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Manufacturing Test Engineer

WindBorne Systems is supercharging weather models with a unique proprietary data source: a global constellation of next-generation smart weather balloons targeting the most critical atmospheric data. We design, manufacture, and operate our own balloons, using the data they collect to generate otherwise unattainable weather intelligence.

Our mission is to eliminate weather uncertainty, and in the process help humanity adapt to climate change, be that predicting hurricanes or speeding the adoption of renewables. We are building a future in which the planet is instrumented by thousands of our microballoons, eliminating gaps in our understanding of the planet and giving people and businesses the information they need to make critical decisions. The founding team of Stanford engineers was named Forbes 2019 30 under 30 and is backed by top-tier investors, including Khosla Ventures and Footwork VC.

WindBorne is looking for a Manufacturing Test Engineer to ensure the quality and reliability of our products while we exponentially scale our manufacturing production. You will take ownership of developing and implementing internal testing systems aimed at ensuring the consistent delivery of high-quality units to the field. Additionally, you will play a crucial role in diagnosing issues with returned units, identifying root causes, and implementing corrective measures to enhance product reliability and performance. The test role at WindBorne is fairly unusual thanks to a combination of two factors: First, there is still tremendous potential for improvement of the hardware capabilities, even as we simultaneously work to scale. It’s not unreasonable for a major design update to come with a 2x performance improvement, so it’s necessary to rapidly move from R&D to volume production.

Secondly, as a data company, we are both the builders and the users of our hardware, and can freely set the acceptable level of reliability based on operational needs. If we can improve performance by 50% but raise failure rates by 10%, that can be a totally worthwhile trade to get more net data. Your job will be to identify and quantify failure modes, design tests to investigate failures in manufacturing and flight, and generally work to improve manufacturing. You will also work with the responsible design engineers to develop solutions that you will help implement and create testing to ensure they are followed. We're dedicated to helping humanity adapt to climate change as fast as possible, and you can be a part of our mission to make this global societal impact. If you like the idea of working on cutting-edge technology, and working with a fast-moving team, WindBorne is the place for you.

Responsibilities

  • Design and implement testing frameworks for manufacturing quality control. This includes creating testing fixtures, collecting and processing data, and designing testing methodologies. 

  • Continue and improve the existing testing frameworks of our product.

  • Collaborate with the responsible engineers to resolve quality-related issues and implement process improvements.

  • Investigate hardware failures in the field and suggest immediate corrective actions.

  • Day to day “firefighting” of issues that come up on the manufacturing floor.

  • Support new product development projects to ensure quality requirements are met throughout the product lifecycle.

Skills and Qualifications

Required 

  • Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Computer Science, Manufacturing or similar.

  • Prior experience working in Manufacturing preferred.

  • Familiarity with mechanical principles, basic coding and data collection, and basic circuits.

  • Hands-on experience in prototyping, assembly, or manufacturing.

  • Proficiency in root cause analysis techniques and statistical process control methods.

  • Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills.

  • Ability to collaborate effectively across functional teams.

Nice to have

  • Proficiency with Linux operating systems.

  • Understanding of electro-mechanical system design and functionality.

  • Experience with quality management software and document control systems

  • Familiarity with PCB and PCBA manufacturing processes.

  • Experience communicating with external vendors, or in supply chain management

Benefits

  • 401(k)

  • Dental insurance

  • Health insurance

  • Vision insurance

  • Unlimited PTO

  • Stock Option Plan

  • Office food and beverages

Salary

  • $70k-$100k** We are considering a range of backgrounds and experience levels for this position and adjust our offers accordingly to be competitive with market rates.

Location

858 San Antonio Rd, Palo Alto, CA. In-person required.

Average salary estimate

$85000 / YEARLY (est.)
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$70000K
$100000K

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What You Should Know About Manufacturing Test Engineer, WindBorne Systems

Join WindBorne Systems as a Manufacturing Test Engineer in our Palo Alto office and play a key role in revolutionizing weather intelligence! At WindBorne, we’re all about leveraging our next-generation smart weather balloons to gather atmospheric data that is otherwise hard to achieve. With our incredible founding team of Stanford engineers and support from top-tier investors like Khosla Ventures, we’re on a mission to eliminate weather uncertainty, helping communities and businesses adapt to climate change. As a Manufacturing Test Engineer, you’ll be at the forefront of our production process, ensuring our products meet impeccable quality standards while we scale upwards. Your main focus will be to design and implement innovative testing frameworks that enhance our manufacturing quality control, collaborate with engineers to address and resolve quality issues, and tackle any hardware failures in the field. If you thrive in a dynamic environment, love taking on challenges, and want to apply your engineering skills in a meaningful way to benefit humanity, WindBorne is the perfect place for you. Join us and be part of a project where technology meets purpose!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) for Manufacturing Test Engineer Role at WindBorne Systems
What are the responsibilities of a Manufacturing Test Engineer at WindBorne Systems?

