PCBA Reliability Engineer

Waymo•Mountain View, CA

3d•$177,000 - $218,000

About The Position

Waymo is seeking a PCBA Reliability Engineer for its Hardware Engineering group, which designs and integrates products used by Waymo’s autonomous driving technology. This role serves as the primary subject matter expert on PCB and PCBA quality and reliability across Waymo Compute and Sensor modules. The engineer works with internal teams, suppliers, and external laboratories to plan and carry out validation, resolve manufacturing and reliability issues, and improve quality and reliability management systems. The position requires 10% travel as needed. The expected base salary range is $177,000–$218,000 USD. Employees are also eligible to participate in Waymo’s discretionary annual bonus program, equity incentive plan, and Company benefits program, subject to eligibility requirements.

Requirements

Master’s degree in Electrical, Computer, Mechanical Engineering, or a related field.
At least 10 years of relevant professional experience.
Strong foundation in reliability systems, including system reliability concepts, failure distributions, and accelerated life modeling.
In-depth expertise in failure mechanisms associated with electronic packaging, components, PCBs, and PCBAs.
Hands-on expertise in SMT and PCB manufacturing processes, quality control systems, and failure analysis methods such as cross-sectioning and dye and pull.
Proficiency with IPC standards governing PCBs, PCBAs, and electronic components.
Ability to interpret electrical schematics and PCB layout files.
Working knowledge of silicon-level failure mechanisms, thermal and cooling solutions, and finite element modeling.
Ability to collaborate effectively across functions.

Nice To Haves

Experience with APQP/PPAP processes, ideally in the automotive sector.
Proficiency in PCB layout and test fixture design.
Strong electrical debugging skills and thorough understanding of electrical schematics.

Responsibilities

Serve as the primary subject matter expert on PCB and PCBA quality and reliability across Waymo Compute and Sensor modules.
Collaborate with external laboratories and suppliers to secure test chamber and validation resources.
Lead test vehicle layout and design for Waymo semi-custom components, establish test plans, and secure internal or third-party resources to execute them.
Oversee manufacturing quality issues across PCB/PCBA suppliers and lead corrective and preventive action (CAPA) initiatives.
Investigate root causes and implement corrective and preventive actions for failures found during reliability testing of custom components or PCBAs.
Evaluate DFMEAs to identify high-risk elements and define mitigation strategies through early design changes or targeted follow-on testing.
Lead and support systemic improvements to internal and external quality and reliability management systems.