# Hardware Engineer, Test

**Company:** [OpenAI](https://hotfix.jobs/companies/openai)
**Location:** San Francisco, CA
**Role:** Hardware Engineering
**Salary:** $177k – $300k/yr
**Experience:** 10+ years
**Skills:** Hardware Testing, Hardware Validation, Python, Bash, Test Automation, Oscilloscopes, Serdes, Signal Integrity, Spi, I2C, Usb, Ddrx, Ethernet, Cadence Allegro, Thermal Testing
**Posted:** 2026-08-27

> Tests and validates AI data center hardware across component, board, rack, and system levels, diagnosing electrical, thermal, power, and high-speed interconnect issues. Requires 10+ years of hardware testing experience, advanced test instrumentation expertise, and automation skills.

## Job Description

## Responsibilities
- Design, implement, and execute comprehensive test plans for AI hardware systems and components, including processors, memory modules, custom accelerators, and interconnects.
- Test hardware from xPU, board, and rack levels through data center deployments, focusing on reliability, performance, scalability, power, thermal behavior, and high-speed interconnects.
- Debug hardware systems and collaborate with hardware design, manufacturing, firmware teams, vendors, and lab management to identify and resolve issues.
- Evaluate SerDes links, signal integrity, error rates, and link performance.
- Maintain lab equipment and hardware systems, including oscilloscopes, thermal test chambers, liquid cooling systems, and other measurement devices.
- Capture performance metrics, analyze system behavior and test data, document results, and report defects.
- Develop and maintain automation scripts and automated test frameworks.

## Requirements
- At least 10 years of industry experience, including testing or supporting hardware design teams for data center applications.
- Proven hardware testing and validation experience with oscilloscopes, power supplies, analyzers, and related test instruments.
- Strong understanding of electrical, power, and thermal testing methodologies.
- Experience with SPI, I2C, USB, DDRx, and data center Ethernet interface characterization and compliance verification.
- Hands-on experience with oscilloscopes, VNAs, TDRs, thermal cameras, heat sinks, and test chambers.
- Experience with Cadence Allegro and automation or scripting.
- Proficiency in Python, Bash, and test automation frameworks is highly desired.
- Strong analytical, problem-solving, troubleshooting, communication, and project management skills.
- Ability to collaborate across hardware, firmware, manufacturing, vendor, and lab teams.

## Additional Information
- Candidates may need to meet U.S. export control legal status requirements.

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