A Hardware Test Engineer is a professional who plays a crucial role in ensuring the quality and functionality of hardware products. They are responsible for designing, developing, and implementing tests to evaluate the performance, reliability, and compatibility of hardware components and systems. In this blog post, we describe the primary responsibilities and the most in-demand hard and soft skills for Hardware Test Engineers.

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Main Responsibilities of a Hardware Test Engineer

The following list describes the typical responsibilities of a Hardware Test Engineer:

Analyze

• Analyze and resolve hardware test issues.

• Analyze test results and provide feedback to the development team for product improvement.

Assist in

Assist in various material and device R&D experiments.

Assure

Assure test hardware quality by monitoring KPI trends, matrices, yields and maintenance records.

Collaborate

• Collaborate with hardware design engineers to understand product specifications and requirements.

• Collaborate with manufacturing teams to ensure the successful transfer of tested designs to production.

• Collaborate with software test engineers to ensure proper integration between hardware and software.

• Collaborate with vendors and suppliers to ensure the quality and reliability of hardware components.

Complete

Complete design and development projects by training and guiding technicians.

Comprehend

Comprehend and apply standards that pertain to AMR performance and testing.

Conduct

• Conduct electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) testing to assess the impact of electromagnetic interference on hardware.

• Conduct regression testing to verify the impact of hardware changes on existing functionality.

• Conduct reliability testing to evaluate the lifespan and durability of hardware products.

• Conduct tests to evaluate hardware performance and execute to the test plan.

• Conduct various types of tests, including functional, performance, stress, and compatibility testing.

• Conduct weekly H / W status review with OSAT and provide weekly update reports for management review.

Configure

Configure windows-based test platforms and PC hardware.

Convey

Convey effective and clear communication to management on status of projects.

Coordinate

• Coordinate with the team to qualify new test setup and prepare for production ramp.

• Coordinate with the design engineers to highlight problems and suggest areas for improvement.

Create

• Create and maintain hardware stress test cases.

• Create and maintain test plans for new product development and sustaining engineering activities.

• Create new test plans to improve RF test coverage and or create targeted testing for a new feature.

• Create test cases and test scripts to verify the functionality of hardware components.

• Create the software tools to further enhance post-test data analysis.

• Create well written bugs and communicate issues / defects to the team.

Custom

Custom detector test platform design, integration and debugging.

Debug

Debug hardware and software issues.

Define

Define test methodology, document test plans, and ensure customer level specifications are met.

Design

• Design and develop test plans and strategies for hardware validation.

• Design and execute hardware characterization and validation tests using automated scripts / software.

• Design circuits and layout PCBs for production equipment.

• Design mechanical and electrical test fixtures.

• Design Transfer to Manufacturing Processes.

Develop

• Develop and implement detailed test plans and procedures for electrical sub-systems.

• Develop and implement test automation strategies to increase test coverage and efficiency.

• Develop and implement test methodology for verifying operation of complex systems.

• Develop and maintain test procedures and guidelines for standardized testing processes.

• Develop automated test scripts and frameworks to improve efficiency and accuracy.

• Develop ladder logic used for HW testing.

• Develop tools and processes to automate hardware testing.

Document

Document test setups, test plans and results.

Drive

• Drive best practices across global hardware teams.

• Drive improvements in product quality during pilot ramp.

Ensure

• Ensure client-side performance requirements are met including Serdes.

• Ensure compliance with industry standards and regulations during testing processes.

• Ensure customer level specifications are met.

• Ensure H / W performance repeatability during site transfer.

• Ensure product performance by analyzing data from a SQL database.

• Ensure safety protocols are followed.

• Ensure traceability and retention of equipment maintenance records and inventory information.

Execute

Execute to plan and schedule to get our products into the hands of innovators around the world.

Gather

Gather and analyze data with excel, ubuntu terminal commands, bash and python scripts.

Identify

Identify and troubleshoot hardware defects and work with cross-functional teams to resolve issues.

Implement

Implement fixes and patches to assure test H / W stability and quality in HVM.

Investigate

Investigate issue and propose solution or work-around.

Launch

Launch and execute a host of test tools for manual test validation.

Lead

Lead technical tasks for small teams or projects.

Maintain

• Maintain current test fixtures and software.

• Maintain lab equipment and inventory.

• Maintain professional and technical knowledge by attending educational workshops and trainings.

• Maintain test documentation, including test plans, test reports, and defect tracking records.

• Maintain test system hardware and provide technical support for production.

Manage

• Manage test environments and equipment, including setup, calibration, and maintenance.

• Manage test schedules and prioritize testing tasks based on project timelines.

Mentor

Mentor and train junior test engineers on testing methodologies and best practices.

Monitor

• Monitor and implement test processes and data flow.

• Monitor and report H / W design issues during HVM phase.

Own

Own validation, compatibility and production test coverage for our products.

