Vehicle Reliability, Intern

Responsibilities

• Support reliability test planning, setup, execution, and documentation for AV hardware systems, including sensors, compute hardware, and vehicle-integrated components
• Assist with CAD design of sensor integration components, test fixtures, fit-check parts, and related hardware using NX and Teamcenter
• Support prototype development and fabrication of structural and appearance components, testing jigs, fixtures, and fit-check parts using 3D printers and in-house fabrication tools
• Build, modify, and maintain hands-on test setups, prototype assemblies, and validation hardware used for development and reliability testing
• Collect, organize, and analyze test data to support issue investigation, design improvements, and validation decisions
• Support failure investigations by documenting test conditions, hardware observations, and failure results, and assist with structured root-cause analysis
• Contribute to a self-directed research or design project aimed at advancing hardware reliability, testing methods, or validation workflows
• Work closely with mechanical, electrical, systems, and operations teams to troubleshoot issues and improve hardware robustness

Requirements

• Currently pursuing a B.S., M.S., or Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering or a related technical discipline
• Demonstrated hands-on proficiency in the design, assembly, debugging, and testing of electrical or electromechanical systems through prior internships, research, or projects
• Familiarity with lab and prototyping environments, including the development of test setups, fixtures, and the use of electrical fabrication tools
• Competency with bench-level measurement equipment such as oscilloscopes, multimeters, power supplies, and DAQs
• Fundamental knowledge of electrical hardware integration, encompassing power distribution, signal integrity, connectors, and cable harnessing
• Understanding of reliability principles, including environmental stressors, component derating, and common failure modes in complex hardware
• Exposure to validation and reliability testing, such as thermal cycling, vibration, shock, and ingress protection (IP) verification
• Ability to document test methodologies, results, and technical observations in a clear, structured, and actionable manner
• Experience leveraging Python, MATLAB, or JMP for data analysis, automation, or test scripting
• Exceptional problem-solving abilities with strong communication skills and a high degree of technical ownership

Nice-to-Haves

• Prior internship or co-op experience in electrical, reliability, validation, or hardware engineering
• Hands-on experience with reliability testing, environmental validation, or the development of hardware test platforms
• Familiarity with core hardware reliability concepts, including failure analysis, root-cause investigation, accelerated life testing (ALT), and test-to-failure methodologies
• Knowledge of automotive electrical validation for sensors, ECUs, harnesses, and high-reliability connectors
• Exposure to industry standards such as LV 124, ISO 16750, or JEDEC reliability and validation protocols
• Proven ability to perform structured root-cause analysis and debug complex electrical or system-level hardware failures
• Familiarity with reliability modeling and statistical analysis tools, such as DOE, Weibull analysis, and life data analysis
• Experience evaluating test data to identify degradation trends, intermittent faults, or early-stage hardware reliability risks
• Practical skill in building custom test setups, including fixtures, breakout hardware, and cable harnesses
• Currently pursuing a Master’s or Ph.D. in a relevant engineering field

Compensation & Benefits

• Reasonably expected base pay: $8000 (for the internship period)