Reliability Test Engineer - Robotics

Johnson & Johnson Johnson & Johnson · Pharma · Santa Clara, CA +1

Reliability Test Engineer for a Robotics and Digital solutions group focusing on developing advanced robotic platforms for surgery. Responsibilities include translating requirements into test protocols, developing and executing tests (mechanical, thermal, electrical, environmental), designing test fixtures, and automating test processes using scripting languages like Python or LabVIEW. The role requires strong data analysis and problem-solving skills, with experience in regulated industries being preferred.

What you'd actually do

  1. Translate product reliability requirements and specifications into detailed test protocols and pass/fail criteria.
  2. Develop and implement mechanical, thermal, electrical, and environmental loads/stresses (e.g., vibration, shock, thermal cycling, humidity, electrical stress) required by the protocols.
  3. Plan and execute Reliability Demonstration Testing, Characterization Testing, and Ongoing Reliability Testing to validate product robustness across development and production lifecycle.
  4. Design, build, and validate custom test fixtures and test rigs to enable repeatable, controlled testing.
  5. Develop and maintain test automation and scripting for test setup, execution, data logging, and analysis (e.g., Python, LabVIEW, or equivalent).

Skills

Required

  • Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Physics, or related technical field (or equivalent experience).
  • 2+ years of hands-on experience in reliability or test engineering roles (design and execution of reliability tests, fixture design, or test automation).
  • Practical experience with environmental/mechanical test equipment such as vibration tables, shock rigs, thermal chambers, and electrical stress equipment.
  • Experience designing and building test fixtures and custom test rigs.
  • Proficiency in scripting or programming for test automation and data capture (examples: Python, LabVIEW, or similar).
  • Strong data analysis skills; experience with statistical analysis and data visualization (Excel, Python, MATLAB, Minitab, etc.).
  • Clear technical writing skills for protocols, test plans, and test reports.
  • Strong problem-solving skills and attention to detail; ability to prioritize multiple test projects.

Nice to have

  • Master’s degree in relevant engineering field
  • Experience with reliability methods such as HALT/HASS, accelerated life testing (ALT).
  • Familiarity with design for reliability concepts (FMEA, reliability prediction methods).
  • Experience working in regulated industries (medical devices, aerospace, automotive) or with cross-functional FA teams.
  • Experience with test equipment control and data acquisition hardware (DAQs, PXI, NI hardware)