Reliability Engineer II

Strattec Security Corp.; Milwaukee (WI); On-site; USD 80,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

Strattec Security Corp. seeks a Reliability Engineer II to bridge OEMs and manufacturing, ensuring components meet quality, safety, and durability targets across the product lifecycle.

You will support reliability testing, data analysis, and continuous improvement, investigating failures and driving corrective actions in collaboration with engineering, quality, and production teams.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical, Automotive, Electrical, Manufacturing, Materials or a related technical discipline.
• 2–5 years of automotive engineering, product validation, reliability engineering or related manufacturing experience.
• Familiarity with reliability testing, validation methodologies, and durability concepts.
• Experience with automotive quality processes (DFMEA, PFMEA, APQP, PPAP) preferred.
• Knowledge of IATF 16949, ISO 9001, AIAG Core Tools and OEM requirements.

Responsibilities

• Lead validation testing programs to evaluate performance, durability, and reliability under real-world conditions.
• Perform DFMEA activities to identify failure modes and implement mitigations.
• Conduct failure investigations using problem-solving methods to identify root causes.
• Analyze reliability data to predict trends and support data-driven quality decisions.
• Interface with OEM customers, provide updates on validation and reliability results.

Skills

Reliability testing

Data analysis

Root cause analysis

Cross-functional collaboration

Communication with OEM customers

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or related technical discipline

Job description

Responsibilities

Job Summary:

The Reliability Engineer II serves as a key liaison between the automotive OEM and the manufacturing facility, ensuring components and systems meet established quality, performance, safety, and durability requirements throughout the product lifecycle. This position supports reliability testing, data analysis, and continuous improvement initiatives to identify potential failures, validate product performance, and drive corrective actions when issues arise.

Working closely with engineering, quality, manufacturing, and customer teams, the Reliability Engineer helps evaluate component lifespan, investigate root causes of failures, and implement solutions that enhance product reliability and customer satisfaction. The role plays a critical part in supporting launch activities, production readiness, and ongoing product performance while ensuring compliance with OEM standards and customer expectations.

Key Responsibilities & Duties:

• Design Validation & Reliability Testing: Develop, coordinate, and execute validation testing programs designed to evaluate component performance, durability, and reliability under simulated real-world operating conditions, ensuring products meet OEM requirements and expected lifecycle targets.
• Design Failure Mode and Effects Analysis (DFMEA): Lead and participate in DFMEA activities to proactively identify potential failure modes, assess associated risks, and implement mitigation strategies that improve product robustness and reduce warranty exposure.
• Failure Investigation & Root Cause Analysis: Conduct comprehensive failure analysis on components that do not meet performance expectations during testing or field operation, utilizing structured problem-solving methodologies to identify root causes and drive corrective actions.
• Reliability Data Analysis: Analyze test results, field performance data, and reliability metrics to assess product durability, predict potential failure trends, and support data-driven decisions that enhance product quality and long-term performance.
• OEM Customer Communication: Serve as a primary technical interface between the manufacturing facility and OEM customers, providing updates on validation activities, reliability performance, durability testing results, and corrective action initiatives to ensure customer expectations are met.

An individual in this position must be able to successfully perform the essential duties and responsibilities listed above. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this position.

The above list reflects the general details necessary to describe the principle and essential functions of the position and shall not be construed as the only duties that may be assigned for the position.

Qualifications

Education & Preferred Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Automotive Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Materials Engineering, or a related technical discipline.
• Minimum of 2–5 years of experience in automotive engineering, product validation, reliability engineering, quality engineering, or a related manufacturing environment; Tier-1 supplier or OEM experience preferred.
• Working knowledge of reliability testing, product validation methodologies, and engineering principles related to component durability and performance.
• Experience participating in DFMEA, PFMEA, APQP, PPAP, Root Cause Analysis, and other automotive quality and product development processes is preferred.
• Familiarity with automotive industry standards and requirements, including IATF 16949, ISO 9001, AIAG Core Tools, and OEM-specific customer requirements.
• Proficiency in data analysis, statistical tools, and engineering software used for reliability assessments, validation testing, and failure investigations.
• Strong technical communication, analytical thinking, problem-solving, and cross-functional collaboration skills, with the ability to effectively interact with OEM customers, suppliers, and internal engineering teams.
• ASQ Certified Quality Engineer (CQE), Six Sigma Green Belt/Black Belt, Reliability Engineering certification, or similar professional credentials preferred.

Physical & Mental Demands:

• Frequent sitting while working at a computer and collaborating with technical teams.
• Occasional standing, walking, bending, reaching, or handling office equipment.
• Occasional climbing, kneeling, crawling, or lifting/moving up to 25 pounds.
• Ability to analyze complex technical issues, communicate effectively, and manage multiple priorities.
• May require operation of office technology and equipment associated with the position.

Work Environment:

• Work is typically performed in an indoor office environment or on a Manufacturing Floor.
• Exposure may include office noise, machinery, dust, and public interaction.
• Standard business hours with occasional flexibility based on project and operational needs.

We are proud to foster an inclusive and diverse workplace culture. We are an equal opportunity employer and are committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, genetics, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law. We value diversity and believe that a diverse and inclusive workforce is essential to drive innovation, foster creativity, and achieve success. We welcome and encourage applications from individuals of all backgrounds and are dedicated to ensuring a fair and equitable recruitment and employment process for everyone.