Hardware Quality Engineer

Lambda is a rapidly growing leader in AI cloud infrastructure, serving tens of thousands of customers from AI researchers to enterprises and hyperscalers. As part of the Data Center Business Operations team, you will own quality assurance across Lambda's hardware infrastructure, ensuring reliable and scalable systems that power AI workloads globally. This hybrid role in San Jose requires four days per week on-site, with Tuesdays designated as the remote work day.

What you'll do

• Document, track, and resolve quality issues that arise during data center deployment and production operations, performing thorough root cause analysis for all hardware, software, and process failures

• Examine production metrics and quality data to identify trends, anomalies, and systemic weaknesses that could impact infrastructure reliability

• Reduce turnaround time for Return Merchandise Authorization processes and design corrective and preventive actions to strengthen quality outcomes

• Implement containment measures to maintain system uptime while permanent solutions are being developed

• Coordinate across operations, hardware engineering, supply chain, and external vendors to investigate and fix quality problems

• Maintain Quality Management System documentation, ensuring failure analysis reports and related data are properly captured and accessible

• Inspect incoming and outgoing spare components to prevent recurrence of failures and support the Material Review Board in inventory and rework decisions

• Define quality key performance indicators and service level agreements, tracking and reporting performance trends to leadership

• Support hardware ramps, deployments, and upgrades by enforcing quality checkpoints and cross-functional alignment

• Travel up to 30% as needed for operational requirements

What you'll bring

• Hands-on experience with hardware systems, data center operations, or infrastructure environments

• Strong analytical skills with the ability to extract insights from raw data through statistics and metrics

• Proficiency in root cause analysis methodologies such as 5 Whys, fishbone diagrams, 8D, or A3 processes

• Ability to manage communication across teams, set realistic expectations, and navigate stakeholder interests

• A methodical, detail-oriented approach to problem-solving with a commitment to process improvement

• Experience with quality management systems, audit tools, ERP platforms, or defect tracking software

• Clear written and verbal communication in English

Nice to have

• Background in machine learning, AI infrastructure, GPU systems, or high-performance computing

• Knowledge of data center standards and certifications such as ISO or Uptime Institute

• Experience with vendor quality management, supply chain quality, or incoming inspection protocols

• Understanding of firmware, embedded systems, or reliability engineering principles

• Familiarity with Python, SQL, or other scripting languages for data automation

What they offer

• Competitive cash and equity compensation

• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision coverage for you and your dependents

• Wellness and commuter stipends for eligible roles

• 401k plan with 2% company match for US-based employees

• Flexible paid time off