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Hardware Testing Engineer Group C

Catapult Federal Services Santa Clara, California, United States

onsitefull-time

Salary: $37 / hour

Posted Aug 15, 2026Apply by Sep 14, 2026

**Role & seniority: ** Hardware Testing Engineer (Group C); entry-leaning hands-on (12–18 months relevant experience)

**Stack/tools: **

  • Linux CLI (troubleshooting, processes, permissions, file systems, networking)

  • Bash and/or Python scripting (automation for testing/logging/diagnostics)

  • Server management/firmware flashing workflows

  • Networking: TCP/IP, DHCP, DNS, switching/routing fundamentals

  • Lab test equipment: oscilloscope, multimeter

  • Datacenter/lab management: OS deployments, recovery procedures

  • (Nice-to-haves) BMC/server management processor, x86/ARM, GPU/accelerated platforms

  • Top 3 responsibilities:

    • Assemble/configure/commission server systems and dev platforms from components to racks

    • Update firmware (often multiple systems in parallel) and monitor/validate boot, stability, performance

    • Troubleshoot failures (hardware/software), perform root-cause analysis, document findings, and execute system recovery/repair

  • Must-have skills:

    • Hands-on lab/datacenter/large-scale server environment experience (12–18 months)

    • Strong Linux command-line troubleshooting capability

    • Server hardware fundamentals: provisioning, OS deployment, firmware flashing, recovery, hardware troubleshooting

    • Basic networking (TCP/IP, DHCP, DNS; switching/routing fundamentals)

    • Bash/Python for basic automation

    • Detail-oriented documentation + clear communication; readiness for rotating shifts/on-call

Full Description

Engineering

Santa Clara, CA Contract Jun 8, 2026

Hardware Testing Engineer Group C

Department: Engineering – Lab Operations

Location: Santa Clara, CA (On-site daily)

Role Type: Contract – 5 months

About Our Client

Our client is a world-class advanced technology center operated by a leading global technology solutions provider with $9+ billion in annual revenue. They partner with the world's foremost computing manufacturers to design, validate, and test cutting-edge hardware and infrastructure solutions. With 100+ racks of lab equipment spanning silicon bring-up, server systems, and advanced compute platforms, they support critical engineering operations for Fortune 500 companies and technology innovators globally.

Job Description

You'll join a fast-paced hardware validation lab supporting critical engineering operations for next-generation computing platforms. This role sits at the intersection of hardware expertise, Linux systems administration, and datacenter infrastructure—directly enabling product development and customer solutions. You'll work on diverse systems ranging from individual boards to full server racks, troubleshooting real-world hardware/software integration issues while maintaining lab efficiency and uptime. The team prioritizes speed, precision, and the ability to pivot quickly as priorities shift.

Your work directly impacts product launches and customer deployments, making attention to detail and communication essential. You'll report to the Lab Engineering Lead and collaborate closely with hardware engineers, firmware teams, and customer support staff.

Duties And Responsibilities

Assemble, configure, and commission server systems and development platforms from component-level through full rack deployment. Update firmware on multiple systems simultaneously and monitor diagnostic workloads for boot, stability, and performance issues. Troubleshoot hardware and software failures; perform root cause analysis and document findings for engineering teams. Recover failed systems/trays; perform OS deployments, system recovery procedures, and hardware replacement as needed. Connect test equipment (oscilloscopes, multimeters) to boards; collect and interpret signal waveform data to validate circuit behavior. Support rack bring-up activities including basic mechanical reworks (power tools), cable routing, and inventory management. Maintain lab safety, equipment organization, and lab documentation; identify and implement process improvements. Work rotating shifts including nights, weekends, and on-call support to ensure 24/7 lab coverage during critical engineering phases.

Required Experience/Skills

12–18 months hands-on experience in an electronics/testing lab, manufacturing, datacenter operations, or large-scale server environment. Linux command-line proficiency — comfortable troubleshooting kernel issues, managing processes, permissions, file systems, and networking from the CLI. Server hardware fundamentals — practical knowledge of provisioning, OS deployment, firmware flashing, system recovery, and hardware troubleshooting. Basic networking knowledge — TCP/IP, DHCP, DNS, switching, routing fundamentals; ability to support rack bring-up and network configuration. Bash and/or Python scripting — can write basic scripts to automate testing, logging, or system diagnostics. Attention to detail and communication — ability to document issues clearly, follow schematics, and collaborate with engineers across time zones. Willingness to work overtime, weekends, and rotating shifts as business needs require.

Nice-to-Haves

Experience with x86 and ARM processor architectures. BMC (Baseboard Management Controller) or server management processor experience. Experience with oscilloscopes and signal measurement for circuit validation. Ability to perform basic solder reworks or board-level repairs. Experience with GPU computing or accelerated hardware platforms. Manufacturing, hardware validation, or QA lab background.

Education

High school diploma or equivalent; Associate's or Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, or related field preferred but not required with equivalent hands-on experience.

Pay & Benefits Summary

Compensation: $37.00/hour

Work Schedule: On-site daily, rotating shifts including nights/weekends during peak engineering phases

Call-to-Action

Ready to accelerate your hardware engineering career? If you're hands-on with Linux, passionate about troubleshooting systems, and excited to support next-generation technology platforms, apply now. Submit your resume and we'll be in touch within 48 hours to discuss the opportunity.

Linux Command-LineServer Hardware ProvisioningFirmware FlashingTCP/IP NetworkingBash ScriptingPython ScriptingHardware TroubleshootingRoot Cause AnalysisOscilloscopesMultimetersSystem RecoveryRack DeploymentCircuit ValidationOS DeploymentSignal Waveform AnalysisInventory Managementmulti-location

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