Staff Reliability Engineer

Mainspringenergy; Edison (CA); On-site; USD 90,000 - 140,000; Full time

Job summary

Mainspring Energy in the United States is seeking a senior Reliability Engineer to advance testing and analysis of our electrical/mechanical systems. You will evaluate design risks, perform FMEA, and lead cross‑functional teams across design, R&D and manufacturing to ensure reliability.

The ideal candidate has a BS in EE or ME, 8+ years in reliability testing (or 5+ with a master's), strong data analysis skills (Python/Matlab), and hands-on experience with CAPA, X-ray/CT, and UL/NFPA standards.

Qualifications

• Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering or Mechanical Engineering.
• 8+ years experience testing for mechanical, electrical or electromechanical systems with emphasis on reliability or 5+ years with a masters degree in a related field.
• Experience in dynamic engineering environment with evolving systems and processes.
• Ability to lead reliability initiatives from conception to completion and mentor or lead small groups of engineers.
• Experience executing challenging multi-system engineering projects.
• Knowledge of Failure Mode and Effects Analysis (FMEA).
• Ability to set up and automate repetitive testing operations.
• Data analysis and reporting with Python, Matlab, Google Docs, Weibull++, JMP.

Responsibilities

• Perform reliability testing including mechanical stress tests, shock, vibration and environmental testing.
• Prepare concise and detailed test plans and reports.
• Conduct failure analysis to derive root causes.
• Direct and develop design engineers in the reliability analysis process.
• Lead cross-functional teams executing FMEA for design, process and maintenance.
• Develop verification test plans with design engineers based on system and sub-system specs.
• Design, build and run specialized test equipment to test electrical circuits with rapid design cycles.
• Guide design team on UL/NFPA standards for electrical & fuel system components.

Skills

FMEA

Data analysis

Python

Matlab

Education

Bachelor of Science in Electrical or Mechanical Engineering

Master's degree in related field

Tools

Python

Matlab

Weibull++

JMP

Job description

About Mainspring

Mainspring Energy manufactures and delivers fuel-flexible, low-emissions local power solutions that rapidly add new capacity and deliver reliable, affordable, and sustainable electric power. The company began commercial shipments of its Mainspring Linear Generators in 2020 and today has hundreds of megawatts in advanced development and field operations for leading Fortune 500 companies, data centers, and utilities. Mainspring also partners with global energy leaders including AEP, NextEra Energy Resources, Schneider Electric, and more.

The core values that ground our work, guide our decisions, and connect us together:

• Pragmatic Optimism
• Excellence without Ego
• Proactive Collaboration

Mainspring Energy is growing rapidly and has begun to manufacture its Linear Generators in volume, and reliability is a crucial element to the success of the product. The reliability team is responsible for evaluating design risks, and implementing tests and analyses to quantify and reduce risk to an acceptable level for the target market. Reliability engineers will use tools such as FMEA, HALT and root-cause analysis on a regular basis. The successful candidate is highly organized and communicative, and will thrive in a nimble fast-paced environment that includes product engineering, R&D and manufacturing.

• Perform reliability testing including mechanical stress tests, shock, vibration and environmental testing.
• Prepare concise and detailed test plans and reports.
• Conduct failure analysis using analytical techniques and methodology to derive root cause.
• Direct and develop design engineers in the implementation of the product performance risk analysis process.
• Lead cross functional teams executing FMEA for design, process and maintenance.
• Develop verification test plans with design engineers based on system and sub-system specs and possess the knowledge of system architecture and industry standard protocols.
• Design, build and run specialized test equipment as required to test unique electrical operating circuits with an emphasis on maximizing test output to obtain results with rapid design cycles.
• Based on knowledge of UL and NFPA standards, guide cross-functional design team for excellence of design in electrical & fuel system components.

• Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering or Mechanical Engineering
• 8+ years experience with testing for mechanical, electrical or electromechanical systems with an emphasis on reliability or 5+ years with a masters degree in a related field
• Experience working in a dynamic engineering environment, where systems and processes are evolving rapidly.
• Demonstrated ability to independently spearhead reliability initiatives from conception to completion, leveraging strong interpersonal skills to mentor or lead small groups of engineers
• Demonstrated ability to execute challenging multi-system engineering projects
• In depth understanding and use of FMEA (Failure Mode and Effects Analysis)
• Ability to set up and automate a variety of repetitive testing operations.
• Data Analysis and reporting capabilities (Python, Matlab, Google Docs, Weibull ++, JMP, etc.)
• Experience with CAPA (Corrective Action Preventative Action) type processes (RCA, 8D, etc.), in iterative development to improve products.
• Proficiency and knowledge in use of a wide variety of instrumentation/sensors and DAQ devices
• Strong understanding of electrical system concepts and components, a plus
• Understanding of failure characterization and reliability of HV/LV electronics hardware, a plus
• Experience using failure analysis techniques such as X-ray, CT, cross-sectioning and optical microscopy, a plus.
• Experience in compliance testing and knowledge of standards (UL, IEC, etc.), a plus.
• Strong understanding of mechanical assemblies, a plus.

Does your experience not meet all of our posted requirements? Studies have shown that some people are less likely to apply to positions unless they meet every listed requirement. At Mainspring, we are committed to building a diverse, inclusive, flexible, and collaborative environment, so if you want to help us transition the world to clean and affordable electricity, and don’t meet all posted requirements for a particular role, we’d still love to hear from you. Mainspring can sometimes be flexible enough to shift responsibilities for the right person, or otherwise identify open or upcoming roles that may better fit your professional background.

In more traditional words, Mainspring Energy, Inc 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, or protected veteran status and will not be discriminated against on the basis of disability.

This compensation and benefits information is based on Mainspring Energy's estimate as of the date of publication and may be modified in the future. We generally do not negotiate on salary once we have made an offer. The level of pay within the range will depend on a variety of job-related factors that may include location, relevant prior experience and/or education, or particular skills and expertise. New hires joining the company tend to be paid within the starting base pay range noted above, with opportunities to increase pay over time based on development of additional skills, competencies, and company-specific knowledge.