Manufacturing Test Engineer - Hardware

SUMMARY

The Manufacturing Test Engineer plays a critical role in performing hands-on debugging, validation, and system-level failure analysis of next-generation server and rack systems within a high-mix, high-ambiguity manufacturing environment. This role requires strong Linux CLI proficiency, hardware integration expertise, and advanced troubleshooting skills across L6, L10, and L12 test stages. Success in this role hinges on the ability utilize structured, data-driven approaches - while collaborating cross-functionally with Quality, Manufacturing, and Process Engineering teams to identify root causes, drive corrective actions, and improve First Pass Yield (FPY). In addition to core debug responsibilities, this position involves automation scripting, statistical analysis, customer engagement, and mentoring junior team members to elevate system performance for AI / ML, GPGPU, and hardware accelerator-based server, networking, and storage platforms .

Manufacturing Test Engineers are required to work on-site in support of Jabil's production facilities located in Florence, KY (just north of CVG International Airport). Applicants who live outside of a 50-mile radius will be eligible to receive relocation assistance services.

SHIFT / SCHEDULE

Test Engineers are required to work 12-hour shifts on one of the following schedules (we are hiring for multiple engineer vacancies - across all 4 shifts) :

401 Shift : (days) 6 : 00AM to 6 : 00PM - Sunday through Tuesday, and Sunday through Wednesday every other week.

402 Shift : (nights) 6 : 00PM to 6 : 00AM - Sunday through Tuesday, and Sunday through Wednesday every other week.

403 Shift : (days) 6 : 00AM to 6 : 00PM - Thursday through Saturday, and Wednesday through Saturday every other week.

404 Shift : (nights) 6 : 00PM to 6 : 00AM - Thursday through Saturday, and Wednesday through Saturday every other week.

For example : if hired to support the 401 shift, engineers will be required to work 36 hours throughout week 1 (Sunday - Tuesday), 48 hours through week 2 (Sunday - Wednesday), 36 hours week 3 (Sunday - Tuesday), etc.

Occasional overtime may be required, depending on business needs.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Education : Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Electronics, Electrical Engineering, or a related technical field.

Experience : Minimum of 3 years of hands-on experience in failure analysis and system-level testing within a high-paced manufacturing environment.

Technical Expertise : Proficiency with Linux Terminal and Bash scripting, including the ability to train others on Linux fundamentals. Intermediate programming skills in both Bash and Python. Strong knowledge of statistical analysis and its application to data-driven troubleshooting and decision-making.

A combination of education and experience may be considered on a case-by-case basis. Prior experience in a manufacturing setting is required; experience with high-level assembly and hardware integration is strongly preferred.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

Master of Science degree in Electrical Engineering or a related technical field.

Proficiency in scripting languages (Python, Bash, JavaScript), advanced Linux command-line operations, and hardware / network troubleshooting.

Strong understanding of networking concepts, including WAN, LAN, switches, transceivers, and fiber optics.

Expertise in computer and server hardware / software integration, diagnostics, and repair -particularly within a manufacturing or high-level assembly environment.

Experience in performance and functional testing of complex compute systems, including rack-level validation.

Demonstrated analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to make data-driven decisions and implement improvements using tools such as Excel, SQL, and Power BI.

Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to clearly convey complex technical findings to diverse stakeholders.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Include the following (other duties may be assigned) :

System Level Debugging & Failure Analysis : L6, L10, and L12 (~40%)

Conduct hands-on failure analysis of compute systems at both the server and rack levels to isolate root cause, document findings, and drive corrective actions in a highly ambiguous, cross-cultural manufacturing environment.

Interpret diagnostic logs, LED indicators, and system health outputs to perform targeted debugging and verify functionality.

Debug and validate individual server components at the L6 level, including CPUs, DIMMs, NICs, and other subsystems prior to full server assembly.

Execute L10 level system testing and integration, identifying failures involving power delivery, firmware mismatches, network communication issues, and interconnect instability across fully assembled racks.

Apply structured troubleshooting techniques to diagnose complex cross-component failures involving switches, PDUs, interconnects, cabling, and / or liquid cooling systems.

Perform L12 level burn-in testing and final system validation to ensure end-to-end compute, networking, and storage performance prior to customer shipment.

Collaborate with Quality, Process, and Manufacturing Engineering teams to complete in-depth hardware failure analysis across component, subsystem, and system levels, escalating systemic issues and driving long-term solutions.

Hardware and Firmware Integration : BIOS, POST, PCIe, BMC (~15%)

Configure and validate BIOS settings to support debug workflows, hardware integration, and test case execution across complex server builds.

Troubleshoot system failures during POST (Power-On Self-Test), resolve boot sequence errors, and ensure firmware compatibility across diverse configurations.

Analyze and resolve issues at the PCIe (Peripheral Component Interconnect Express) level, including link training failures, lane enumeration, and interconnect interoperability challenges.

Leverage Baseboard Management Controller (BMC) tools and IPMI commands to monitor system health, control server state, and perform remote diagnostics.

Interpret BMC logs and telemetry data to isolate hardware-level failures, particularly within constrained environments (without source code or design visibility).

Use BMC interfaces to log errors, manage power states, and support root cause analysis at the component and system level.

