Hardware Failure Analysis Engineer

Xai Limited; Southaven (MS); On-site; USD 85,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

SpaceXAI is seeking a Hardware Failure Analysis Engineer to lead firmware scrutiny, review hardware specs, and manage RMA processes for its data center operations in the Memphis area. You will diagnose complex failures, collaborate with techs, and help reduce downtime with proactive monitoring tools.

The role requires hands-on hardware diagnostics, scripting in Python/Bash, and experience with HPC or data-center ecosystems. Start-up pace and collaboration are essential.

Qualifications

• Bachelor-level degree in a related field or equivalent experience.
• 2+ years in hardware reliability engineering, preferably in HPC or data centers.
• Proven firmware analysis, hardware specs review, and release validation experience.
• Familiarity with RMA filings, vendor negotiations, and escalation processes.
• Ability to diagnose complex hardware failures, including grey/intermittent cases, with data-driven methods.

Responsibilities

• Analyze firmware and hardware specs for upcoming releases for compatibility and reliability.
• Investigate and diagnose hardware failures, including grey failures, with rigorous testing.
• Manage vendor relationships and RMA processes to resolutions.
• Collaborate with Data Center Operations Technicians to troubleshoot and optimize hardware.
• Develop monitoring tools and scripts to detect hardware anomalies and reduce downtime.
• Document failure modes, RCAs, AFR models, and RMA outcomes in the knowledge base.
• Participate in on-call rotations for hardware-related incidents at the Memphis data center.

Skills

Firmware analysis

RMA processes

Python scripting

Data-driven reliability

Cross-functional collaboration

Diagnostics tools

Education

Bachelor's degree in Systems Engineering

Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering

Bachelor's degree in Computer Science

Tools

Logic analyzers

Diagnostic software

Job description

SpaceXAI's mission is to create AI systems that can accurately understand the universe and aid humanity in its pursuit of knowledge. Our team is small, highly motivated, and focused on engineering excellence. This organization is for individuals who appreciate challenging themselves and thrive on curiosity. We operate with a flat organizational structure. All employees are expected to be hands-on and to contribute directly to the company’s mission. Leadership is given to those who show initiative and consistently deliver excellence. Work ethic and strong prioritization skills are important. All employees are expected to have strong communication skills. They should be able to concisely and accurately share knowledge with their teammates.

ABOUT THE ROLE:

As a Hardware Failure Analysis Engineer, you will serve as an expert in firmware, hardware specifications, vendor relations, and failure analysis. You will proactively identify and resolve hardware issues, manage RMA processes, and stay ahead of emerging hardware technologies to support SpaceXAI's data center operations. This role demands deep technical expertise in hardware diagnostics, and forward-looking hardware evaluation.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Analyze firmware packages and hardware specifications for upcoming releases for compatibility, performance, and reliability in SpaceXAI's data center environment. Run security scanning and CVE / vulnerability analysis on firmware and related components. Flag safety issues (electrical, thermal, power-protection, fail-safe behavior) before the package hits the floor.
• Investigate and diagnose hardware failures, including "grey failures" (ambiguous or intermittent issues), proving them as true hardware defects through rigorous testing and data analysis.
• Manage vendor relationships, including initiating RMA (Return Merchandise Authorization) claims, negotiating beyond standard processes when necessary, and holding vendors accountable for resolutions.
• Collaborate with Data Center Operations Technicians to troubleshoot, repair, and optimize hardware systems in real-time.
• Develop and implement monitoring tools, scripts, and processes to detect hardware anomalies early and minimize downtime.
• Document failure modes, RCAs, AFR / reliability models, RMA outcomes, and hardware evaluations into a team knowledge base.
• Participate in on-call rotations and incident response for hardware-related issues in the Memphis data center

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor's degree in Systems Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, or a related field (or equivalent experience).
• 2+ years of experience in hardware reliability engineering, preferably in high-performance computing or data center environments.
• Proven expertise in firmware analysis, hardware specifications review, and release validation.
• Strong experience with RMA processes, including filing claims, vendor negotiations, and pushing for resolutions outside standard protocols.
• Demonstrated ability to diagnose and prove complex hardware failures, including grey or intermittent issues, using tools, logic analyzers, or diagnostic software.
• Familiarity with data center hardware components (e.g., servers, GPUs, networking equipment) and emerging technologies.
• Proficiency in scripting (Python, Bash) for automation and analysis, plus general experience in at least one systems language (C, C++, Java, Rust, or similar). Not required to be expert in all of them.
• Excellent problem-solving skills with a data-driven approach to reliability engineering.
• Ability to work collaboratively with cross-functional teams, including operations technicians.

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:

• Experience in AI/ML infrastructure or supercomputing environments.
• Knowledge of vendor ecosystems (e.g., NVIDIA, Dell, HP, Supermicro) and supply chain management.
• Certifications in hardware engineering or reliability (e.g., CRE, CompTIA Server+).
• Prior work in a fast-paced startup or tech company like SpaceXAI.