Electrical Engineer, Actuator Test Infrastructure

OpenAI

Electrical Engineer designing and commissioning dynamometer infrastructure for OpenAI’s robotics research. Building safe, high-performance electrical systems for trustworthy actuator testing.

Posted 8/21/2026full-timeSan Francisco • California • 🇺🇸 United StatesMid-LevelSenior💰 $225,000 - $295,000 per yearWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

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Demonstrates expertise in electrical architecture for dynamometer and actuator test cells, with a strong focus on motor drives, power distribution, and safety circuit design. Proficient in integrating sensors and DAQ systems for precise measurement and analysis in robotic actuator development.

Highest-signal resume keywords

Electrical Architecture DesignMotor Drive IntegrationSensor and DAQ Hardware ExperienceElectrical Safety PracticesTroubleshooting Electromechanical Systems

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills

Electrical EngineeringMotor DrivesPower DistributionSignal IntegrityInstrumentation WiringElectrical SchematicsWiring DiagramsPanel LayoutsEMI/EMC UnderstandingPower Electronics

Soft Skills

Clear CommunicationCollaboration Across Teams

Tools & Technologies

OscilloscopesPower AnalyzersMetersDAQ Systems

Industry Keywords

Robotic ActuatorsAutomationIndustrial Test EquipmentElectrical ProtectionLab Safety Standards

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Own the electrical architecture of dynamometer and actuator test cells, from mains distribution and protection through load motor drives, braking, and auxiliary power
Specify, integrate, commission, and tune motor drives and load machines for robotic actuator torque, speed, efficiency, thermal, and durability testing
Design power distribution, grounding, shielding, cable routing, and connectorization for high-current, high-voltage, and low-level measurement systems
Integrate torque, position, speed, temperature, voltage, current, vibration, and other instrumentation into DAQ and control systems
Develop electrical schematics, wiring diagrams, panel layouts, harness documentation, and test-cell interface definitions
Build, debug, and maintain test-cell electrical hardware
Diagnose noise, EMI, grounding, drive, sensor, and power-quality issues
Design and validate safety circuits including E-stops, interlocks, contactors, safe torque off, guarding interfaces, and fault detection
Partner with mechanical engineers on packaging, cooling, fixturing interfaces, and serviceability
Partner with software and controls engineers on I/O maps, real-time signals, calibration, automated sequences, and reliable data capture
Establish commissioning, calibration, inspection, and preventive-maintenance procedures
Evaluate vendors and components for drives, motors, sensors, DAQ hardware, protection devices, and electrical enclosures
Analyze test and diagnostic data to improve measurement quality, cell uptime, and hardware reliability
Set practical electrical standards for safe and consistent dyno lab operation
Build electrical test infrastructure that accelerates robotic actuator development

Requirements

What you’ll need

Bachelor’s or graduate degree in Electrical Engineering, Robotics, Mechatronics, or a related field (preferred qualification)
Experience building, commissioning, or maintaining electrical systems for robotic actuator dynamometers, robotics, automation, motors, power electronics, or industrial test equipment
Hands-on experience with motor drives, servo systems, load motors, power distribution, and electrical protection
Strong understanding of grounding, shielding, EMI/EMC, signal integrity, and instrumentation wiring
Experience integrating sensors and DAQ hardware for voltage, current, torque, position, speed, temperature, or vibration measurements
Familiarity with electrical safety practices, E-stops, interlocks, safe torque off, lockout/tagout, and relevant lab or machinery standards
Ability to create and maintain schematics, wiring diagrams, panel layouts, and clear electrical documentation
Experience troubleshooting complex electromechanical systems with oscilloscopes, meters, power analyzers, and other lab tools
Strong intuition for power electronics, motor drives, electrical safety, and precision measurement in noisy electromechanical environments
Hands-on lab experience wiring, probing, commissioning, debugging, and improving hardware
Ability to work across system-level architecture and detailed electrical implementation
Clear communication across electrical, mechanical, controls, software, facilities, and operations teams

Benefits

Comp & perks

Equity
Performance-related bonus(es) for eligible employees
Medical, dental, and vision insurance for you and your family, with employer contributions to Health Savings Accounts
Pre-tax accounts for Health FSA, Dependent Care FSA, and commuter expenses (parking and transit)
401(k) retirement plan with employer match
Paid parental leave (up to 24 weeks for birth parents and 20 weeks for non-birthing parents)
Paid medical and caregiver leave (up to 8 weeks)
Flexible PTO for exempt employees and up to 15 days annually for non-exempt employees
13+ paid company holidays
Multiple paid coordinated company office closures throughout the year for focus and recharge
Paid sick or safe time (1 hour per 30 hours worked, or more, as required by applicable state or local law)
Mental health and wellness support
Employer-paid basic life and disability coverage
Annual learning and development stipend
Daily meals in our offices, and meal delivery credits as eligible
Relocation support for eligible employees
Charitable donation matching and wellness stipends may also be provided
Immigration and sponsorship support may be provided to new employees based on their unique circumstances