Head of Hardware Reliability & Failure Analysis

About Halter

Halter is transforming agriculture by empowering farmers and graziers to operate more productively and sustainably. Their innovative livestock management technology allows cattle to move calmly without traditional methods such as quad bikes, dogs, or fences, revolutionizing grazing practices across New Zealand, Australia, and the USA, with further international expansion underway. Halter’s dynamic team thrives on solving challenging problems with a high-performance culture backed by leading venture investors.

Role Overview

We are seeking a seasoned Head of Reliability and Failure Analysis to establish and lead our internal reliability function. This critical leadership role will elevate Halter's hardware reliability efforts from experience-based to scientifically driven, supporting simultaneous development across multiple product lines. As hardware gains strategic prominence, this position offers a unique opportunity for rapid career advancement in a fast-moving, high-stakes environment. Reporting to the VP of Product & Engineering, you will oversee reliability engineering, test engineering, and failure analysis teams.

Responsibilities

• Define and maintain clear reliability standards, ensuring these are embedded early in design and proven before product milestones.
• Create practical reliability criteria and exit conditions for each product and major update, turning field risks into test plans and readiness gates.
• Lead reliability sign-offs at key stages such as Design Validation Test (DVT) and Production Validation Test (PVT).
• Collaborate with design teams during product inception to influence architecture, material choices, and design margins to proactively ensure reliability.
• Develop world-class test engineering capabilities with robust, scalable, and repeatable testing infrastructure including chambers, rigs, data acquisition systems, automation, procedures, and calibration.
• Maintain trustworthy and accessible test data, increasing throughput without sacrificing quality.
• Head failure analysis efforts for field returns and testing failures, operating a comprehensive failure analysis laboratory and process for root cause investigations and corrective action.
• Drive root cause to corrective action cycles in partnership with design, production, and supplier quality teams, ensuring permanent resolution and continuous product improvement.
• Build, lead, and grow high-performing teams across the three core areas, setting operational rhythms and coordinating cross-functional alignment.

Success Indicators

• Confidence in product launches with comprehensive evidence.
• Progressive reduction in field issues with rapid learning and permanent fixes.
• Clear, respected, and documented reliability decisions.
• Scalable and trustworthy testing systems.
• A top-tier team proud of their reliability standards, making Halter renowned worldwide for dependable hardware.

Candidate Profile

• Over 8 years of leadership experience, preferably with high-reliability IoT or consumer electronics hardware.
• Proven ability to thrive in rapidly scaling, high-accountability product companies.
• Expertise in environmental and accelerated life testing, HALT/HASS, and driving reliability growth.
• Deep knowledge of test jigs, instrumentation, data acquisition, and automation tools.
• Successful background in building technical teams, processes, and lab infrastructure.
• Strong judgement on prioritization, knowing when to escalate or simplify and when to halt progress for quality.
• Extensive experience leading formal root cause analysis and corrective action processes from failure identification through verification.
• Exceptional collaborator with a humble and high-standard approach to cross-functional teamwork.

Benefits

• Access to quality snacks and beverages to keep you energized.
• Comprehensive health coverage through partnership with Southern Cross Health Insurance.
• Generous parental leave provisions including 6 months fully paid primary caregiver leave and 4 weeks paid secondary caregiver leave, among other family benefits.
• $1000 annual allowance dedicated to personal development and growth.
• Wellness leave plus unlimited paid vacation to support work-life balance.
• Competitive salary package complemented by benefits and employee stock ownership plan.

Work Culture and Approach

Halter embraces an office-first culture recognizing the value of in-person connection, collaboration, and relationship-building essential for growth and impact. While primarily office-based, flexible remote work is accommodated within a high-trust environment. Employees describe the company atmosphere as highly energizing, motivating, and conducive to learning and innovation.

Diversity & Inclusion

Dedicated to fostering a diverse and inclusive environment, Halter encourages applications from all qualified candidates, including underrepresented groups. Candidates meeting some but not all qualifications are invited to apply as potential fit will be assessed holistically.

How to Apply

If you are passionate about influencing hardware reliability at scale and advancing your career in a mission-driven company, please submit your cover letter detailing your interest in this role along with your CV for consideration.