Hardware Reliability Test Engineer

About Lyte

Lyte builds perception systems for Physical AI operating in complex environments. The company combines custom silicon, integrated sensors, and software into a unified platform for robotics, mobility, and next-generation automation. Lyte is headquartered in Sunnyvale, California, with a global presence. For more information, visit www.lyte.ai

If you’re excited about building impactful technology in a dynamic, hands-on environment, we’d love to hear from you!

About the role

• We're looking for a Hardware Reliability Test Engineer to own environmental and durability qualification for LyteVision modules and the custom silicon inside them (LyteCore SoC, analog front-end, laser control chip). You'll design and run the test programs that prove our sensors survive vibration, thermal cycling, humidity, shock, and years of field duty — and you'll turn failures into root causes the design team can act on. This is a hands-on role: you'll be in the lab running HALT/HASS chambers as often as you're in front of a laptop analyzing failure data. 

What you'll do

• Design, execute, and analyze HALT (Highly Accelerated Life Testing) and HASS (Highly Accelerated Stress Screening) programs for LyteVision modules and subassemblies.

• Build and run test plans for vibration, mechanical shock, thermal cycling, thermal shock, humidity/condensation, dust/ingress (IP rating validation), and EMI/EMC.

• Characterize optical and sensor performance drift under environmental stress.

• Define accelerated life test models and translate chamber results into field-life reliability predictions (e.g., MTBF/MTTF estimates, Weibull analysis).

• Lead failure analysis (FA) on units that fail in test or in the field — coordinate with silicon, optics, and mechanical teams to drive root cause and corrective action.

• Own reliability test fixtures and chamber infrastructure; work with contract labs when internal capacity is constrained.

• Contribute reliability requirements and DFR (Design for Reliability) input early into new module and PCB designs, alongside the hardware and silicon teams.

• Maintain test documentation, qualification reports, and traceability suitable for customer and regulatory review.

• Support functional safety and durability claims for robotics, automotive-adjacent, and industrial deployment environments.

Required Qualifications

• 2–4 years of experience in hardware reliability engineering, environmental test engineering, or product qualification — ideally on sensors, optics, consumer electronics, or automotive-grade hardware.

• Hands-on experience running HALT/HASS chambers, vibration tables, and thermal chambers.

• Working knowledge of reliability statistics: MTBF/MTTF, Weibull analysis, accelerated life testing models (Arrhenius, Coffin-Manson, etc.) 

• Experience with failure analysis techniques or close partnership with FA labs.

• Familiarity with relevant standards (e.g., MIL-STD-810, IEC 60068-2, IPC/JEDEC, ISO 16750, or automotive/industrial equivalents).

• Comfort working with optical or MEMS-based sensing hardware, or strong appetite to learn — our modules combine photonics, analog electronics, and custom silicon.

• Bachelor's or master's degree in mechanical engineering, Electrical Engineering, Materials Science, or a related field.

• Strong instincts for root-causing ambiguous failures and communicating findings clearly to cross-functional hardware and silicon teams.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience testing sensor modules for robotics, AMRs, or autonomous vehicle platforms 

• Exposure to functional safety processes (ISO 26262 or similar) 

• Experience working with contract manufacturers or OSAT partners on qualification builds 

Benefits (subject to location and local regulations)

• Competitive salary and equity 
• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage 
• 401(k) retirement plan 
• Flexible vacation and time-off policy 
• Collaborative, fast-paced, and inclusive work environment 
• Opportunity to work on cutting-edge technologies with a highly cross-functional team