POD Test Engineer - IB4

POD Test EngineerThe POD Test Engineer is responsible for supporting, maintaining, and improving server rack test operations within the POD environment. This role ensures test readiness, production stability, failure analysis, process optimization, and continuous improvement of system-level testing for AI and Data Center products. The engineer serves as the technical interface between Manufacturing, Quality, Facilities, Software, and Customer Engineering teams to achieve production and quality targets.Key ResponsibilitiesSupport daily POD operations and ensure maximum test station uptime.Monitor production performance, throughput, cycle time, and first pass yield (FPY).Provide technical support for AST, FLA, FCT, FC2, IOT, IST, FPF, NVL, ORT, and other validation processes.Ensure test systems, racks, fixtures, and infrastructure remain operational and available.Failure Analysis & TroubleshootingPerform root cause analysis of test failures.Debug hardware, software, network, and infrastructure-related issues.Analyze logs, diagnostic reports, BMC data, and test results.Drive corrective and preventive actions (CAPA) to improve yield and reliability.Support customer escalations and provide technical updates.Process ImprovementIdentify opportunities to improve test coverage, cycle time, and production efficiency.Develop and implement automation solutions for reporting, monitoring, and diagnostics.Drive continuous improvement initiatives focused on quality and operational excellence.Participate in DOE activities and process validation.New Product Introduction (NPI)Support NPI builds, engineering validation, and manufacturing ramp activities.Validate test procedures, software releases, fixtures, and station configurations.Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure manufacturing readiness.Documentation & ReportingCreate and maintain SOPs, work instructions, troubleshooting guides, and engineering reports.Generate daily, weekly, and monthly performance reports.Track key metrics including FPY, APY, LPY, cycle time, downtime, and failure paretos.Present technical findings to management and customers.Team SupportTrain technicians and junior engineers on test procedures and troubleshooting methodologies.Provide technical leadership during critical production events.Support staffing, shift handovers, and escalation processes.Required QualificationsBachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Computer Science, or related field.3+ years of experience in Manufacturing Test Engineering, System Validation, NPI, or Data Center operations.Experience with server hardware, networking, Linux environments, and manufacturing test systems.Strong troubleshooting and root cause analysis skills.Experience with Python, Bash, PowerShell, or automation tools is preferred.Knowledge of manufacturing processes, quality systems, and failure analysis methodologies.Preferred QualificationsExperience with AI servers, GPU platforms, liquid cooling systems, or high-performance computing products.Experience with NVIDIA, Data Center, Rack Integration, or System Level Testing.Familiarity with SFC, MES, BMC, IPMI, PXE boot, and network infrastructure.Knowledge of statistical analysis, yield improvement, and process control methodologies.Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)First Pass Yield (FPY)Average Pass Yield (APY)Test Station UptimeProduction ThroughputCycle Time ReductionEscaped DefectsCustomer SatisfactionCorrective Action Closure RateWork EnvironmentFast-paced manufacturing and data center environment.Support of multiple shifts, including occasional off-hours and weekend activities.Interaction with customers, suppliers, and cross-functional engineering teams.Ability to work around server racks, power distribution systems, and liquid cooling infrastructure.