Manufacturing Test Engineer

About The Team

The Hardware division at OpenAI designs specialized AI-centric silicon and integrated systems tailored for advanced AI workloads. Building on innovations such as Jalapeño, this team focuses on developing next-generation AI-specific chips and systems to support cutting-edge AI models. Their approach involves co-designing hardware, software tools, and methodologies to deliver fast, efficient, and production-ready hardware for OpenAI's supercomputing infrastructure.

Role Overview

The Manufacturing Test Engineer will lead the strategy, creation, and execution of manufacturing tests for intricate AI hardware systems. This includes formulating and implementing comprehensive test coverage spanning ICT, functional circuit tests, tray-level functional assessments, and full system manufacturing tests throughout the product lifecycle.

Key Responsibilities

• Establish and execute manufacturing test strategies for board, tray, and system-level hardware during EVT, DVT, PVT, and scale-up production phases.
• Develop and oversee test coverages such as in-circuit tests, board functional tests, tray-level functional and integration tests, as well as system manufacturing and bring-up evaluations.
• Collaborate closely with hardware design, diagnostics/software, manufacturing, quality, external integrators, and suppliers to convert product requirements into reliable, scalable manufacturing test solutions.
• Review test data rigorously to troubleshoot defects, enhance yields, and ensure readiness from early product development to large-scale manufacturing.
• Partner with manufacturers, integrators, and vendors to set up and validate test stations, including fixtures, automation software, calibration, and operator protocols.
• Analyze manufacturing test outputs and metrics—such as failure trends and false failures—to identify improvement areas and implement corrective actions.
• Lead debugging efforts for test failures, identifying root causes whether in design, process, equipment, or operation.
• Continuously improve test processes focusing on coverage, cycle time, power/cooling efficiency, reliability, data accuracy, and reducing test escapes.
• Ensure new product test readiness through defining specifications, validation, correlation studies, station acceptance, and production release criteria.
• Set scalable manufacturing test standards and best practices for OpenAI's expanding hardware portfolio.

Candidate Profile

• Proven experience designing and deploying manufacturing tests for sophisticated electronics, servers, networking equipment, or high-performance computing hardware.
• Strong understanding of board-level and system-level test methods, including ICT, boundary scan, functional tests, burn-in, stress testing, and diagnostic tools.
• Ability to work seamlessly between engineering development and manufacturing operations, aligning design intent with factory execution.
• Advanced troubleshooting skills using test results, system logs, diagnostics, telemetry, schematics, and lab measurements.
• Excellent communication skills for coordinating across teams and external partners under tight deadlines.
• Comfortable working in a fast-paced environment requiring high accountability and adaptability amid ambiguity.

Educational and Experience Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, or related disciplines. Equivalent practical experience is also acceptable.
• Minimum of 5 years' experience in manufacturing test engineering, new product introduction test development, or related hardware testing roles.
• Hands-on experience with ICT/structural board testing, board-level functional test creation, tray/chassis/system manufacturing tests, production diagnostics, and test fixture or station design.
• Experience collaborating with contract manufacturers, systems integrators, JDMs, and testers to implement and maintain production test systems.
• Strong analytical capabilities to interpret test data, track yields, failure mechanisms, and manufacturing statistics.
• Proven cross-functional teamwork involving engineering, diagnostics, manufacturing, quality assurance, and supplier communications.

Preferred Additional Qualifications

• Experience with server and AI accelerator hardware, including networking, power infrastructure, or data center equipment.
• Familiarity with manufacturing test automation, scripting (Python, Bash), Linux diagnostics, data pipelines, and CI/release control in factory settings.
• Background supporting high-volume production scale-ups and factory launches in Asia or global manufacturing venues.
• Knowledge of design for test (DFT) principles and their impact on testability, debugging, and production yield.
• Experience in failure analysis, root cause identification, and implementing corrective measures in manufacturing contexts.

Additional Information

OpenAI prioritizes equal employment opportunities and inclusion without discrimination based on various legally protected characteristics. Background checks apply as mandated by local regulations, considering fairness and legal compliance. Reasonable accommodations are available for applicants with disabilities.

OpenAI is devoted to developing AI responsibly to benefit humanity, working to foster diverse voices and perspectives while advancing AI technology.