Participate in

• Participate in design reviews and provide input to improve the testability of hardware products.

• Participate in the selection and evaluation of test equipment and tools.

Perform

• Perform and support qualification testing and provide test reports.

• Perform equipment GR&R / MSA and resolve discrepancy.

• Perform functional, stress, system, and other types of testing.

• Perform pre-qualification testing.

• Perform root cause analysis on hardware failures and provide recommendations for improvement.

• Perform statistical analysis on test data to identify trends and patterns.

• Perform statistical data analysis on large data sets to characterize and improve the product.

• Perform system-level testing to validate the integration of hardware components.

Plan

Plan and execute test cases for hardware acceptance testing.

Prepare

Prepare and submit progress reports.

Provide

• Provide technical support to technicians for various testing activities.

• Provide technical support to the customer service team to address hardware-related issues.

• Provide training to factory workers on testing and debugging products.

Revise

Revise test setup procedures and perform verification and validation tests.

Seek out

Seek out and implement more efficient testing strategies for the range of current products.

Stay updated with

Stay updated with emerging technologies and industry trends in hardware testing methodologies.

Suggest

Suggest product changes to Design Engineering to improve product quality, and testability.

Support

• Support and help redefine product testing in a fast-paced production environment.

• Support electronics testing and functional failure debugging.

• Support HW design team as needed for building and board bring up of electronic hardware prototypes.

• Support quality analysis and evaluation of development, proto, and pilot units.

Test

• Test development and software automation using Python, C++, and / or NI TestStand.

• Test RF design and LTE / Wi-Fi performance in particular RF parameters within 3GPP, IEEE specs.

Track

Track test progress, document bugs, and fixes and produce regular progress reports.

Troubleshoot

• Troubleshoot and maintain test systems and equipment.

• Troubleshoot electronic circuitry using diagnostic tools such as multimeters and oscilloscopes.

• Troubleshoot, repair, and report industrial robot failure.

Understand

• Understand complex test systems using schematics and wiring diagrams.

• Understand test requirements and develop procedures.

Use

• Use of SQL query and data analysis tools (e.g., Spotfire, JMP).

• Use six sigma tools for root cause / failure analysis.

Utilize

Utilize a thorough root cause analysis process to tackle challenges quickly and effectively.

Validate

• Validate hardware designs for regulatory compliance, such as safety standards and certifications.

• Validate new FW updates and all associated update scenarios.

Work with

• Work cross-functionally with other departments and prioritize work queues.

• Work with cross-functional teams to define and execute hardware validation plans.

• Work with Electrical Engineering teams to deep dive into failure analysis investigations.

Write

• Write and maintain test automation scripts for hardware stress testing.

• Write test reports.

Most In-demand Hard Skills

The following list describes the most required technical skills of a Hardware Test Engineer:

1. Proficiency in hardware testing methodologies and best practices.

2. Strong knowledge of electrical and electronic systems.

3. Experience in designing and executing test plans and test cases.

4. Familiarity with test automation tools and frameworks.

5. Ability to read and interpret hardware schematics and datasheets.

6. Knowledge of industry standards and regulations for hardware testing.

7. Understanding of signal integrity and power integrity concepts.

8. Proficiency in using test equipment, such as oscilloscopes, multimeters, and logic analyzers.

9. Experience with hardware debugging and troubleshooting techniques.

10. Knowledge of programming languages, such as Python or C++.

11. Familiarity with hardware description languages, like VHDL or Verilog.

12. Understanding of digital and analog circuit design principles.

13. Knowledge of computer architecture and microprocessors.

14. Experience in conducting performance and reliability testing.

15. Familiarity with environmental testing, including temperature and humidity chambers.

16. Understanding of electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) testing.

17. Knowledge of statistical analysis techniques for test data.

18. Proficiency in using defect tracking and test management tools.

19. Experience in testing hardware for different operating systems and platforms.

20. Familiarity with Agile and DevOps methodologies for testing.

Most In-demand Soft Skills

The following list describes the most required soft skills of a Hardware Test Engineer:

1. Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.

2. Attention to detail and meticulousness in testing processes.

3. Excellent communication and collaboration skills.

4. Ability to work effectively in cross-functional teams.

5. Time management and organizational skills to meet project deadlines.

6. Adaptability and flexibility to handle changing priorities.

7. Curiosity and eagerness to learn about new technologies and testing methodologies.

8. Strong documentation and reporting skills.

9. Patience and persistence in troubleshooting hardware issues.

10. Ability to work under pressure and in a fast-paced environment.

Conclusion

Being a Hardware Test Engineer requires a combination of technical expertise, critical thinking, and effective communication skills. The responsibilities range from designing test strategies to troubleshooting hardware defects, ensuring compliance with industry standards, and collaborating with cross-functional teams. In addition to technical skills in hardware testing methodologies and tools, soft skills like communication, problem-solving, and adaptability are crucial for success in this role.