Intern, Hardware Test Engineering

Job Overview

You will build and operate the test infrastructure we use to validate grid-tied converters. This role owns a meaningful slice of the development loop: test bench design and build, test execution, data analysis, failure isolation, and verified fixes.

How You Will Contribute

• Test Bench Architecture & Build
  • Design and build electrical reliability test benches for power electronics hardware—inverters, DC/DC converters, bi-directional power stages.
  • Specify, procure, and integrate lab equipment: programmable power supplies, electronic loads, DAQ systems, sensors, protection hardware, interlocks, and cabling.
  • Own the bench system design: grounding, measurement integrity, EMI-aware instrumentation, protection strategy, safe operating procedures, and maintainability.
  • Build Python-based automation for instrument control and data logging; define calibration practices that keep measurements trustworthy over time.
• Test Execution & Reliability Campaigns
  • Translate test goals and suspected failure mechanisms into test plans, stress profiles, instrumentation plans, and pass/fail criteria.
  • Execute reliability campaigns—burn-in, power cycling, thermal stress, and abuse tests—and evolve them as we learn where the real failure cliffs are.
  • Drive fast debug loops during excursions: isolate, instrument deeper, reproduce, and verify that corrective actions eliminate the failure.
• Data, Automation & Closing the Loop
  • Build data workflows that make results actionable: structured logs, automated plots and summaries, clear pass/fail reporting.
  • Partner with design, controls/firmware, and mechanical/thermal engineering to drive improvements and prevent regressions.
  • Create and maintain test stand documentation: schematics, wiring diagrams, BOMs, calibration records, and procedures.

What You Will Bring

• Pursuing a BS or MS in Electrical Engineering, Mechatronics, or a related field.
• Hands-on experience designing, building, or operating electrical test setups for complex hardware—power electronics strongly preferred.
• Comfort with bench power equipment and measurement methods: scopes, DMMs, power analyzers, electronic loads, DAQ, and sensors.
• Ability to design safe test systems for high-power hardware: interlocks, protection, grounding, and safe operating procedures.
• Strong debugging instincts and ability to drive root-cause closure with engineering partners.
• Programming experience in Python—including instrument control or data automation.

Nice-to-Haves

• Experience with accelerated or environmental stress testing (HALT/HASS, thermal/humidity cycling, power cycling).
• Familiarity with failure mechanisms in power electronics and structured root cause/corrective action loops.
• Experience designing repeatable test cells with drawings and instructions to turn scrappy setups into production-quality ones.