R&D Reliability/Test Engineer

Formlabs•Somerville, MA

2d•$85,000 - $149,000

About The Position

Formlabs is hiring an R&D Reliability/Test Engineer to join its small, agile Reliability Engineering Team. The team serves as an independent voice on product robustness, ensuring hardware products are reliable through effective testing strategies, advanced electromechanical test rigs, and actionable analysis of test data. The role focuses on validating system, subsystem, and component performance; investigating root causes of failures; and influencing product design for reliability throughout development. The engineer will develop and manage validation plans, conduct hands-on testing and root cause analysis, create automated test equipment, collaborate with R&D design teams, and analyze field failure data to prioritize investigations and recommend corrective actions. The position calls for a versatile engineer who can understand complex electromechanical systems, build tests in hardware and software, and communicate complex findings clearly. Formlabs describes reliability testing performed for its Form 4 printer, including custom LCD and light-engine rigs, mixer-scraper debris detection tests, accelerated Z-axis lifetime testing, pneumatic tank-film fixtures, and cartridge and dispensing-system optimization. The annual base pay range is $85,000–$149,000 USD, with equity included as part of total compensation.

Requirements

Experience with complex electromechanical systems and an interest in understanding how to make them work reliably.
Experience testing a wide range of sensors, actuators, and mechanical components.
Experience developing system test plans and executing them efficiently within fast-paced product development timelines.
Ability to prototype and run tests, including experimental setup and hardware and software implementation in Python.
Strong data analysis skills and ability to distill complex test results and field data into clear, concise, compelling insights.

Nice To Haves

Familiarity with Linux systems and scripting in various languages.
Experience with SQL for data analysis.
Prior experience with field failure analysis or quality engineering.

Responsibilities

Develop, execute, and manage system-, subsystem-, and component-level validation test plans to verify products meet design and reliability requirements.
Perform hands-on and data-driven root cause analysis of electromechanical subsystems and field failures using common problem-solving methodologies and a physics-of-failure approach.
Design, build, and implement automated test equipment for subsystem characterization and reliability and environmental testing.
Collaborate with R&D design teams throughout product development, including performing risk assessments, managing continuous testing, and contributing to design reviews to influence product reliability.
Analyze field failure data, identify trends, prioritize investigations based on business value, and develop actionable corrective action plans (CAPAs).
Prototype and execute tests, including experimental setup and hardware and software implementation in Python.
Analyze test results and field data and communicate clear, concise insights that drive action.