Hardware Reliability Test Engineer
Lyte
- Location
- Onsite (Sunnyvale, California)
- Compensation
- $110k - $170k/yr
- Employment
- Full-time
- Level
- Mid Level
Posted 4 days ago
About the Role
Lyte is building the perception layer for Physical AI, creating end-to-end vision systems for autonomous robots and industrial automation. This role focuses on ensuring the reliability of custom silicon and sensor modules through rigorous environmental testing and failure analysis.
Skills
Hardware reliability engineering
Environmental testing
HALT/HASS
Vibration testing
Thermal cycling
Failure analysis
Reliability statistics
MTBF/MTTF
Weibull analysis
Accelerated life testing
Optical sensing
MEMS
Root cause analysis
Design for reliability
Mechanical shock
EMI/EMC
Benefits
- Medical
- Dental
- Vision
- 401(k)
Perks
- Equity
- Flexible vacation
Full job details
About the role
- We're looking for a Hardware Reliability Test Engineer to own environmental and durability qualification for LyteVision modules and the custom silicon inside them (LyteCore SoC, analog front-end, laser control chip). You'll design and run the test programs that prove our sensors survive vibration, thermal cycling, humidity, shock, and years of field duty — and you'll turn failures into root causes the design team can act on. This is a hands-on role: you'll be in the lab running HALT/HASS chambers as often as you're in front of a laptop analyzing failure data.
What you'll do
- Design, execute, and analyze HALT (Highly Accelerated Life Testing) and HASS (Highly Accelerated Stress Screening) programs for LyteVision modules and subassemblies.
- Build and run test plans for vibration, mechanical shock, thermal cycling, thermal shock, humidity/condensation, dust/ingress (IP rating validation), and EMI/EMC.
- Characterize optical and sensor performance drift under environmental stress.
- Define accelerated life test models and translate chamber results into field-life reliability predictions (e.g., MTBF/MTTF estimates, Weibull analysis).
- Lead failure analysis (FA) on units that fail in test or in the field — coordinate with silicon, optics, and mechanical teams to drive root cause and corrective action.
- Own reliability test fixtures and chamber infrastructure; work with contract labs when internal capacity is constrained.
- Contribute reliability requirements and DFR (Design for Reliability) input early into new module and PCB designs, alongside the hardware and silicon teams.
- Maintain test documentation, qualification reports, and traceability suitable for customer and regulatory review.
- Support functional safety and durability claims for robotics, automotive-adjacent, and industrial deployment environments.
Required Qualifications
- 2–4 years of experience in hardware reliability engineering, environmental test engineering, or product qualification — ideally on sensors, optics, consumer electronics, or automotive-grade hardware.
- Hands-on experience running HALT/HASS chambers, vibration tables, and thermal chambers.
- Working knowledge of reliability statistics: MTBF/MTTF, Weibull analysis, accelerated life testing models (Arrhenius, Coffin-Manson, etc.)
- Experience with failure analysis techniques or close partnership with FA labs.
- Familiarity with relevant standards (e.g., MIL-STD-810, IEC 60068-2, IPC/JEDEC, ISO 16750, or automotive/industrial equivalents).
- Comfort working with optical or MEMS-based sensing hardware, or strong appetite to learn — our modules combine photonics, analog electronics, and custom silicon.
- Bachelor's or master's degree in mechanical engineering, Electrical Engineering, Materials Science, or a related field.
- Strong instincts for root-causing ambiguous failures and communicating findings clearly to cross-functional hardware and silicon teams.
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience testing sensor modules for robotics, AMRs, or autonomous vehicle platforms
- Exposure to functional safety processes (ISO 26262 or similar)
- Experience working with contract manufacturers or OSAT partners on qualification builds
Benefits (subject to location and local regulations)
- Competitive salary and equity
- Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage
- 401(k) retirement plan
- Flexible vacation and time-off policy
- Collaborative, fast-paced, and inclusive work environment
- Opportunity to work on cutting-edge technologies with a highly cross-functional team