Hardware Engineer

Position Summary

This position will support the Hardware Engineering organization in the validation, troubleshooting, repair, and continuous improvement of high-performance server platforms, liquid-cooled GPU systems, air-cooled computing platforms, networking products, and rack-level infrastructure.

The ideal candidate possesses strong hands-on electronics troubleshooting skills, is comfortable working independently in a fast-paced manufacturing environment, and can effectively communicate technical findings to engineers, operations, and quality teams.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Perform electrical troubleshooting and failure analysis of server motherboards, GPU trays, switch assemblies, power distribution boards, PCIe subsystems, and rack / server level hardware.
• Perform board-level, system-level, and rack-level debugging of liquid-cooled, and air-cooled server platforms.
• Support server-level hardware inspection and debugging using EE provided QMN/QCI tools to disassemble PCB modules, cabling, and other related hardware to support daily production output and goals.
• Support engineering investigations by reproducing field and manufacturing failures.
• Execute engineering validation testing using oscilloscopes, digital multimeters, power supplies, electronic loads, logic analyzers, and other laboratory equipment.
• Collect, document, and organize test data, photographs, schematics, and repair findings.
• Debug of new hardware during NPI builds as well as ongoing RMA and sustaining projects.
• Build, modify, and maintain engineering test fixtures, harnesses, and prototype assemblies. Inspect, verify, and troubleshoot direct-to-chip liquid cooling systems including cold plates, coolant distribution units (CDUs), manifolds, pumps, hoses, quick disconnects (QDs), and coolant flow paths.
• Perform component-level diagnostics and identify suspect circuits using schematics, board layouts, and technical documentation.
• Support manufacturing by verifying repairs, validating process changes, and helping reduce repeat failures.
• Interface daily with Operations, Test Engineering, Quality Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, and suppliers to resolve technical issues.
• Maintain accurate records of engineering activities, repairs, and validation results.
• Support implementation of process improvements that increase first-pass yield and reduce defect recurrence.
• Evaluate returned material and customer-returned hardware.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree in Electrical Engineering Technology, Electronics Technology, or related technical field, or equivalent military experience.
• Ability to read and interpret electrical schematics, PCB layouts, and technical drawings.
• 3+ year of experience troubleshooting complex electronic assemblies.
• Experience using oscilloscopes, multimeters, DC power supplies, and other electronic test equipment.
• Understanding of analog and digital circuit fundamentals.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Excel and documentation tools.
• Strong organizational skills with attention to detail.
• Ability to work independently while managing multiple priorities.

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree in Electrical Engineering Technology, Electronics Technology, or related technical field.
• 3+ years of experience troubleshooting complex electronic assemblies.
• Experience soldering and reworking SMT and through-hole components.
• Experience supporting server, networking, telecommunications, industrial electronics, or high performance computing hardware is preferred.
• Experience in a high-volume manufacturing or NPI environment.
• Knowledge of IPC-A-610 and IPC-7711/7721 standards.
• Experience with root cause analysis methodologies including 8D, Fishbone, and 5-Why.
• Exposure to Linux systems, firmware updates, and hardware validation tools.
• Basic understanding of PCIe, Ethernet, power distribution, and high-speed digital interfaces.
• Experience troubleshooting complex PCB assemblies using schematics, board layouts, test points, and component-level analysis during debugging and visual inspections (is a plus).

Key Competencies

• Strong analytical and troubleshooting ability.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Self-starter with a sense of ownership and urgency.
• Ability to work effectively in cross-functional teams.
• Continuous improvement mindset and problem solving skills.
• Adaptability in a rapidly changing manufacturing environment.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to safely work around high-powered AI server equipment and liquid cooled systems (meeting OSHA industrial standard requirements).
• Ability to stand or walk for extended periods on the manufacturing floor.
• Ability to safely handle electronic assemblies using proper ESD controls.