THE ROLE: Xylem seeks to hire a Hardware Test - Reliability Engineer to develop and execute test plans that will help ensure the compliance and reliability of Sensus products and systems. Products to be tested include Water, Gas, and Electric meters, Automatic Meter Infrastructure (AMI) smart points, Distribution Automation (DA) systems, in-home-displays, network communication base stations and more. The candidate will work closely with members of the quality, manufacturing and failure analysis teams; as well as in-depth with the hardware, mechanical and firmware development teams to ensure the full integration and successful release of quality products to our customers.
We are looking for an individual that can quickly embrace and embody our "High Impact" behaviors, that consists of three tiers:
- Inspired to Innovate:
Learning and innovating every day. - Empowered to Lead:
Understanding the role that each of us performs in contributing to our purpose and strategy, leading by example for positive change. - Accountable to Deliver:
Delivering on our commitments to our customers, communities, and colleagues, helping them solve their greatest water challenges.
CORE RESPONSIBILITIES:- Support the Research & Development, Test, Quality, Manufacturing, Project & Product Management teams with developing and testing of new products via the use of the Xylem Product Development (XPD) process.
- Work closely with Research & Development teams to determine/predict component and system life in defined operating environments, to ensure reliability and extended operating life of the product.
- Develop test systems and fixtures for a diverse product portfolio and use them to execute product performance testing for components, PCBAs and complete unit assemblies on a wide variety of AC and DC powered products intended for indoor and outdoor environments.
- Work with cross-functional teams to understand customer usage and expectations and use the data to continuously improve test and analysis practices; and be the Voice of the Customer (VOC) to internal design and quality teams.
- Perform a variety of product tests including temperature, humidity, packaged and unpackaged vibration, shock, drop, and impact tests, HALT, salt fog, rain/dust, and many other environmental, electrical and mechanical stress tests.
- Testing of products to North American and International Certification Standards.
- Perform metrology accuracy testing of gas, water, and electric meter products.
- Conduct radio and RF characterization testing of transceiver products and base stations.
- Use of Six Sigma techniques to define critical design parameters, development of tests and analysis of performance data to determine impacts on long-term product reliability or compliance performance.
- Coordinate with external 3rd party test-houses/labs to conduct testing and analysis when required.
- Facilitation or participation in DFMEA of electrical, mechanical, and board level systems to analyze, identify and mitigate potential failure in a product design.
- Develop subassembly/system level reliability test plans (including sample size, test duration time, test, and measurement methodology) and utilize test automation to improve efficiency and accuracy where applicable.
- Perform test result analysis, use tracking system to document defects, and author reliability test reports.
- Participation in Xylem Watermark volunteer activities
QUALIFICATIONS:- BS Degree (Electrical or Mechanical Engineering) or equivalent (combination of Associates Degree / military training or relevant work experience considered).
- Hardware Test & Reliability Engineering background or 2-5 years of related test and verification work experience preferred.
- High competency level with MS Office Suite (e.g., Word, Excel, PowerPoint, etc.)
- A team player with excellent written and verbal communication skills, that can collaborate across multiple levels of the organization (R&D, Test, Quality, Manufacturing, FA, RMA, Project & Product Management Teams).
BONUS SKILLS:- Experience with Polyphase Electric Meter Designs and how to test them.
- Strong understanding of reliability principles, failure analysis, and predictive maintenance.
- Industry Standards Test Experience with any of the following: (ANSI C12.1, ANSI C12.20, ANSI C12.30, UL-2735/UL-2735C, UL-508, MIL-STD-810, MIL-STD-202G, Telcordia/NEBS, NEMA, IEEE, ETSI, UL/CSA, ASTM, IEC, and EN standards.)
- Experience with Agile Methodology, Jira, Confluence, Test Rail, Smartsheet and/or MS Project.
- Extensive experience in electro & mechanical hardware testing over various environmental stresses (temperature, humidity, vibration, voltage & current).
- Hands-on operation of environmental, electrical, and mechanical stress test equipment, EFT/Surge, Spectrum Analyzer, Oscilloscope, Signal Generator, AC/DC Power Supplies, DAQs, Hi-Pot, ESD; and experience with GTEM / Anechoic chamber test equipment an additional plus.
- Experience with performing Accelerated Life Testing (ALT) and calculating Annual Failure Rate (AFR) of a product using the Arrhenius and/or Norris-Landzberg Equations.
- Experience with statistical and reliability software tools (i.e. Minitab, Jump, Reliasoft or Relex)
- Lean Six Sigma and Design for Six Sigma experience, Green Belt or Black Belt certification.
- Test automation and programming experience C#, Java, or C++ programming languages a plus.
- Problem Solver with the ability to troubleshoot complex systems, develop corrective actions and institute long-term solutions.
- EMC, EMI and overall RF Testing & Analysis experience is an added plus.
- Good understanding of basic PCBA and Product manufacturing processes.
Starting pay is dependent on multiple factors, such as skills, experience and work location, and is not typically at the top of the range. At Xylem we offer a competitive compensation package with a generous benefit package, including Medical, Dental, Vision plans, 401(k) with company contribution, paid time off, paid parental leave and tuition reimbursement.
Participation in Xylem Watermark volunteer activities
