XOPs Validation Engineer
Overview
Join a hands-on engineering team focused on transforming early-stage electro-mechanical prototypes into reliable, production-ready systems. As an XOPs Validation Engineer , you will serve as a critical connection between design engineering and cross-functional partners, developing and executing rigorous tests that expose design flaws, evaluate real-world performance, and accelerate product development.
This role is ideal for an experienced validation or reliability engineer who enjoys working directly with hardware, building creative test solutions, analyzing complex data, and investigating failures through root cause analysis.
Required Skills and Qualifications
- Bachelor’s or master’s degree in Mechatronics, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a closely related discipline.
- At least 3 years of experience in hardware testing, reliability engineering, or validation of complex electro-mechanical products.
- Experience working with products such as robotics, medical devices, automotive systems, or consumer electronics.
- Ability to develop, document, and execute comprehensive test plans, protocols, and standard operating procedures.
- Experience defining validation requirements in collaboration with design engineers.
- Hands-on proficiency with laboratory equipment, including:
- Oscilloscopes
- Digital multimeters
- Power supplies
- Load cells
- Basic soldering and rework tools
- Experience setting up data acquisition systems and working with sensors such as temperature, voltage, strain, torque, and acoustics.
- Proficiency with 3D CAD for fixture design; CATIA experience is preferred.
- Experience with scripting or programming languages such as Python, LabVIEW, MATLAB, or C++ for test automation and data parsing.
- Strong understanding of statistical data analysis and Design of Experiments (DOE).
- Familiarity with Failure Mode and Effects Analysis, including DFMEA and PFMEA.
- Ability to conduct structural and functional testing, analyze results, and communicate findings clearly.
- Experience performing teardown investigations and root cause analysis of mechanical, electrical, and functional failures.
- Strong cross-functional collaboration skills, including coordination with design engineering, purchasing, logistics, quality, and technical program management teams.
Nice-to-Have Skills
- Experience working in a rapid prototyping environment involving 3D printing, CNC machining, or laser cutting.
- Knowledge of subsystem validation for BLDC motor control systems, optical sensors, or pneumatic actuators.
- Familiarity with regulatory submission documentation for highly regulated industries.
- Knowledge of industry standards such as UL, CE, ISO, MIL-STD, or IATF 16949.
- Experience designing and building custom mechanical test fixtures and electrical harnesses.
- Experience managing test setup readiness, including parts, documentation, equipment, and supporting resources.
Preferred Education and Experience
- Bachelor’s or master’s degree in Mechatronics, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a related engineering field.
- 3+ years of hands-on experience validating complex electro-mechanical hardware.
- Experience in a fast-paced product development, prototyping, reliability, or hardware test environment is preferred.
Other Requirements
- This is an onsite position in Foster City, California .
- The anticipated engagement duration is 6 months .
- Candidates must be available to begin as soon as possible.
- This position is available on a W2 basis only .
- The role requires hands-on work with prototype hardware, laboratory equipment, test fixtures, electrical harnesses, and data acquisition systems.
