Hardware Reliability Lab Engineer II (R5142)

The role

You will support reliability work on VBAT flight hardware. You will help with environmental and stress testing, failure analysis, and review of test and field data, working with design, manufacturing and supplier teams.

What you will do

• Support environmental and stress testing (e.g., temperature cycling, vibration, HALT/HASS) to validate hardware reliability
• Assist in failure analysis and root cause investigations for manufacturing non-conformances and field returns
• Analyze test results and field data to help identify potential failure modes and reliability risks
• Collaborate with design engineers to incorporate design-for-reliability best practices
• Participate in design reviews and FMEA activities to evaluate potential issues
• Support development of corrective actions and process improvements to enhance hardware reliability
• Assist in reviewing materials, manufacturing processes, and component selection for reliability considerations
• Utilize data analysis tools (e.g., Python) to support reliability assessments and reporting
• Work cross-functionally with engineering, manufacturing, and supplier teams
• Travel occasionally to support testing or supplier engagements as needed

Required qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Materials Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Reliability Engineering, or a related field
• 1–3 years of experience (internships or co-ops acceptable) in hardware, materials, or reliability engineering
• Foundational understanding of materials science, electronics (PCBs/PCBAs), and/or mechanical systems
• Familiarity with basic reliability concepts and environmental testing methods
• Strong problem-solving skills and attention to detail
• Ability to work in a team-oriented, cross-functional environment
• Clear written and verbal communication skills

Nice to have

• Hands-on experience with failure analysis or lab testing (academic or industry)
• Exposure to environmental testing (temperature, vibration, HALT/HASS)
• Familiarity with manufacturing processes such as PCB fabrication, SMT, or mechanical assembly
• Basic proficiency in Python or similar tools for data analysis
• Exposure to industry standards such as IPC, JEDEC, MIL, or similar

Benefits

• Full-time employees: pay within range, bonus, benefits and equity
• Temporary employees: pay within range and a temporary benefits package (applicable after 60 days of employment)

Before you apply

• Ability to obtain an S//SAR level security clearance is desired
• All offers are contingent on a cleared background and possible reference check
• Military fellows and part-time employees are not eligible for benefits

About the company

Shield AI is a venture-backed defense-tech company that builds intelligent systems to protect service members and civilians. Its products include Hivemind autonomy software, V-BAT and X-BAT aircraft, and Aechelon simulation technologies.