Hardware Test Reliability Engineer

Xylem; Morrisville (NC); On-site; USD 100,000 - 125,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, Dental, Vision plans

401(k) match

Paid time off

Parental leave

Tuition reimbursement

Volunteer program

Inclusive workplace

Job summary

Xylem is seeking a Hardware Test & Reliability Engineer to validate performance of cutting-edge metering hardware, RF devices, and IoT systems. You will design tests across environmental and RF dimensions, analyze failures, and collaborate with R&D, Quality, and Manufacturing to drive reliability improvements.

The role emphasizes hands-on testing, test-system development, and DFMEA participation, with a salary range around six figures and a comprehensive benefits package.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree required or equivalent
• 2+ years hardware testing/reliability experience
• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities
• Excellent cross-functional communication skills and MS Office proficiency

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute product verification, validation, and reliability test plans.
• Design and build test systems, fixtures, and automated test solutions for hardware components and assemblies.
• Perform environmental and mechanical testing (temp/humidity, vibration, drop, salt fog, dust, ALT).
• Conduct electrical and RF testing on powered products and devices.
• Support DFMEA activities and risk-based design improvements.

Skills

Hardware testing experience

Reliability engineering

Analytical skills

Communication skills

MS Office proficiency

Education

Bachelor's degree in Electrical/Mechanical Engineering or related

Tools

Oscilloscopes

Spectrum analyzers

Signal generators

Environmental chambers

DAQ systems

Job description

Help shape the future of smart infrastructure.

Xylem is a Fortune 500 global water solutions company dedicated to advancing sustainable impact and empowering the people who make water work every day. As a leading water technology company with 23,000 employees operating in over 150 countries, Xylem is at the forefront of addressing the world's most critical water challenges. We invite passionate individuals to join our team, dedicated to exceeding customer expectations through innovative and sustainable solutions.

Xylem , we're on a mission to solve the world's greatest water challenges through innovative technology. As part of our Sensus business, you'll help bring next-generation smart metering, communications, and infrastructure solutions to utilities and communities around the globe.

We're looking for a Hardware Test & Reliability Engineer who is passionate about understanding how products perform in the real world and ensuring they continue to perform for years to come. In this role, you'll work hands‑on with cutting-edge hardware, RF communications systems, smart meters, and IoT technologies, helping validate reliability, quality, and regulatory compliance before products reach customers.

If you enjoy problem-solving, testing complex systems, analyzing failure modes, and partnering with engineering teams to build better products, we'd love to talk with you.

What You'll Do

As a key member of our engineering team, you'll collaborate with R&D, Quality, Manufacturing, Product Management, and Firmware teams to ensure reliable, high-performing products throughout the development lifecycle.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute product verification, validation, and reliability test plans.
• Design and build test systems, fixtures, and automated test solutions for hardware components and complete assemblies.
• Perform environmental and mechanical testing including:
  • Temperature and humidity
  • Vibration and shock
  • Drop and impact
  • Salt fog
  • Dust and rain ingress
  • HALT and accelerated life testing
• Conduct electrical and performance testing on AC and DC powered products.
• Perform RF characterization and validation testing on communication devices and base stations.
• Evaluate product reliability and predict product life under expected operating conditions.
• Support compliance testing to North American and international standards.
• Participate in DFMEA activities to identify and mitigate product risks early in development.
• Analyze test results, document findings, troubleshoot failures, and recommend corrective actions.
• Partner with third‑party certification and testing laboratories as needed.
• Serve as the Voice of the Customer by helping engineering teams understand field performance and user expectations.
• Support continuous improvement initiatives through data-driven decision‑making and Six Sigma methodologies.

What We're Looking For

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related technical discipline.
• Equivalent military, technical, or relevant industry experience will also be considered.
• 2+ years of experience in hardware testing, product validation, reliability engineering, or related disciplines.
• Strong analytical and problem‑solving skills.
• Excellent communication skills and ability to work effectively across cross‑functional teams.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications.

Preferred Experience

We're especially interested in candidates with experience in one or more of the following:

• Product validation or reliability engineering
• Environmental and mechanical testing
• Embedded electronics or PCB assemblies
• Smart devices, IoT products, communications equipment, or industrial electronics
• RF testing and wireless communications systems
• Accelerated Life Testing (ALT)
• DFMEA and risk‑based design methodologies
• Root cause analysis and failure investigation
• Test automation or scripting
• Statistical analysis tools such as Minitab, ReliaSoft, JMP, or similar

Bonus Points For

• Experience with utility metering technologies (water, gas, or electric)
• EMC/EMI testing and compliance
• MIL‑STD, IEC, UL, IEEE, NEMA, ASTM, ANSI, or Telcordia testing standards
• Hands‑on use of:
  • Oscilloscopes
  • Spectrum analyzers
  • Signal generators
  • Environmental chambers
  • DAQ systems
  • ESD and surge test equipment
• Lean Six Sigma certification (Green Belt or Black Belt)
• Programming experience in C#, C++, Java, or test automation frameworks

Make an Impact

Join a team where your engineering expertise will directly influence the quality, reliability, and performance of technologies that support critical infrastructure worldwide.

The estimated salary range for this position is $100,000 to $125,000. Starting pay is dependent on multiple factors, such as skills, experience and work location, and is not typically at the top of the range. At Xylem we offer a competitive compensation package with a generous benefit package, including Medical, Dental, Vision plans, 401(k) with company contribution, paid time off, paid parental leave and tuition reimbursement.

Join the global Xylem team to be a part of innovative technology solutions transforming water usage, conservation, and re‑use. Our products impact public utilities, industrial sectors, residential areas, and commercial buildings, with a commitment to providing smart metering, network technologies, and advanced analytics for water, electric, and gas utilities. Partner with us in creating a world where water challenges are met with ingenuity and dedication; where we recognize the power of inclusion and belonging in driving innovation and allowing us to compete more effectively around the world.

At Xylem, you'll not only contribute to solving water issues but also have the chance to make a difference through our paid Volunteer Program, Xylem Watermark. We prioritize our employees’ well‑being through inclusion and belonging as well as our Employee Resource Groups (ERG). Proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity (including disability and veterans) and affirmative action workplace, Xylem fosters an inclusive environment free from discrimination or harassment.

Please note that the information in this job description outlines the general nature of the position and is not an exhaustive list of duties. Xylem is dedicated to providing reasonable accommodations to enable all employees to perform their essential job functions. We reserve the right to modify this job description and assign additional duties as needed. Embrace the opportunity to be part of Xylem’s transformative journey in shaping the future of water technology! #XylemCareers #GlobalImpact #WaterInnovation