Reliability Test Engineer (Part-Time)

Gradient; San Francisco (CA); On-site; USD 28,000 - 33,000; Part time

Job summary

Gradient is seeking a Reliability Test Engineer to join our part-time, temporary-to-permanent team in San Francisco. You will design and execute reliability tests, report results, and help ensure product robustness for our energy-efficient, climate-friendly hardware.

The role focuses on Arduino-based test automation, firmware interactions, data collection, and close collaboration with the Reliability Engineer to drive root-cause analysis and corrective actions in a fast-paced startup environment.

Qualifications

• Degree (or equivalent) in Electrical, Electronics, or Embedded software Engineering.
• Hands-on experience with Arduino, hardware controls, firmware and lab testing.

Responsibilities

• Plan, run, and report reliability verification tests against defined acceptance criteria, then analyze the data and flag out-of-spec results.
• Build and program Arduino-based automated test sequences, including sensor and data acquisition integration.
• Tear down and inspect failed units, support root cause investigations, and log failure modes and corrective actions.
• Follow lab safety procedures and handle equipment and units responsibly.
• Keep clear, timely records of tests, code, CAD, and findings.
• Communicate progress and blockers in regular check-ins with the Reliability Engineer.

Skills

Arduino

Hardware controls

Firmware

Lab testing

Education

Degree in Electrical/Electronics/Embedded software Engineering

Tools

SolidWorks

Job description

Reliability Test Engineer (Part-Time, Temp to Perm)

About Gradient

Join us at Gradient, where our purpose is to revolutionize home comfort while championing environmental sustainability. Our mission is to combat the escalating challenge of climate change by redefining how homes are heated and cooled. Today, the environmental impact of heating and cooling systems surpasses that of the entire transportation sector, and without intervention, this trend is set to accelerate drastically.

At Gradient, we believe that ensuring comfortable living spaces shouldn’t come at the cost of our planet. We envision a future where every individual can enjoy the luxury of a comfortable home without contributing to carbon emissions. Our high-efficiency, low-carbon heat pump is just the beginning of our journey toward fully decarbonizing buildings.

By joining Gradient, you’ll be at the forefront of a movement to make sustainable living accessible to all, ensuring healthier communities and a brighter, greener future.

Compensation

The anticipated base hourly rate is $20/hour for a total of 24 hours each week, maximum.

Responsibilities

• Plan, run, and report reliability verification tests against defined acceptance criteria, then analyze the data and flag out-of-spec results.
• Build and program Arduino-based automated test sequences, including sensor and data acquisition integration.
• Tear down and inspect failed units, support root cause investigations, and log failure modes and corrective actions.
• Follow lab safety procedures and handle equipment and units responsibly.
• Keep clear, timely records of tests, code, CAD, and findings.
• Communicate progress and blockers in regular check-ins with the Reliability Engineer.

Desired Qualifications

Degree (or equivalent experience) in Electrical, Electronics, or Embedded software Engineering.

• Hands-on experience with Arduino, hardware controls, firmware and lab testing.
• Comfortable with hardware and lab tools, and detail oriented.

Bonus Qualifications

• Root cause analysis or FMEA experience
• SolidWorks
• LabVIEW/Matlab
• Data analysis

We are committed to building a diverse and inclusive company. We seek to create a culture where everyone can belong because we believe that people do their best work when they can show up every day as their authentic selves. We welcome people of different backgrounds, experiences, abilities, and perspectives.

Gradient is an equal opportunity employer. We do not make hiring or employment decisions on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, disability status, or genetic information, in compliance with applicable federal, state and local law.