Hardware Validation and Debugging Engineer (FLORENCE)

SUMMARY

The Manufacturing Test Engineer plays a critical role in performing hands-on debugging, validation, and system-level failure analysis of next-generation server and rack systems within a high-mix, high-ambiguity manufacturing environment. This role requires strong Linux CLI proficiency, hardware integration expertise, and advanced troubleshooting skills across L6, L10, and L12 test stages. Success in this role hinges on the ability utilize structured, data-driven approaches - while collaborating cross-functionally with Quality, Manufacturing, and Process Engineering teams to identify root causes, drive corrective actions, and improve First Pass Yield (FPY). In addition to core debug responsibilities, this position involves automation scripting, statistical analysis, customer engagement, and mentoring junior team members to elevate system performance for AI / ML, GPGPU, and hardware accelerator-based server, networking, and storage platforms .

Manufacturing Test Engineers are required to work on-site in support of Jabil's production facilities located in Florence, KY (just north of CVG International Airport). Applicants who live outside of a 50-mile radius will be eligible to receive relocation assistance services.

SHIFT / SCHEDULE

Test Engineers are required to work 12-hour shifts on one of the following schedules (we are hiring for multiple engineer vacancies - across all 4 shifts) :

401 Shift : (days) 6 : 00AM to 6 : 00PM - Sunday through Tuesday, and Sunday through Wednesday every other week.

402 Shift : (nights) 6 : 00PM to 6 : 00AM - Sunday through Tuesday, and Sunday through Wednesday every other week.

403 Shift : (days) 6 : 00AM to 6 : 00PM - Thursday through Saturday, and Wednesday through Saturday every other week.

404 Shift : (nights) 6 : 00PM to 6 : 00AM - Thursday through Saturday, and Wednesday through Saturday every other week.

For example : if hired to support the 401 shift, engineers will be required to work 36 hours throughout week 1 (Sunday - Tuesday), 48 hours through week 2 (Sunday - Wednesday), 36 hours week 3 (Sunday - Tuesday), etc.

Occasional overtime may be required, depending on business needs.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Education : Bachelors degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Electronics, Electrical Engineering, or a related technical field.

Experience : Minimum of 3 years of hands-on experience in failure analysis and system-level testing within a high-paced manufacturing environment.

Technical Expertise : Proficiency with Linux Terminal and Bash scripting, including the ability to train others on Linux fundamentals. Intermediate programming skills in both Bash and Python. Strong knowledge of statistical analysis and its application to data-driven troubleshooting and decision-making.

A combination of education and experience may be considered on a case-by-case basis. Prior experience in a manufacturing setting is required; experience with high-level assembly and hardware integration is strongly preferred.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

Master of Science degree in Electrical Engineering or a related technical field.

Proficiency in scripting languages (Python, Bash, JavaScript), advanced Linux command-line operations, and hardware / network troubleshooting.

Strong understanding of networking concepts, including WAN, LAN, switches, transceivers, and fiber optics.

Expertise in computer and server hardware / software integration, diagnostics, and repair -particularly within a manufacturing or high-level assembly environment.

Experience in performance and functional testing of complex compute systems, including rack-level validation.

Demonstrated analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to make data-driven decisions and implement improvements using tools such as Excel, SQL, and Power BI.

Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to clearly convey complex technical findings to diverse stakeholders.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Include the following (other duties may be assigned) :

System Level Debugging & Failure Analysis : L6, L10, and L12 (~40%)

Conduct hands-on failure analysis of compute systems at both the server and rack levels to isolate root cause, document findings, and drive corrective actions in a highly ambiguous, cross-cultural manufacturing environment.

Interpret diagnostic logs, LED indicators, and system health outputs to perform targeted debugging and verify functionality.

Debug and validate individual server components at the L6 level, including CPUs, DIMMs, NICs, and other subsystems prior to full server assembly.

Execute L10 level system testing and integration, identifying failures involving power delivery, firmware mismatches, network communication issues, and interconnect instability across fully assembled racks.

Apply structured troubleshooting techniques to diagnose complex cross-component failures involving switches, PDUs, interconnects, cabling, and / or liquid cooling systems.

Perform L12 level burn-in testing and final system validation to ensure end-to-end compute, networking, and storage performance prior to customer shipment.

Collaborate with Quality, Process, and Manufacturing Engineering teams to complete in-depth hardware failure analysis across component, subsystem, and system levels, escalating systemic issues and driving long-term solutions.

Hardware and Firmware Integration : BIOS, POST, PCIe, BMC (~15%)

Configure and validate BIOS settings to support debug workflows, hardware integration, and test case execution across complex server builds.

Troubleshoot system failures during POST (Power-On Self-Test), resolve boot sequence errors, and ensure firmware compatibility across diverse configurations.

Analyze and resolve issues at the PCIe (Peripheral Component Interconnect Express) level, including link training failures, lane enumeration, and interconnect interoperability challenges.

Leverage Baseboard Management Controller (BMC) tools and IPMI commands to monitor system health, control server state, and perform remote diagnostics.

Interpret BMC logs and telemetry data to isolate hardware-level failures, particularly within constrained environments (without source code or design visibility).

Use BMC interfaces to log errors, manage power states, and support root cause analysis at the component and system level.

Linux and Remote Access Protocols : Linux Command Line Interface (CLI), SSH, MobaXterm(~10%)

Leverage Linux CLI tools and low-level system commands to isolate root causes of hardware, BIOS, and configuration anomalies - without access to source code or proprietary OEM tooling.

Use Linux-based diagnostics to monitor system health, execute test cases, analyze system logs, and validate configuration integrity across server and rack-level platforms.

Troubleshoot interconnectivity and device recognition issues between compute, storage, and accelerator components using low-level Linux utilities (lspci, dmesg, ipmitool, etc.).

Access server systems using secure shell (SSH) and MobaXterm to perform real-time failure triage, apply firmware or BIOS configuration changes, collect logs, and validate remote test executions.

Remotely diagnose and resolve hardware and software issues across integrated systems to minimize debug cycle times and maintain throughput during high-mix manufacturing operations.

Documentation and Statistical Analysis : SQL, Excel Macros, Power BI, First Pass Yield (~15%)

Perform statistical analysis on test data to identify systemic failure trends, validate root causes, and support continuous improvement initiatives across server and rack-level operations.

Analyze large datasets from functional, performance, and burn-in tests to extract actionable insights that drive FPY (First Pass Yield) improvements and reduce failure rates.

Write and execute SQL queries to correlate test failures with build history, firmware versions, and process variables, enabling data-driven troubleshooting and quality analysis.

Develop Excel Macros to automate repetitive data processing and reporting tasks tied to yield trends, defect rates, and other key quality indicators.

Create and maintain dynamic Power BI dashboards that visualize test metrics, track yield performance, and facilitate ongoing decision support.

Apply Lean Six Sigma methodologies to fine-tune test parameters, minimize false failure rates, and reduce variation across test processes.

Generate dashboards to track failures by test station, component type, firmware version, or build revision, surfacing trends and informing corrective action plans.

Prioritize debug efforts using data-driven insights that consider impact to throughput, rework volume, and quality KPIs - aligning actions with CI (Continuous Improvement) goals.

Lead Gemba walks and Kaizen events focused on reducing NDF (No Defect Found) occurrences and streamlining debug protocols through statistical observation and analysis.

Scripting and Automation : Python, JavaScript, Bash (~5%)