Senior Validation Engineer (Hardware)

Senior Validation Engineer (Hardware) - ConnectDERPhiladelphia, Pennsylvania, United StatesConnectDER () represents the next generation in US-based resource technology product development. Our signature product, the ConnectDER Meter Socket Adapter, dramatically cuts down the cost and interconnection time for solar energy, EV charging, and home battery storage, putting clean, resilient power within reach of millions of homeowners. With a pipeline of exciting innovations, we're only just getting started on our journey to transform how the world makes and consumes its energy.We are a dynamic, venture-backed company based in Philadelphia, PA, near Center City, with a team of over 50 dedicated professionals. As we continue to grow rapidly, we are committed to developing cutting-edge products that empower technology partners, installers, electricians, and their customers. We seek talented individuals who can deliver high-quality service and drive the value of clean energy resources forward.Working at ConnectDER offers a dynamic and exciting start-up environment, where your work can make a real impact in the fast-growing renewable energy industry. You'll work closely with a team that is passionate about renewable energy, and making smart, simple, easy to use solutions. We're hard-working and truly encourage innovation, so there's a great chance that your ideas can help shape the future of the company. If you're looking for a job opportunity that offers growth, creativity, and a chance to be part of something new and meaningful, ConnectDER is the place for you!Job DescriptionABOUT THE ROLEReporting directly to the Senior Manager of Quality Assurance, the Senior Hardware Validation/Reliability Engineer will play a pivotal role in shaping the future of ConnectDER products. As the Senior Hardware Validation Engineer, you'll spearhead product validation and equipment qualification, driving innovation through test case creation, execution, and cutting-edge data analysis. Your expertise will be critical in delivering insightful statistical analysis, conducting risk and failure assessments, and ensuring that our products meet the highest quality and reliability standards. You'll be at the forefront of verifying product performance against industry benchmarks, guaranteeing that every product exceeds quality expectations and complies with rigorous requirements.This is an on-site position, requiring 5 days/week in our Philadelphia, PA officeCore Functions/Duties Work with Electrical and Mechanical Engineering teams to design, develop, document, and execute Test Strategies and methodologies for functional and performance testing, including test fixtures and instrumentation to plan, budget, and equip an in-house validation test lab.Working from the Product Requirements and applicable Standards, define sets of validation test cases to execute during test cycles for new products and engineering or material changes. Provide detailed Test Plans, Test Reports, and maintain a repository of applicable test scenarios and results.Develop and execute Reliability/Life Cycle/Environmental testing, including ALT/HALT/HASS/HAST, Rain, Salt-Spray, Vibration, Shock, Drop, and Transportation to help validate product warranty periods, anticipated failure rates, analyze specific component failure, life cycles and minimize RMA rates.Develop, plan, and manage external certification processes against applicable safety and quality standards - UL (414, 916, 489), ANSI (C12), NEC (2020,2023), etc., including working with external test labs and on-site witness testing, scheduling, and performing certification tests.Stay abreast of standard changes in the product space and how they evolve to new requirements with changes in technology.Plan and coordinate all product validation activities, including test priorities, material availability, test resource scheduling, troubleshooting and root cause analysis, defect assessments, remediations, and re-testing strategies.Participate as required in project activities such as reviews of requirements, specification, code, design, construction, manufacturing.Be the champion for Design for Test within the team.Review product specifications, analyze defect trends, failure rates, determine product MTBF, predicted warranty/RMA rates, and provide feedback into the design engineering and requirements process to improve reliability and manufacturability of future products and product enhancements.Design and implement test automation strategies to improve the efficiency and repeatability of the test execution.Establish and document company-wide performance on product quality, and reliability criteria, tracking products in development and in production; Report performance quarterly.Prepare and maintain testing equipment, including equipment calibration certificates, and ensure damaged equipment is promptly repaired.Mentor other employees and share best practices, testing methodologies, and technical skills.Compensation range for this role begins at $110,000 + bonus + equityAll full-time employees receive access to comprehensive benefits including:Health insurance plan - we cover 75% for employees, spouses, and children.Flexible paid time off - take the time off that you need.401K with company match - we want to help you meet your future financial goals.Equity stock options - your opportunity to share in the success of the company.

Created: 2025-02-14