The Associate Platform Engineer - Hardware supports the engineering integration, qualification, production readiness, and lifecycle maintenance of Aechelon's computing platforms. Working with general direction from senior Platform Engineers, this role assembles and configures computer hardware, executes documented hardware qualification procedures, investigates system-level issues, evaluates component changes, and maintains engineering records.

The role may also support prototype logistics, inventory, shipping, and lab operations as needed, but its primary focus is hands-on hardware engineering and qualification of workstation, server, and embedded computing platforms.

This position is intended for an early-career engineer who wants to develop practical expertise in computer hardware integration, validation, troubleshooting, and product lifecycle support.

Responsibilities will include, but not be limited to the following:

• Perform engineering integration, qualification, production readiness, and lifecycle support of PC-based workstations, servers, and embedded computing platforms.
• Assemble, configure, upgrade, and maintain prototype, qualification, and lab computer systems.
• Execute documented functional, compatibility, performance, power, thermal, reliability, and stress-testing procedures.
• Analyze and document test results, failures, observations, troubleshooting steps, and recommended follow-up actions.
• Reproduce and troubleshoot hardware, firmware, driver, and system-level issues, escalating findings when additional engineering analysis is required.
• Assist with the qualification of new, replacement, revised, or end-of-life components.
• Compare proposed hardware changes against established technical, performance, compatibility, thermal, power, and lifecycle requirements.
• Support prototype builds, pilot production, first-article evaluation, RMAs, and the transition of qualified hardware designs to manufacturing.
• Maintain engineering records, including bills of materials, hardware configuration records, test procedures, qualification reports, issue records, and work instructions.
• Coordinate with Platform Engineering, Production, Quality, Purchasing, vendors, and contract manufacturers to investigate and resolve hardware-related issues.
• Maintain safe, organized, and functional engineering lab and hardware work areas.
• Support the tracking, shipping, receiving, and inventory of engineering prototypes, qualification hardware, replacement parts, returned materials, and test equipment.
• Follow documented safety, quality, configuration-management, and export-control requirements.
• Perform other related platform engineering and hardware qualification duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, Information Technology, or a related technical field; or an associate degree with relevant hands-on technical experience.
• Typically a minimum of two years of experience assembling, testing, maintaining, or troubleshooting computer hardware. Relevant internships, academic projects, military experience, certifications, technical support experience, or personal projects may be considered.
• Working knowledge of PC or server hardware, including processors, memory, storage, graphics devices, power supplies, cooling systems, PCI Express devices, and network interfaces.
• Hands-on experience installing, configuring, upgrading, and troubleshooting computer hardware.
• General understanding of BIOS/UEFI configuration, firmware updates, hardware drivers, and operating-system installation.
• Familiarity with Microsoft Windows-based systems.
• Ability to execute documented test procedures, accurately record results, identify abnormal behavior, and recognize when an issue requires escalation.
• Strong attention to detail and a methodical approach to hardware troubleshooting and technical documentation.
• Ability to manage multiple engineering assignments with limited day-to-day supervision, seeking guidance primarily on new or unfamiliar assignments.
• Effective written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to safely lift and move computer equipment weighing up to 50 pounds.
• Ability to work with export-controlled technology, including meeting applicable U.S. export-control eligibility requirements.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience building, testing, or supporting PC-based servers, workstations, or embedded systems.
• Familiarity with hardware qualification, benchmarking, diagnostics, thermal testing, power measurement, reliability testing, or stress-testing tools.
• Familiarity with test equipment such as power meters, thermocouples, multimeters, or data-logging equipment.
• Experience troubleshooting interactions among hardware, firmware, drivers, and operating systems.
• Basic understanding of computer networking and Ethernet switch configuration.
• Basic scripting experience using PowerShell, Python, Bash, or a similar language.
• Experience with Jira, Git, Perforce, or similar issue-tracking and configuration-management tools.
• Experience maintaining bills of materials, engineering change records, product configurations, test reports, or other technical documentation.
• Familiarity with manufacturing, RMA, contract-manufacturing, inventory, shipping, or receiving processes.
• Experience working in a hardware engineering lab, production environment, help desk, or technical support role.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office.
• Relevant certifications such as CompTIA A+, Server+, or Network+.

Compensation and Benefits

$120,000 - $140,000 per year

The above range is specific to CALIFORNIA and may not be applicable to other locations. Final compensation is based on factors such as the candidate's skills, qualifications, and experience.

We offer a very attractive compensation package including competitive base salary, company performance-based profit sharing, 401k, 100% employer paid health benefits (medical, dental, vision, life, std, ltd, and life insurance plans).

No relocation reimbursement provided.

This position description is not intended to be a complete listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee holding this position. Duties, responsibilities and activities may be changed or others may be assigned at any time by the Company with notice to the employee.