Summary: We are seeking an experienced EE Validation Engineer to support hardware validation of next-generation smart glasses, working closely with the validation lead. In this role, your primary focus will be monitoring validation progress, reviewing CM test reports, analyzing failures, and coordinating with EE design partners to drive issues to closure. You will also guide CM engineers on measurement procedures and perform hands-on PI/SI debug when needed. While you must possess strong hands-on measurement skills, the majority of your time will be spent interpreting data, tracking issues, and ensuring problems are resolved efficiently. You will not own final validation decisions, but you are expected to be technically strong enough to flag risks, recommend actions, and keep execution on track under the lead's direction.
Must-Have Skills
4+ years of EE hardware validation experience with strong expertise in Power Integrity (PI) and Signal Integrity (SI).
Experience developing test procedures, SOPs, and technical documentation, with strong schematic reading skills to trace signal paths, analyze power distribution, and interpret schematics and datasheets.
Experience reviewing PCB layouts to evaluate probe access, SI/PI risks, and debug strategies, along with expert hands-on use of lab equipment such as high-bandwidth oscilloscopes, power rail probes, active/differential probes, current probes, and spectrum analyzers.
Nice-to-Have Skills
Experience validating wearable, mobile, or IoT hardware, especially space-constrained, low-power devices.
Familiarity with prototype development cycles (EVT, DVT, PVT) and New Product Introduction (NPI) processes.
Experience using issue tracking systems (e.g., JIRA) and coordinating with cross-functional hardware teams, including EE, firmware, and contract manufacturers (CMs).
Key Responsibilities
Issue Tracking & Closure (Approx. 60%)
Review CM-generated validation reports and verify data quality.
Ensure pass/fail criteria are applied correctly.
Identify anomalies and investigate validation failures.
Determine whether issues are caused by measurement errors, design defects, or manufacturing quality.
Collaborate with EE design teams to present findings and support root cause analysis.
Track issues through resolution and confirm fixes are validated.
Coordinate across EE, layout, firmware, and CM teams to keep issues moving.
Maintain issue trackers and provide regular status updates to the Validation Lead.
Monitor validation progress against project milestones.
Escalate risks, blockers, and schedule concerns proactively.
CM Guidance (Approx. 20%)
Develop clear Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for validation testing.
Train CM engineers and technicians on proper measurement techniques.
Guide probe placement, fixture usage, and data collection methods.
Define probe points and create annotated layout markups for testing.
Provide technical support when unexpected measurement results occur.
Establish acceptance criteria and escalation processes aligned with validation requirements.
Hands-On Measurement & Debug (Approx. 20%)
Perform advanced PI/SI measurements during prototype bring-up and validation.
Validate CM measurement setups through correlation testing.
Debug complex or intermittent hardware issues that require senior engineering expertise.
Develop new measurement methods and fixtures for challenging validation scenarios.
Support prototype characterization and hardware bring-up during build phases.
Experience supporting hardware development phases (Prototype, EVT, DVT, PVT, NPI).
Experience using issue tracking systems and coordinating cross-functional hardware programs.
Tools & Environment
Lab Equipment: Keysight/Tektronix oscilloscopes (≥1 GHz), power rail probes, active probes, Source Measure Units (SMUs), Vector Network Analyzers (VNAs), protocol analyzers.
Software: Scripting tools, schematic/layout viewers (Allegro, Altium, or equivalent), data analysis tools.
Documentation: Google Workspace, JIRA/Tasks for issue tracking.
Collaboration: Daily interaction with the Validation Lead, CM engineers (remote and onsite), EE design teams, and Firmware teams.
Applicant Notices & Disclaimers
For information on benefits, equal opportunity employment, and location-specific applicant notices, click here
At SPECTRAFORCE, we are committed to maintaining a workplace that ensures fair compensation and wage transparency in adherence with all applicable state and local laws. This position's pay range is $60.00/hr - $80.00/hr.
