Nextracker
Sr Reliability Engineer, Power Electronics & Electrical
Nextracker, Fremont, California, United States, 94536
Sr Reliability Engineer, Power Electronics & Electrical
Nextracker is seeking a highly motivated and detail-oriented Sr Reliability Engineer, Power Electronics & Electrical to join our Reliability team. In this role, you will drive the reliability, robustness, and long-term performance of our power electronics and electrical cabling products throughout their lifecyclefrom concept and design to testing and deployment. This role merges rigorous design reliability practices with hands-on validation and failure analysis in a fast-paced, cross-functional environment. Key Responsibilities: Design for Reliability:
Implement advanced DfR methodologies to proactively mitigate potential failure modes in high-voltage and power electronic systems. Perform component derating analysis, thermal/mechanical stress evaluations, and ensure compliance with standards (JEDEC, IEC, UL). Conduct DFMECA and Fault Tree Analysis, and own the reliability requirements definition and tracking. Testing & Validation:
Lead and define HALT/HASS testing protocols to expose early-life and latent design weaknesses. Develop and execute accelerated life testing (ALT) strategies across electrical, thermal, and mechanical domains, aligned with real-world usage profiles. Perform hands-on power converter validation (step load testing, power cycling, vibration testing, etc.) using lab instrumentation (oscilloscopes, spectrum analyzers, etc.). Failure Analysis & Corrective Action:
Investigate failures in design, validation, and field environments using advanced techniques such as SEM/EDS, X-ray, FTIR, and dye/pry methods. Coordinate internal and third-party failure analysis efforts and drive implementation of corrective and preventive actions. Design tests needed to verify failure mode and see through implementation of corrective actions and solutions. Simulation & Modeling:
Use LT Spice, OrCAD, and simulation tools to analyze and validate circuit behavior under stress. Perform reliability prediction and modeling using tools such as ANSYS, RAM Commander, ReliaSoft, and Windchill. Cross-Functional Collaboration:
Partner with design, test, and supplier engineering teams to ensure reliability targets are met throughout development cycles. Serve as the technical leader in reliability risk reviews and design validation gates. Responsible for communicating progress through presentations and technical reports to management. Qualifications: Bachelor's or Master's degree in
Electrical Engineering
,
Power Electronics
, or a related field. Master's degree preferred Proven experience (7+ years) working with high voltage systems, high power electronics, and DC-DC converters, preferably in renewable power electronics, electric vehicle, or industrial power systems. Experience with reliability standards and analysis methods: DFMEA, MTBF, FIT, ALT, HALT, and HASS. Background in
Ansys Sherlock
, Physics of failure principles and failure rate predictions based on stress factors like vibration, shock, temperature cycling and thermal gradients. Knowledge of
industry standards
and certifications for power electronics, including
IEC
,
UL
,
JEDEC
and
IEEE
. Preferred Qualifications: Knowledge of Physics of Failure principles, Weibull life data analysis, and stress-based modeling techniques. Experience with PCBA-level derating analysis and reliability assessments for data center or energy infrastructure applications. Hands-on lab skills with electrical, thermal, and vibration test environments. Experience with Insulation Resistance, Dielectric Withstand and environmental testing for PV cabling, connectors and polymer overmolds. Familiarity with reliability planning for product field deployment and field return data analysis. At Nextracker, we offer a comprehensive benefits package. We provide health care coverage, dental and vision, 401(K) participation including company matching, company paid holidays with unlimited paid time off, generous discretionary company bonuses, life and disability protection and more. Employees in certain positions may be eligible for stock compensation. All plans are in accordance with relevant plan documents. For more information on Nextracker's benefits please view our company website. Pay is based on market location and may vary based on factors including experience, skills, education and other job-related reasons. The annual salary range for this position is $160,000 -180,000 At Nextracker, we are leading in the energy transition, providing the most comprehensive portfolio of intelligent solar tracker and software solutions for solar power plants, as well as strategic services to capture the full value of solar power plants for our customers. Our talented worldwide teams are transforming PV plant performance every day with smart technology, data monitoring and analysis services. For us at Nextracker, sustainability is not just a word. It's a core part of our business, values and our operations. Our sustainability efforts are based on five cornerstones: People, Community, Environment, Innovation, and Integrity. We are creative, collaborative and passionate problem-solvers from diverse backgrounds, driven by our shared mission to provide smart solar and software solutions for our customers and to mitigate climate change for future generations. Nextracker is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.
