley’s talent pool.
Does Reliable Robotics sponsor visas?
Unlikely due to ITAR; confirm via application process.
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