Reliability Test Engineer

Job Title: Reliability Test EngineerJob Description The Reliability Test Engineer will join a Verification & Validation team on a 12month contract to execute environmental qualification strategies, including thermal, vibration, and shock testing, on complex compute modules and smaller ECUs. The role focuses on setting up and running environmental stress tests, auditing and validating test configurations, and performing first-level electrical and networking triage to distinguish infrastructure issues from true product failures. The engineer will work extensively in a Linux environment to analyze test logs and telemetry, collaborate closely with Electrical, Mechanical, and Test Automation teams, and maintain rigorous documentation and operational discipline in a fast-paced lab environment. Responsibilities Collaborate with the hardware reliability team to plan and execute complex environmental qualification campaigns, including thermal, shock, and vibration testing on high-mass compute systems.Set up and run complex environmental stress tests on high-power, multi-PCB, liquid-cooled compute architectures, ensuring accurate and repeatable test conditions.Audit and verify physical test setups, including accelerometer mounting, pre- and post-test sine sweeps, thermocouple mapping on GPUs, CPUs, and switches, strain gauges, cable routing, fixture torque checks, strain relief, and liquid cooling connections.Perform robust first-level debugging of test setups to quickly distinguish test rack, harness, or fixture anomalies from true product failures without invalidating test runs.Provide first-level electrical and networking debugging for complex test infrastructures, including racks, network switches, lab jacks, and data acquisition systems (DAQs).Utilize bench equipment such as oscilloscopes, TDRs, multimeters, power supplies, electronic loads, and DAQs to investigate power rail integrity and high-speed communication issues, including Ethernet and GMSL links.Investigate Linux-based test logs, including networking and telemetry logs, to isolate error messages, identify potential root causes, and summarize anomalies for cross-functional stakeholders.Analyze network packets and telemetry in a Linux environment to support debugging of communication and system-level issues.Operate and configure environmental test equipment, including thermal chambers and vibration/shock testing tables, to support qualification campaigns.Run targeted diagnostic experiments under the guidance of Electrical Engineering and Test Automation leads to confirm suspected failure mechanisms or infrastructure issues.Document test setups, execution procedures, test parameters, and results clearly and consistently, ensuring traceability and reproducibility of tests.Maintain meticulous inventory tracking for test hardware, fixtures, instrumentation, and lab assets to support smooth test operations.Create clear, detailed, and actionable defect and anomaly tickets in Jira, including log excerpts, test conditions, and preliminary triage findings.Provide crisp and timely escalations to Mechanical, Electrical, and Reliability leadership when issues or anomalies arise, including concise summaries of impact and next steps.Work cross-functionally with EE, ME, and Test Automation teams to keep testing running smoothly, resolve infrastructure issues, and align on test priorities.Support and guide lab technicians on test setup precision, mechanical quality control, and adherence to test procedures when needed.Contribute to maintaining high operational hygiene in the lab by following standardized processes, ensuring accurate record-keeping, and supporting continuous improvement of test workflows. Essential Skills Bachelors degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Systems Engineering, Mechatronics, Mechanical Engineering, or a related field.Strong experience working in a Linux environment using command-line tools for log inspection, telemetry monitoring, and packet analysis.Proficiency in analyzing complex test logs, particularly Linux-based networking logs such as Ethernet, to identify anomalies and error patterns.Hands-on experience with electrical bench test equipment, including oscilloscopes, TDRs, multimeters, power supplies, electronic loads, and data acquisition systems (DAQs).Experience with environmental test equipment, including operating thermal chambers and vibration or shock testing tables.Experience troubleshooting high-speed communication links, including Ethernet, GMSL, and network switches, as well as assessing power rail health.Proven ability to investigate system logs, interpret error messages, and translate findings into clear, detailed defect tickets in Jira.Ability to run diagnostic experiments collaboratively under the guidance of Electrical Engineering and Test Automation leads.Proficiency in Python for task automation, data parsing, and basic scripting to support test execution and log analysis.Strong troubleshooting skills for electronics, including diagnosing issues in electronic modules and complex test infrastructures.Solid understanding of networking concepts and practical experience with Ethernet and related network troubleshooting.Strong organizational skills with a track record of clear status updates, accurate inventory management, and timely escalation of test issues.Comfort working with reliability tests, including environmental qualification and stress testing of electronic systems.Ability to work effectively in a cross-functional environment with Electrical, Mechanical, and Test Automation teams. Additional Skills & Qualifications Experience testing high-power, liquid-cooled, multi-PCB computer systems in a lab or validation environment.Fundamentals in Signal Integrity, including oscilloscope-based power rail debugging and TDR line fault analysis.Familiarity with hardware reliability methodologies and best practices for environmental and stress testing.Experience directing or guiding lab technicians on test setup precision, mechanical quality control, and adherence to test procedures.Hands-on experience operating and configuring vibration tables for reliability and environmental testing.Experience with reliability test planning and execution for complex compute modules and ECUs.Comfort working with Linux-based test infrastructures and automation frameworks in collaboration with Test Automation teams. Work Environment The role is based in a fast-paced, laboratory-focused work environment centered on verification and validation of complex compute systems and ECUs. You will work extensively with environmental test equipment, including thermal chambers and vibration/shock tables, as well as high-power, liquid-cooled, multi-PCB compute architectures. Daily work involves frequent use of electrical bench instruments such as oscilloscopes, TDRs, multimeters, power supplies, electronic loads, and data acquisition systems, along with Linux-based systems for log analysis, telemetry monitoring, and packet inspection. The environment emphasizes operational rigor, with meticulous inventory tracking, precise test setup auditing, and disciplined documentation in Jira. Collaboration with Electrical, Mechanical, and Test Automation teams is central, fostering a highly cross-functional culture focused on reliability, continuous improvement, and keeping test campaigns running smoothly. The lab setting may require working around high-mass hardware, cabling, and liquid cooling systems, with appropriate adherence to lab safety practices and any applicable technical attire or protective gear as needed. Job Type & Location This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Mountain View, CA. Pay And Benefits The pay range for this position is $60.00 - $75.00/hr. Individual compensation offered for this position within this range will depend on many factors, including qualifications, skills, relevant experience, job knowledge, geographic location, internal equity, and other pertinent job-related factors. Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following: Medical, dental & vision Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital 401(k) Retirement Plan Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents) Short and long-term disability Health Spending Account (HSA) Transportation benefits Employee Assistance Program Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave) Job Type & Location This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Mountain View, CA. Application Deadline This position is anticipated to close on Nov 4, 2026. Workplace Type This is a fully onsite position in Mountain View,CA. About Actalent Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent solutions. We help visionary companies advance their engineering and science initiatives through access to specialized experts who drive scale, innovation and speed to market. With a network of almost 20,000 consultants and 5,000 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500. We are proud to be an Engineering News-Record (ENR) Top 500 Design Firm for our engineering design services and a ClearlyRated Best of Staffing® winner for both client and talent service. The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law. If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability, please email actalentaccommodation@actalentservices.com for other accommodation options. San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance: Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records. Massachusetts Lie Detector: It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability. Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI): We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.