Nextracker is seeking a highly motivated and detail-oriented Sr Reliability Engineer, Power Electronics & Electrical to join our Reliability team. In this role, you will drive the reliability, robustness, and long-term performance of our power electronics and electrical cabling products throughout their lifecyclefrom concept and design to testing and deployment. This role merges rigorous design reliability practices with hands-on validation and failure analysis in a fast-paced, cross-functional environment. Key Responsibilities: Design for Reliability:
Implement advanced DfR methodologies to proactively mitigate potential failure modes in high-voltage and power electronic systems. Perform component derating analysis, thermal/mechanical stress evaluations, and ensure compliance with standards (JEDEC, IEC, UL). Conduct DFMECA and Fault Tree Analysis, and own the reliability requirements definition and tracking. Testing & Validation:
Lead and define HALT/HASS testing protocols to expose early-life and latent design weaknesses. Develop and execute accelerated life testing (ALT) strategies across electrical, thermal, and mechanical domains, aligned with real-world usage profiles. Perform hands-on power converter validation (step load testing, power cycling, vibration testing, etc.) using lab instrumentation (oscilloscopes, spectrum analyzers, etc.). Failure Analysis & Corrective Action:
Investigate failures in design, validation, and field environments using advanced techniques such as SEM/EDS, X-ray, FTIR, and dye/pry methods. Coordinate internal and third-party failure analysis efforts and drive implementation of corrective and preventive actions. Design tests needed to verify failure mode and see through implementation of corrective actions and solutions. Simulation & Modeling:
Use LT Spice, OrCAD, and simulation tools to analyze and validate circuit behavior under stress. Perform reliability prediction and modeling using tools such as ANSYS, RAM Commander, ReliaSoft, and Windchill. Cross-Functional Collaboration:
Partner with design, test, and supplier engineering teams to ensure reliability targets are met throughout development cycles. Serve as the technical leader in reliability risk reviews and design validation gates. Responsible for communicating progress through presentations and technical reports to management. Qualifications: Bachelor's or Master's degree in
Electrical Engineering
,
Power Electronics
, or a related field. Master's degree preferred Proven experience (7+ years) working with high voltage systems, high power electronics, and DC-DC converters, preferably in renewable power electronics, electric vehicle, or industrial power systems. Experience with reliability standards and analysis methods: DFMEA, MTBF, FIT, ALT, HALT, and HASS. Background in
Ansys Sherlock
, Physics of failure principles and failure rate predictions based on stress factors like vibration, shock, temperature cycling and thermal gradients. Knowledge of
industry standards
and certifications for power electronics, including
IEC
,
UL
,
JEDEC
and
IEEE
. Preferred Qualifications: Knowledge of Physics of Failure principles, Weibull life data analysis, and stress-based modeling techniques. Experience with PCBA-level derating analysis and reliability assessments for data center or energy infrastructure applications. Hands-on lab skills with electrical, thermal, and vibration test environments. Experience with Insulation Resistance, Dielectric Withstand and environmental testing for PV cabling, connectors and polymer overmolds. Familiarity with reliability planning for product field deployment and field return data analysis. At Nextracker, we offer a comprehensive benefits package. We provide health care coverage, dental and vision, 401(K) participation including company matching, company paid holidays with unlimited paid time off, generous discretionary company bonuses, life and disability protection and more. Employees in certain positions may be eligible for stock compensation. All plans are in accordance with relevant plan documents. For more information on Nextracker's benefits please view our company website. Pay is based on market location and may vary based on factors including experience, skills, education and other job-related reasons. The annual salary range for this position is $160,000 -180,000 At Nextracker, we are leading in the energy transition, providing the most comprehensive portfolio of intelligent solar tracker and software solutions for solar power plants, as well as strategic services to capture the full value of solar power plants for our customers. Our talented worldwide teams are transforming PV plant performance every day with smart technology, data monitoring and analysis services. For us at Nextracker, sustainability is not just a word. It's a core part of our business, values and our operations. Our sustainability efforts are based on five cornerstones: People, Community, Environment, Innovation, and Integrity. We are creative, collaborative and passionate problem-solvers from diverse backgrounds, driven by our shared mission to provide smart solar and software solutions for our customers and to mitigate climate change for future generations. Nextracker is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.