Staff Hardware Reliability Engineer - Drive by Wire

Who We Are

Aurora’s mission is to deliver the benefits of self‑driving technology safely, quickly, and broadly. The Aurora Driver will create a new era in mobility and logistics, bringing a safer, more efficient, and more accessible future to everyone. At Aurora you will tackle massively complex problems alongside other passionate, intelligent individuals, growing as an expert while expanding your knowledge.

What We Are Looking For

We are searching for a Staff Hardware Reliability Engineer. The Hardware Reliability team ensures the robustness and dependability of hardware systems in the Aurora hardware stack, designing tests and validating components that form the backbone of Aurora’s autonomous systems.

• Lead and oversee hardware reliability testing and validation for automotive drive‑by‑wire systems used in autonomous vehicles comprising ECUs, actuators, motors, etc.
• Collaborate with cross‑functional teams, including external partners and internal HW‑systems, electrical, firmware, mechanical, software, and manufacturing teams, to ensure overall system reliability.
• Develop, implement, and monitor reliability testing protocols, including stress tests, environmental tests, and failure mode analysis.
• Analyze failure data to identify root causes of hardware reliability issues and implement corrective actions.
• Create detailed reports on reliability testing, findings, and corrective actions and present them to stakeholders to drive decisions around hardware improvements and risk.
• Drive continuous improvement in hardware design and development processes to meet automotive reliability standards.
• Mentor and provide technical guidance to reliability engineers, helping drive adoption of reliability best practices across teams.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Robotics (preferred), Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related field.
• 5+ years of proven experience in hardware reliability engineering, preferably in the automotive, aerospace, or heavy‑duty vehicle industry.
• Strong understanding of hardware design principles, reliability testing methodologies (e.g., HALT/HASS, vibration, thermal cycling, humidity), and failure analysis techniques.
• Experience working with joint development partners, systems and software development teams, and HW/SW interactions.
• Demonstrated ability to lead root cause analysis and corrective action processes (e.g., 8D, 5‑Why, Fishbone) for hardware reliability issues.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills to collaborate effectively with cross‑functional teams.
• Proficiency in data analysis tools and software (e.g., Python, JMP) and familiarity with reliability prediction and assurance tools and methods (e.g., Weibull++, dFMEA).
• Experience with hardware requirement concepts.

Desirable Qualifications

• Knowledge of automotive safety standards and regulations (e.g., ISO 26262, ISO 16750).
• Experience with automotive electronics/ECU or compute hardware (thermal, power, connector reliability).
• Experience working with contract manufacturers or Tier‑1 suppliers on quality/reliability issues (PPAP, supplier corrective actions).
• Prior experience mentoring engineers or driving reliability process adoption across teams.
• Test automation and infrastructure knowledge.

Pay

For roles based in Mountain View, CA: $181,000 – $262,000 per year.
For roles based in Pittsburgh, PA: $163,000 – $236,000 per year.
Aurora’s pay ranges are determined by role, level, and location. Within the range, the successful candidate’s starting base pay will be determined based on job‑related skills, experience, qualifications, relevant education or training, and market conditions. The successful candidate will also be eligible for an annual bonus, equity compensation, and benefits.

Working at Aurora

At Aurora we bring together extraordinarily talented and experienced people united by the strength of our values. We operate with integrity, set outrageous goals, and build a culture where we win together — all without any jerks. We believe in‑person work increases collaboration, empathy, and our ability to lead effectively, so we operate in a hybrid environment where Aurorans are in the office at least three days per week.

Commitment to Safety

Safety is at the core of everything we do. Building best‑in‑class self‑driving technology takes time, and every employee at Aurora has a role in contributing to safety, every step of the way. Aurora expects commitment to our safety policies from every employee and seeks candidates who take active responsibility, can help build an atmosphere of trust, and prioritize working safely.

Commitment to Inclusion

Aurora considers candidates without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, age, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, marital status, pregnancy status, caregiver status, ancestry, political affiliation, veteran or military status, disability, or any other protected status. We consider qualified applicants with criminal histories, consistent with applicable law, and provide reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities and disabled veterans in our job application procedures. For assistance or accommodation due to a disability, contact careersiteaccommodations@aurora.tech. California applicants are subject to Aurora’s California Employment Privacy Policy.