Staff Hardware Validation Engineer

1743 Position Summary We are seeking an experienced Board-Level Hardware Validation Engineer to define and execute the validation and verification of complex electronic systems throughout the product lifecycle. This role is responsible for defining validation strategies, developing test plans, executing hands-on testing, analyzing failures, and working directly with ODM partners to ensure products meet performance, reliability, quality, and compliance requirements before mass production. The ideal candidate combines strong electrical engineering fundamentals with practical lab expertise and is comfortable personally performing validation activities while coordinating with cross-functional teams and manufacturing partners. This position is in Austin, Texas.   Key Responsibilities Validation Strategy & Planning Define comprehensive board-level and inter-board level validation plans based on product requirements, design specifications, and customer use cases. Develop validation methodologies covering functional, electrical, thermal, power, signal integrity, reliability, and stress testing. Establish test coverage, acceptance criteria, and qualification requirements. Review hardware architecture and schematics to identify validation risks and test requirements early in the design cycle. Hands-On Validation Execution Personally develop, automate, and execute validation tests on prototype and production-intent hardware. Perform board bring-up, functional verification, electrical characterization, and system-level validation. Use oscilloscopes, logic analyzers, spectrum analyzers, power analyzers, environmental chambers, and other laboratory equipment to collect and analyze data. Create custom test fixtures, scripts, and tools to improve test efficiency and coverage. ODM & Manufacturing Collaboration Work directly with ODM partners to align validation plans, test procedures, and qualification activities. Review ODM validation reports and ensure consistency with internal quality standards. Drive issue resolution across ODM, design engineering, manufacturing, and quality teams. Debug & Root Cause Analysis Investigate hardware failures and validation escapes through systematic root-cause analysis. Drive corrective actions with hardware design, firmware, manufacturing, and supplier teams. Validate fixes and verify closure of identified issues. Maintain detailed failure analysis documentation and lessons learned. Documentation & Reporting Author test plans, validation procedures, test reports, and qualification summaries. Track validation status, risks, defects, and corrective actions. Present validation results, recommendations, and readiness assessments to engineering leadership and stakeholders. Ensure traceability between requirements, test coverage, and validation outcomes. Required Qualifications Bachelor's or Master's degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or related field. 7+ years (or appropriate level) of bo...