Junior DQA Engineer

About OWC

Other World Computing, Inc. (OWC) is a prominent innovator in computing solutions, providing businesses, creative professionals, and tech enthusiasts with high-performance storage, memory, and connectivity products. Since 1988, we have been committed to quality, reliability, and sustainability, offering cutting-edge upgrades and accessories that maximize technology investments and enhance productivity. With a focus on customer satisfaction and eco-friendly initiatives, OWC empowers users to push the boundaries of creativity and performance, delivering the tools they need to achieve more.

Position Overview

The Junior DQA Engineer is an entry-level member of the Design Quality Assurance (DQA) team, working under direction of Senior DQA Engineers to execute structured validation testing across Other World Computing's hardware product portfolio. This role is built for someone early in their career who wants to build deep, hands-on expertise in hardware validation - learning how to test products systematically, document findings rigorously, and contribute to quality decisions on real hardware before it ships.

You will not be thrown in alone. Senior DQA Engineers and the DQA Lead will provide test plans, technical guidance, and mentorship. What we need from you is careful execution, honest documentation, and genuine curiosity about how things work.

DQA operates as an in-house independent third party. DQA Engineers are expected to execute their test plans faithfully, document results objectively, and report findings as-is - regardless of what Engineering or other teams might prefer to hear. Integrity of results is non-negotiable.

What You'll Do

Test Execution
• Execute DQA test plans authored by Senior DQA Engineers across assigned products and milestones (EVT, DVT, PVT), following defined procedures precisely.
• Run performance benchmarks on storage and connectivity products using standard tools (CrystalDiskMark, AmorphousDiskMark, AJA System Test) as well as in-house tools, across Mac, Windows, and Linux hosts.
• Conduct compatibility testing: verify device functionality across host systems, OS versions, and downstream device combinations per the compatibility matrix provided.
• Execute out-of-box experience (OOB) validation: packaging integrity, accessory completeness, first-use setup flow, labeling accuracy, and documentation correctness.
• Perform reliability and stress testing: sustained write endurance runs, repeated connection cycle tests, sleep/wake validation, and power cycle testing.

Thermal & Environmental Monitoring
• Under the guidance of Senior DQA Engineers, conduct enclosure surface temperature measurements using FLIR thermal camera or thermocouples during sustained load and idle conditions.
• Monitor and log drive temperature via S.M.A.R.T. telemetry during performance test runs.
• Assist with acoustic measurements for fan-cooled and passive products under defined ambient conditions.

Issue Documentation & Photo Record
• Log all issues discovered during test execution in the shared issue tracker with clear reproduction steps, system configuration, OS and firmware version, and observed vs. expected behavior.
• Capture photo documentation per the DQA photo protocol at each build stage: standard angles, defined lighting, and structured archive naming.
• Provide macro photography for cosmetic, connector, or PCB defects with ruler scale reference.

Component Qualification Support
• Run compatibility and performance tests for new SATA SSDs, M.2 SSDs, HDDs, and other components under evaluation, under the direction of Senior DQA Engineers.
• Record results accurately and completely for Senior DQA Engineer review and qualification determination.

Lab & Sample Management
• Maintain test bench organization and cable inventory for assigned test areas.
• Track sample status: receive, label, and log incoming EVT/DVT/PVT units; note build ID, revision, and firmware version.
• Assist with equipment setup, teardown, and general lab upkeep.

What You Bring

Required
• 0-2 years of hardware validation, hardware QA, technical support, or related hands-on experience. Internship, co-op, and academic lab experience counts.
• Genuine interest in storage and connectivity hardware - you don't need to know how Thunderbolt works on day one, but you should want to.
• Strong attention to detail - able to follow a test plan exactly, document results completely, and flag unexpected behavior even when it appears minor.
• Clear, organized written communication - test logs and issue notes that a colleague can read and act on without needing to ask you follow-up questions.
• Physically comfortable with hands-on lab work: equipment setup and teardown, cable management, device handling.
• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Computer Science, or a related field - or equivalent hands-on experience. New graduates are encouraged to apply.

Preferred
• Any hands-on experience with storage performance tools: CrystalDiskMark, Blackmagic Disk Speed Test, AmorphousDiskMark - even in a personal or academic context.
• Basic familiarity with command-line tools on macOS and/or Windows.
• Introductory scripting ability (Python or Bash) - enough to run a script and understand what it's doing.
• Exposure to S.M.A.R.T. monitoring or drive diagnostic tools.
• Any experience with a test case management or bug tracking system.
• Background in consumer electronics, PC hardware, photography, or professional AV equipment - as a user, hobbyist, or professionally.

This Is a Good Fit If You...
• Are early in your career and want your first - or next - role to involve real hardware, not just simulations or theory.
• Ask 'why does it work this way?' as often as you ask 'does it work?'
• Are comfortable saying 'I don't know' and equally comfortable going to find out.
• Take pride in documentation quality - a test result with incomplete notes is, to you, an incomplete test.
• Are energized by working in a lab environment with physical hardware rather than spending most of your day in meetings.
• Want to build a strong technical foundation in hardware validation and grow into increasing ownership over time.

Work Environment

This role is fully on-site at our Woodstock, IL lab facility. The majority of the workday is spent in the DQA lab: setting up test configurations, running benchmarks and stress tests, capturing thermal data, photographing hardware, and documenting results. You will work directly alongside Senior DQA Engineers in a hands-on, mentorship-oriented environment, with exposure to the latest storage and connectivity hardware at every stage of development - long before it reaches the market.

Compensation

Compensation Range

$Up to 60,000 USD per year, depending on experience

Compensation is determined based on skills, experience, and market data. The range above represents the full band for this role.

Benefits
• Competitive salary and equity participation
• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage
• 401(k) with company match
• Paid time off and company holidays
• Annual hardware and technology stipend
• Professional development and conference budget
• On-site lab environment with access to latest storage and connectivity hardware

Our People Are the Most Important Asset

A career with OWC is out of this world and will provide you with all the opportunities and benefits that can only come from working with a proven industry leader that is committed to innovation and delivering the finest computing solutions.
• Competitive pay, that is based on the work that you do here at OWC and not based on a previous role.
• A generous number of vacation/sick/personal days every year, including birthday time off!
• Comprehensive health, vision, dental and wellness benefits.

o 401K
o Life Insurance
o Disability Insurance
o Accident Insurance
o Critical Illness Insurance
o Tuition and Loan Assistance
• Join a company that is a leader in sustainability and offers the flexibility of hybrid roles.
• At OWC there are ongoing opportunities to learn, develop new skills and support your personal growth.

Different people approach challenges differently. The most successful teams are the most diverse teams, and we pride ourselves on providing a culture that is committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion.

We look forward to hearing from you, learning more about your successes and sharing more on the 'Other Worldly' innovation here at OWC.

Candidate Acknowledgment Statement:
I acknowledge that as a candidate applying for a position at Other World Computing, I agree to participate in an assessment as part of the hiring process. These assessments are designed to evaluate my skills, abilities, and fit for the role I am applying for. I understand that the information gathered through these assessments will be kept confidential and used solely for making hiring decisions. I agree to participate in the assessment program administered by Other World Computing.