Staff Engineer, Systems/Applications Validation

Celestica; Austin (TX); On-site; USD 130,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

Celestica is seeking a Staff Engineer, System Integration Test in Austin to lead validation of rack-level systems for AI compute racks. You will own test system setup, validate hardware and software integration, and work with cross-functional teams to ensure release readiness.

The ideal candidate has 7–10 years of related experience, strong Linux scripting, and hands-on lab racking skills, plus experience with PCI protocol analyzers and AI-related testing approaches.

Qualifications

• Proven ability to design and execute validation plans for rack-level systems.
• Experience defining test plans, executing tests, and generating reports.
• Hands-on lab racking and stacking of AI compute racks.
• Experience with Linux-based test environments and scripting.
• Familiar with CI/CD tools and test automation frameworks.

Responsibilities

• Validate integration of components in advanced AI compute racks for performance and reliability.
• Develop system integration test solutions and contribute to project planning.
• Provide technical leadership and mentoring to engineers.
• Set up, test, and qualify complete rack solutions including servers and accelerators.
• Integrate PDUs and manage rack power distribution.
• Maintain rack-level management and real-time monitoring capabilities.
• Perform hands-on lab racking and configuration of rack systems.
• Document installation procedures, test plans, results, and metrics.
• Collaborate with design, program management, customers, and vendors.
• Identify and automate system integration tests; explore AI tools for planning and reporting.
• Troubleshoot hardware, network, and software issues; perform root-cause analysis.

Skills

Rack-level integration

Lab racking & stacking

Test automation

AI tooling experience

Linux (RHEL/Ubuntu/CentOS)

Scripting: Python

JIRA / Jenkins CI/CD

Cross-functional collaboration

Hardware, network, software triage

PDUs and power management

Education

BS in Electrical/Computer Engineering or CS

Tools

PCI protocol analyzers

Traffic generators (Keysight/Ixia or Spirent)

Job description

Req ID: 139548

Region: Americas

Country: USA

State/Province: Texas

City: Austin

General Overview

Summary

The Staff Engineer, System Integration Test Engineer, works with cross functional teams of design engineers, customers, supply chain and project managers to rigorously test and validate rack-level, system solutions and ensure new product release readiness. This position will own the test system setup and function for complex, high-end servers and hyperscale compute & network racks, including applications and operating systems. The ideal candidate will have a rack-level, system integration test background in storage/server, GPU and networking products. He/she will develop and provide guidance on Celestica Storage/GPU/network system integration and verification plans, test cases and test coverage, such as: element function test, hardware integration test, system and rack integration verification.

Detailed Description

• Design & Execute the comprehensive validation and integration of all components within advanced AI compute racks, ensuring hardware and software elements function cohesively and optimally, ensuring compatibility, connectivity, performance, security, reliability, cost effectiveness and resilience.

• Develop and implement system integration test solutions and participate in project planning, scheduling, and reporting. Review and interpret product/system requirements/specifications and define system integration and validation plans.

• Contribute to the technical leadership and mentoring to other engineers

• System Test Setup & Execution: Set up, rigorously test, and qualify complete rack solutions to guarantee they meet or exceed stringent performance, reliability, and efficiency standards. Own the test system setup and function for complex, high-end servers and hyperscale compute & network racks, including applications and operating systems. Oversee the qualification and seamless integration of rack components such as servers, accelerators, switches, power shelves, and cooling solutions.

• Power Distribution Management: Integrate and configure smart PDUs (Power Distribution Units) to efficiently manage power distribution within the rack. Ensure seamless compatibility with rack-level power management functions and overall system optimization.

• Rack-Level Management: Maintain a comprehensive understanding of and proficiency in rack-level management functions, including real-time monitoring, control, and automation of critical rack components.

• Hands-On Racking and Stacking: Execute hands-on lab racking and stacking procedures, including the assembly and setup of intricate, high-touch rack configurations. Ensure meticulous installation and integration of all components.

• Documentation and Reporting: Create and maintain thorough and detailed documentation for all rack level integrations. This includes documenting installation procedures, test plans, testing results, performance metrics, and any issues identified during the testing process.

• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Work closely and collaboratively with a diverse range of cross functional teams, including design engineers, program managers, customers, and vendors. The goal is to ensure seamless integration, optimal operation, and the successful delivery of cutting-edge rack level solutions.

• Test Automation & AI: Identify & automate system integration testing to reduce development time, increase quality and reduce errors. Identify and use AI tools to streamline and improve efficiency of planning, executing, analyzing & reporting.

