Hardware Reliability Lab Engineer II

About the role

Shield AI, a defense-tech company developing aircraft and autonomy systems, is hiring a Hardware Reliability Lab Engineer II in Seattle. The engineer supports the robustness and long-term performance of the VBAT flight hardware, working with design, manufacturing and supplier teams to apply design-for-reliability best practices and carry out reliability verification from concept through production.

Key responsibilities

• Support environmental and stress testing (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 identify potential failure modes and reliability risks
• Collaborate with design engineers to incorporate design-for-reliability best practices
• Take part in design reviews and FMEA activities
• Help develop corrective actions and process improvements, and review materials, manufacturing processes and component selection for reliability
• Use data analysis tools (e.g., Python) for reliability assessments and reporting
• Work with engineering, manufacturing and supplier teams, and travel occasionally for testing or supplier engagements

Required profile

• 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
• Security clearance: ability to obtain a S//SAR level clearance is desired

Required skills

• Strong problem-solving skills and attention to detail
• Team-oriented, cross-functional work style and clear written and verbal communication
• Preferred: hands-on failure analysis or lab testing experience, exposure to HALT/HASS, familiarity with PCB fabrication, SMT or mechanical assembly, basic Python for data analysis, and exposure to IPC, JEDEC or MIL standards