HW Reliability & Materials Validation Engineer / Technician

HW Reliability & Materials Validation Engineer / TechnicianWe are seeking a motivated and hands‑on Hardware Reliability & Materials Lab Engineer / Technician to support our hardware engineering organization. In this position, you will execute a broad range of environmental, thermal, mechanical, and chemical validation activities on advanced hardware components and assemblies. In addition to testing responsibilities, you will play a key role in laboratory operations, including equipment maintenance, vendor coordination, procurement tracking, and adherence to laboratory safety practices.ScopeHardware & Materials TestingPlan, prepare, and conduct environmental, thermal, mechanical, and chemical reliability evaluations (including accelerated weathering, corrosion exposure, temperature/humidity cycling, vibration and shock testing, and tensile/compression testing) on materials, coatings, adhesives, and electromechanical assemblies.Surface & Optical AnalysisPerform detailed physical and surface characterization activities, including contact angle measurements, roll‑off angle evaluations, adhesion and peel testing, and coating performance assessments to verify compliance with engineering requirements.Laboratory Operations & ManagementSupport day‑to‑day laboratory operations by maintaining equipment calibration schedules, coordinating facility and equipment upgrades, managing laboratory purchases and purchase orders, and tracking reliability testing activities and metrics.Failure Analysis & Defect TrackingConduct root‑cause investigations on failed or degraded components following testing, document observations, and findings, generate issue reports, and work with cross‑functional teams to drive issue resolution.Test Development & Process ImprovementCreate, enhance, and maintain Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and contribute to the development of custom fixtures and test methods that improve laboratory efficiency and hardware validation capabilities.Day‑to‑Day ActivitiesTest Setup & ExecutionPrepare test articles, configure multi‑stage test profiles using environmental chambers and mechanical test equipment, monitor active testing, and perform periodic inspections throughout testing.Data Analysis & ReportingCollect, process, and summarize test data; prepare status updates and reports; maintain testing metrics; and communicate findings during team reviews and operational meetings.Equipment Maintenance & TroubleshootingPerform preventative maintenance on laboratory equipment and fixtures, troubleshoot instrumentation issues, and coordinate with external vendors and facility teams for repairs and service support.Cross‑Functional CoordinationWork closely with mechanical design, materials, and component engineering teams to coordinate sample deliveries, prioritize testing activities, and support design verification schedules.Laboratory Safety & OrganizationMaintain a clean, organized, and safe laboratory environment, participate in EHS activities and inspections, and ensure proper handling and storage of laboratory materials and chemicals.RequiredEducation & Technical BackgroundBachelor's degree in Materials Science, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Physics, or a related technical discipline; or an equivalent combination of an Associate's degree, technical certification, and 3+ years of hands‑on experience in a hardware testing or reliability laboratory environment.Environmental & Mechanical Testing ExperienceHands‑on experience operating environmental testing equipment (thermal, humidity, salt fog/corrosion, UV/weathering) and mechanical testing systems (tensile/compression frames, vibration equipment, adhesion and peel testers).Materials Characterization & MetrologyWorking knowledge of analytical measurement and materials evaluation techniques, including surface energy/contact angle analysis, chemical compatibility assessments, optical inspections, and visual failure analysis.Laboratory Operations & SafetyDemonstrated experience supporting laboratory operations, equipment maintenance and troubleshooting, asset and inventory tracking, vendor coordination, and compliance with laboratory safety and chemical handling requirements.Communication & Technical DocumentationStrong written and verbal communication skills with experience using spreadsheets, issue tracking systems (e.g., Jira), and developing technical reports, work instructions, and SOP documentation.Estimated Min Rate$30.00 per hourEstimated Max Rate$35.00 per hour + (depends on work experience)BenefitsMedical, Prescription, Dental & Vision Benefits (for employees working 20+ hours per week)Health Savings Account (HSA) (for employees working 20+ hours per week)Life & Disability Insurance (for employees working 20+ hours per week)MetLife Voluntary BenefitsEmployee Assistance Program (EAP)401K Retirement Savings PlanDirect Deposit & weekly ePayrollReferral Bonus ProgramsCertification and training opportunitiesEqual Opportunity EmployerYoh, a Day & Zimmermann company, is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran.Applicants with DisabilitiesVisit to contact us if you are an individual with a disability and require accommodation in the application process.California ApplicantsQualified applicants with arrest or conviction records will be considered for employment in accordance with the Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance for Employers and the California Fair Chance Act. All of the material job duties described in this posting are job duties for which a criminal history may have a direct, adverse, and negative relationship potentially resulting in the withdrawal of a conditional offer of employment.Massachusetts Legal NoticeIt is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. 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