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Reliability Test Engineer

Irvine, CA

Aerospace is at a turning point — costs are rising, supply chains are strained, and old ways of building can’t keep up. At Neon Aero, we’re breaking that mold. We move fast, think big, and combine start-up agility with aerospace expertise to design, build, and scale aircraft in ways the industry has never seen. Our team leverages automation, AI-driven tools, and a fully connected digital backbone to accelerate innovation and reduce barriers to production.

Here, you won’t just take a job — you’ll help reinvent how the world flies. If you’re ready to solve complex problems, push technology further, and work alongside some of the brightest minds in aerospace, this is your chance to make a real impact.

We are seeking a Reliability Test Engineer to define, build, and execute engineering validation and reliability testing across complex electromechanical systems.

This role supports development programs spanning aerospace actuation systems, thermal management systems, power electronics, energy systems, and related high-performance hardware.

This is a hands-on engineering role focused on validating real hardware under real operating conditions. The ideal candidate understands how to translate engineering questions into practical test methods, execute structured validation campaigns, identify failure modes, and generate actionable data that improves product design and reliability.

This is not a pure compliance or certification role. The focus is engineering-driven validation, characterization, durability testing, and failure discovery during product development.

Key Responsibilities

  • Develop and execute validation and reliability test plans for electromechanical and integrated systems.
  • Design and build test setups, fixtures, instrumentation, and data collection systems for engineering validation activities.
  • Support environmental, functional, durability, vibration, thermal, and lifecycle testing of prototype and production-intent hardware.
  • Work closely with Mechanical, Electrical, Embedded Software, and Systems Engineering teams to define validation objectives and acceptance criteria.
  • Operate and troubleshoot lab equipment including DAQ systems, power supplies, oscilloscopes, thermal instrumentation, environmental chambers, and electromechanical test equipment.
  • Collect, analyze, and interpret test data to identify trends, failure modes, and performance limitations.
  • Support root cause investigations and failure analysis activities across hardware and integrated systems.
  • Develop automated test scripts, data processing tools, or reporting workflows using Python, MATLAB, LabVIEW, or similar tools where appropriate.
  • Document test procedures, results, findings, and recommendations clearly and concisely.
  • Support prototype builds, integration efforts, and rapid iteration cycles in a fast-moving hardware development environment.
  • Participate in design reviews and provide feedback related to testability, reliability, and validation strategy.

Qualifications

  • Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Systems Engineering, or related field.
  • 5-8 years of experience in hardware test, validation, reliability, or systems integration engineering.
  • Hands-on experience developing and executing engineering test campaigns on electromechanical systems.
  • Experience with instrumentation, DAQ systems, sensors, and engineering lab equipment.
  • Experience troubleshooting hardware failures and supporting root cause investigations.
  • Strong understanding of engineering fundamentals including mechanics, thermal systems, electronics, or controls depending on background.
  • Experience working in lab and prototype environments with evolving hardware.
  • Ability to analyze and communicate technical data clearly.
  • Strong cross-functional communication and collaboration skills.

Preferred Experience

  • Experience with environmental or durability testing including vibration, thermal cycling, humidity, or shock testing.
  • Experience with aerospace, automotive, robotics, defense, or other high-performance hardware systems.
  • Familiarity with standards such as DO-160, MIL-STD-810, IEC, or similar environmental qualification frameworks.
  • Experience with Python, MATLAB, LabVIEW, or scripting tools for test automation and data analysis.
  • Experience supporting HIL, SIL, or integrated system-level test environments.
  • Exposure to electric propulsion systems, power electronics, batteries, actuators, or embedded systems.
  • Experience operating in fast-paced prototype-heavy environments.

What We Value

  • Engineers who like building, testing, and debugging real hardware.
  • Strong practical engineering judgment grounded in physical reality.
  • Hands-on problem solvers who can move quickly while maintaining technical rigor.
  • Comfort operating in ambiguity and rapidly evolving development environments.
  • Ability to balance speed, coverage, cost, and engineering value in test strategy decisions.
  • Collaborative mindset with strong ownership and follow-through.
  • Bias toward learning through experimentation and data.
 
 
 

 

This pay range is specific to the location where the role is posted. Final pay will depend on experience, skill level, and other job-related factors.

Location-Specific Pay Range

$110,000 - $123,750 USD

Neon Aero, Inc is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, disability, veteran status, or any other protected status under applicable law.

We believe that diverse perspectives drive innovation, and we welcome candidates from all backgrounds to apply.

All final candidates must successfully complete a background check and drug screening as a condition of employment.

At this time, Neon Aero and its divisions are not accepting unsolicited resumes from third-party recruiters or staffing agencies.

 

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