Rack Level Manufacturing Test Engineer
SambaNova Systems is hiring a Rack Level Manufacturing Test Engineer in San Jose, United States. It pays $150k-$190k a year and Level rates it ; you can apply on SambaNova Systems.
Level's read on this job
- On Level's scale, this role is Works on AI ●●●○: the daily work is on AI products, without building the model.
- The posting mentions Python, Bash and Go among its tools and skills.
- Level classes it as a mid-level role.
- SambaNova Systems has 71 other open roles on Level.
AI in this role
Design and optimize automated test solutions and infrastructure for fully integrated AI hardware rack systems.
SambaNova is a leader in next-generation AI infrastructure, delivering a full-stack inference platform for customers worldwide. At the core of SambaNova's technology is the RDU (Reconfigurable Dataflow Unit) — a chip built on a dataflow architecture rather than the traditional GPU model. Its decode performance is especially strong for agentic workloads like multi-turn agents, code generation, and long-running applications. RDUs are packaged into SambaRack, rack-scale hardware that lets customers deploy state-of-the-art models with better performance, greater energy efficiency, and faster time to value.
About the Role
We are seeking a hands-on Rack-level Manufacturing Test Engineer to design, develop, implement test strategies and optimize for fully integrated rack systems. Main focus will be on end-to-end testing of compute, power, cooling and networking components testing at the rack level.
You will work cross-functionally with engineering, manufacturing, and suppliers to build robust automated test solutions, reduce test escapes, and support new product introduction (NPI) to production.
Responsibilities
Test Development and Automation
- Rack Test Development: Design, build, and optimize automated manufacturing test sequences specifically tailored for integrated system racks (e.g., L10 to L12 integration levels).
- Infrastructure & Provisioning: Develop robust orchestration environments to automate firmware flashing (BIOS/BMC), network switch configuration, and operating system deployment at scale.
- Power & Thermal Validation: Implement rack-level stress testing, including load-balancing validation, thermal throttling assessments, and power shelf/PDU (Power Distribution Unit) margin testing.
Automated Test Infrastructure
- Scripting & Automation: Write and maintain test scripts using Python, Bash, or Go to automate system diagnostic tools, network topology validation, and peripheral checks.
- Diagnostic Tools: Integrate system diagnostics and stress-testing frameworks into the manufacturing execution system (MES).
- Data Analysis & Yield Monitoring: Analyze rack-level parametric test data, monitor manufacturing yields, and establish automated pass/fail criteria to catch assembly or component-level escapes.
Manufacturing Support
- Provide hands-on support to manufacturing test technicians for troubleshooting and repair
- Train and guide manufacturing teams on proper use of test equipment and fixtures
- Ensure stability and uptime of test systems on the production floor
New Product Introduction (NPI) and Global Operations
- New Product Introduction (NPI): Collaborate with Hardware Design and Software Engineering teams during early prototype phases to ensure the product design supports rack-level testability (DFR/DFT).
- Root Cause Analysis: Drive complex triage efforts for failure analysis at the rack system level, identifying whether issues stem from cabling, firmware mismatches, network configurations, or component defects.
- Factory Deployment: Deploy and support test lines at global contract manufacturing (CM) partner sites, creating clear documentation, standard operating procedures (SOPs), and training for factory technicians.
Required Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering (BSEE) or related field
- 5–7+ years of experience in system-level or rack-level manufacturing test engineering
- Strong hands-on experience with manufacturing test systems and troubleshooting
- Experience with automated test development and test equipment integration
- Strong problem-solving skills and ability to work cross-functionally
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience with hardware/software integration testing
- Familiarity with test frameworks, scripting, and automation tools
- Experience working with contract manufacturers and global production environments
- Knowledge of quality and reliability methodologies (e.g., root cause analysis, DFx)
- Experience supporting high-volume manufacturing and product ramp
- Experience with data center hardware operations
Base Salary Range:
Base Pay Range$150,000—$190,000 USDSubmission Guidelines
Please note that in order to be considered an applicant for any position at SambaNova Systems, you must submit an application form for each position for which you believe you are qualified.
EEO Policy
SambaNova Systems is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard basis of age (40 and over), color, disability, gender identity, genetic information, marital status, military or veteran status, national origin/ancestry, race, religion, creed, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding), sexual orientation, and any other applicable status protected by federal, state, or local laws.
Benefits Summary for US-Based, Full-Time Employment Positions
SambaNova offers a competitive total rewards package, including the base salary, plus equity and benefits. We cover 95% premium coverage for employee medical insurance, and 77% premium coverage for dependents and offer a Health Savings Account (HSA) with employer contribution. We also offer Dental, Vision, Short/Long term Disability, Basic Life, Voluntary Life, and AD&D insurance plans in addition to Flexible Spending Account (FSA) options like Health Care, Limited Purpose, and Dependent Care. Our library of well-being benefits available to you and your dependents includes a full subscription to Headspace, Gympass+ membership with access to physical gyms, One Medical membership, counseling services with an Employee Assistance Program, and much more.
How we rate this
Rack Level Manufacturing Test Engineer at SambaNova Systems rates 65 out of 100 for how much of the daily work is AI. That makes it Works on AI (AI Level 3 of 4). The level is about AI in the job, not seniority.
Works on AI. The daily work is on AI products, without building the model.
- ●●●● Builds AI80 to 100
- ●●●○ Works on AI60 to 79
- ●●○○ Uses AI40 to 59
- ●○○○ Little AI0 to 39
Levels come from how often the tools, models and workflows of the role are named in the posting itself. Read the description and count the AI tools, models and workflows it names.
Prepare for this job
Built from this posting and from similar jobs on Level.
Skills and AI tools this role asks for
Questions you could be asked
- Tell me about a project where hardware testing was part of your work. What did you do?
- Tell me about a project where automation was part of your work. What did you do?
- Tell me about a project where firmware was part of your work. What did you do?
- What's a project where you used Python hands-on?
- Walk me through how you've used Bash in your day-to-day work.
Adapt your resume
- List these exact terms on your resume: Hardware Testing, Automation, Firmware, Python, and Bash. An applicant tracking system matches the wording, not the idea.
- Attach one line of real, concrete experience to at least one of them. A tool named with nothing behind it rarely survives a human read.
- Show where AI is part of your daily process, not a one-off project. This role expects it to be a running habit.
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