Linux and Remote Access Protocols : Linux Command Line Interface (CLI), SSH, MobaXterm (~10%)

Leverage Linux CLI tools and low-level system commands to isolate root causes of hardware, BIOS, and configuration anomalies - without access to source code or proprietary OEM tooling.

Use Linux-based diagnostics to monitor system health, execute test cases, analyze system logs, and validate configuration integrity across server and rack-level platforms.

Troubleshoot interconnectivity and device recognition issues between compute, storage, and accelerator components using low-level Linux utilities (lspci, dmesg, ipmitool, etc.).

Access server systems using secure shell (SSH) and MobaXterm to perform real-time failure triage, apply firmware or BIOS configuration changes, collect logs, and validate remote test executions.

Remotely diagnose and resolve hardware and software issues across integrated systems to minimize debug cycle times and maintain throughput during high-mix manufacturing operations.

Documentation and Statistical Analysis : SQL, Excel Macros, Power BI, First Pass Yield (~15%)

Perform statistical analysis on test data to identify systemic failure trends, validate root causes, and support continuous improvement initiatives across server and rack-level operations.

Analyze large datasets from functional, performance, and burn-in tests to extract actionable insights that drive FPY (First Pass Yield) improvements and reduce failure rates.

Write and execute SQL queries to correlate test failures with build history, firmware versions, and process variables, enabling data-driven troubleshooting and quality analysis.

Develop Excel Macros to automate repetitive data processing and reporting tasks tied to yield trends, defect rates, and other key quality indicators.

Create and maintain dynamic Power BI dashboards that visualize test metrics, track yield performance, and facilitate ongoing decision support.

Apply Lean Six Sigma methodologies to fine-tune test parameters, minimize false failure rates, and reduce variation across test processes.

Generate dashboards to track failures by test station, component type, firmware version, or build revision, surfacing trends and informing corrective action plans.

Prioritize debug efforts using data-driven insights that consider impact to throughput, rework volume, and quality KPIs - aligning actions with CI (Continuous Improvement) goals.

Lead Gemba walks and Kaizen events focused on reducing NDF (No Defect Found) occurrences and streamlining debug protocols through statistical observation and analysis.

Scripting and Automation : Python, JavaScript, Bash (~5%)

Design, develop, and maintain automation scripts using Python, Bash, and JavaScript to streamline testing, diagnostics, and validation workflows across complex server and rack-level configurations.

Write Python scripts to automate diagnostic tasks, parse and analyze test logs, and support root cause analysis in Linux-based environments.

Use Python to build custom data analysis utilities, integrate test infrastructure components, and reduce manual touchpoints in debug workflows.

Leverage Bash scripting to automate routine system tasks such as log collection, system monitoring, test execution, and environment setup on Linux servers.

Utilize JavaScript to support and enhance custom diagnostic interfaces, browser-based tooling, and lightweight test automation frameworks.

Partner with cross-functional engineering teams to design scripting solutions that reduce debug cycle time and improve test coverage and repeatability.

Additional duties and responsibilities : Customer Engagement, Leadership, Training (~15%)

Interface directly with customers to deliver detailed test findings, root cause analysis, and corrective action plans for escalated hardware or system-level failures.

Translate complex technical data into clear, actionable summaries tailored for customer stakeholders, ensuring transparency and responsiveness in failure resolution.

Act as the technical lead during complex debug escalations, guiding cross-functional teams through root cause investigations and driving resolution strategies.

Mentor and train junior engineers and diagnostic technicians on test protocols, failure analysis techniques, and troubleshooting methodologies to strengthen team capability and uphold technical standards.

Assist with performance evaluations of engineering team members, providing input on debugging efficiency, technical strengths, and areas for development.

Collaborate with hiring managers and talent acquisition teams to define technical requirements, refine job descriptions, and identify ideal candidate profiles for Test Engineering roles.

Participate in technical interviews by assessing candidates’ problem-solving skills, hardware / software integration knowledge, and alignment with a manufacturing test environment.

Identify and champion cost-saving opportunities through process optimization, yield improvements, and test workflow efficiency.

Maintain strict adherence to company safety, security, and compliance policies in all engineering and customer-facing activities.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. The employee is frequently required to walk, and to lift and carry PC’s and test equipment weighing up to 50 lbs. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision and use of computer monitor screens a great deal of time.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Individual’s primary workstation is located in an office setting, with some time spent each day on the manufacturing floor. The noise level in this environment ranges from low to moderate. Required PPE for the manufacturing area includes composite toed shoes, hearing protection, protective eyewear, and an ESD vest. The manufacturing floor is modernized, climate-controlled, and well-lit.

COMPANY BENEFITS

Relocation assistance for new-hires who currently live outside a 50-mile radius to Florence, KY

Medical, Dental, Prescription Drug, and Vision Insurance with PPO, HRA, and HSA options

401K match

Employee Stock Purchase Plan

Paid Time Off

Tuition Reimbursement

Life, AD&D, and Disability Insurance

Commuter Benefits

Employee Assistance Program

Pet Insurance

Adoption Assistance

Infertility Treatment

Annual Merit Increases

Community Volunteer Opportunities