• Troubleshooting & Root-Cause: Perform troubleshooting, debugging and root-cause analysis on hardware, network, and software related issues.

Knowledge/Skills/Competencies

• Experienced in troubleshooting with oscilloscopes, logic analyzers, and experienced with specialized test equipment such as PCI protocol analyzers and Traffic generators (Keysight/Ixia or Spirent)

• Proficiency in defining test plans, creating & executing tests, and generating test reports for internal and external uses.

• Experienced with stress testing utilities, stressapp, stress-ng, iperf3, FIO, memtester, etc

• Proficiency in Linux with RHEL, Ubuntu and CentOS

• Proficiency in scripting languages: Python, Perl, VBA, REST API, Shell scripting, Ansible, Terraform etc.

• Proven experience in test tools such as JIRA, Jenkin (CI/CD), and similar tools

• Experienced in collaborating with a cross-functional team of engineers involved in the specification, design, development and test of hardware

• Knowledge and understanding of x86/Firmware/Linux.

• System/software/firmware integration and verification experience

• Past experience in project management. Able to handle simultaneous projects, predict your workload/execution, and deliver per plan.

• Must be self-motivated and able to work independently in a fast-paced, multi-tasking environment

• Rack-Level System Integration Expertise: 4+ years ( hands-on ) mandatory

• Experience should include working with servers, accelerators, switches, CDU (Cooling Distribution Unit) systems, and high-power shelves.

• Possess and maintain a deep understanding of AI compute rack configurations and the functionality of all integrated components.

• Demonstrated hands-on experience with lab racking and stacking, as well as setting up complex, high touch rack configurations.

• Possess a strong understanding of rack-level management functions and integration best practices

• Proven experience in testing and qualifying rack-level solutions to ensure they meet or exceed performance and Reliability benchmarks.

• Experienced in the use of AI tools and test automation

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills

• Exceptional problem-solving skills and attention to detail is critical for success

Physical Demands

• Duties of this position are performed in a normal office environment.

• Duties may require extended periods of sitting and sustained visual concentration on a computer monitor or on numbers and other detailed data.

• Occasional travel may be required.

Typical Experience

• 7 to 10 years of related experience

Typical Education

BS degree or higher in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Computer Science.

Educational Requirements may vary by Geography

Notes

This job description is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties and responsibilities of the position. Employees are held accountable for all duties of the job. Job duties and the % of time identified for any function are subject to change at any time.

Celestica is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, pregnancy, genetic information, disability, status as a protected veteran, or any other protected category under applicable federal, state, and local laws.

This policy applies to hiring, promotion, discharge, pay, fringe benefits, job training, classification, referral and other aspects of employment and also states that retaliation against a person who files a charge of discrimination, participates in a discrimination proceeding, or otherwise opposes an unlawful employment practice will not be tolerated. All information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.

Celestica is an E-Verify employer.

COMPANY OVERVIEW:

Celestica, Inc. (NYSE: CLS; TSX: CLS) is a technology leader dedicated to driving customer success and market advancements. With deep expertise in design, engineering, manufacturing, supply chain, and platform solutions, Celestica enables critical data center infrastructure for AI, cloud, and hybrid cloud and advances technologies in high-growth markets. With a talented team and a strategic global network, Celestica helps its customers achieve competitive advantages.

Today, Celestica delivers innovative supply chain solutions globally to customers in strategic two operating and reporting segments: Advanced Technology Solutions (ATS) and Connectivity and Cloud Solutions (CC):

ATS: This segment serves customers in complex, regulated and high-reliability markets such as Industrial & Smart Energy, Aerospace & Defense, Semiconductor Capital Equipment, and HealthTech. It is engineering led, with deep expertise in design, manufacturing and lifecycle solutions.

CCS: This segment focuses on high-performance technology solutions and services for the data center, serving hyperscalers, digital native customers and enterprises. Celestica's Platform Solutions offering provides innovative and customizable computing, storage and networking solutions enabling AI-driven growth.

Built on a legacy of trust and performance, Celestica has earned its reputation by delivering results in complex and fast-changing markets. Celestica exceeds customer expectations by identifying trends and staying ahead of the curve. Backed by comprehensive capabilities and a global network across North America, Europe and Asia, Celestica helps customers gain competitive advantage with the quality, flexibility and resiliency they need to respond quickly to shifts in demand. Guided by a bold vision to accelerate market advancements, Celestica delivers innovative solutions and technologies that turn complexity into opportunity. Anchored in teamwork and commitment, Celestica strives to be the most trusted partner to its customers and colleagues worldwide.