As a Manufacturing Test Engineer at WindBorne Systems, your responsibilities will include designing and implementing testing frameworks for manufacturing quality control, collaborating with engineers to resolve quality-related issues, and investigating hardware failures in the field. You'll be deeply involved in processing data, designing testing methodologies, and improving existing testing frameworks to ensure high-quality product outputs.

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What qualifications are required for the Manufacturing Test Engineer position at WindBorne Systems?

To qualify for the Manufacturing Test Engineer role at WindBorne Systems, candidates must possess a Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Computer Science, or Manufacturing. Prior manufacturing experience is preferred, alongside familiarity with mechanical principles and prototyping. Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills, as well as effective communication abilities, are essential to succeed in this position.

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How does WindBorne Systems ensure product reliability in the Manufacturing Test Engineer role?

At WindBorne Systems, product reliability is optimized through a unique approach in the Manufacturing Test Engineer role. You'll work closely with the design engineers to implement solutions and create testing to ensure adherence to quality standards. Moreover, identifying failure modes, investigating them thoroughly, and applying corrective measures are central to improving our manufacturing processes while balancing performance objectives.

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What skills and experience can enhance my application for the Manufacturing Test Engineer position at WindBorne?

Applicants for the Manufacturing Test Engineer position can strengthen their applications by showcasing hands-on experience with prototyping and assembly, proficiency in Linux operating systems, and familiarity with quality management software. Experience communicating with external vendors or knowledge of PCB and PCBA manufacturing processes would also be advantageous for candidates seeking a competitive edge.

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What benefits does WindBorne Systems offer to Manufacturing Test Engineers?

WindBorne Systems provides a range of attractive benefits for its Manufacturing Test Engineers, including 401(k), health, dental, and vision insurance, an unlimited paid time off (PTO) policy, stock options, and access to office food and beverages. These perks are part of our commitment to employee well-being and satisfaction.

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Common Interview Questions for Manufacturing Test Engineer
What testing methodologies are you experienced with as a Manufacturing Test Engineer?

When answering this question, it’s valuable to mention specific testing methodologies you have used, such as statistical process control or root cause analysis techniques. Illustrate with examples of how these methodologies have helped ensure product quality in your past roles.

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Can you describe a time when you identified a hardware failure? What steps did you take?

Provide a detailed account of a specific incident where you detected a hardware failure. Explain how you investigated the issue, the corrective actions you implemented, and the outcome. This helps interviewers gauge your analytical and problem-solving skills.

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How do you approach collaboration with design engineers?

Collaboration is crucial in a Manufacturing Test Engineer role. Share an experience emphasizing how you maintain clear communication with design engineers, contribute towards effective problem-solving, and ensure the quality standards are met from R&D to manufacturing.

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What experience do you have with statistical process control methods?

In answering this question, describe your familiarity with statistical control methods, providing specific examples of how you applied these tools to monitor and manage manufacturing processes effectively and enhance quality.

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How would you prioritize quality control tasks in a fast-paced manufacturing environment?

Discuss your ability to prioritize tasks by evaluating the urgency and impact of each quality control issue. Mention the tools or frameworks you have used to stay organized and focused to ensure that all tasks are completed efficiently.

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Have you ever had to troubleshoot an unexpected issue on the manufacturing floor? How did you handle it?

Share a specific instance where you faced an unexpected issue, detailing how you gathered information, analyzed the problem, and worked collaboratively to create a solution. Highlight your troubleshooting skills in a high-pressure environment.

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What do you think is critical for ensuring product quality in the manufacturing process?

Here, emphasize the importance of rigorous testing methodologies, continuous process improvements, and effective communication within teams. Supporting this answer with examples can demonstrate your understanding of quality assurance in manufacturing.

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How do you stay updated with the latest advancements in manufacturing technologies?

Demonstrate your commitment to continual learning by mentioning specific resources, such as industry publications, conferences, or online courses, that you utilize to stay informed on advancements that could influence your role at WindBorne Systems.

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What challenges do you foresee in quality control while working with cutting-edge technology?

Address potential challenges such as rapid design changes or scaling production. Highlight how you would proactively develop strategies to overcome these challenges while maintaining product quality.

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Why do you want to work as a Manufacturing Test Engineer at WindBorne Systems?

When responding to this question, connect your personal passions and career goals with WindBorne's mission of addressing climate change and advancing weather intelligence. Express enthusiasm for contributing your expertise to impactful projects.

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EMPLOYMENT TYPE
Full-time, on-site
DATE POSTED
April 15, 2025

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