Gradient · 1 month ago
Senior Reliability Engineer (Hardware)
San Francisco, CA
Full-time
Onsite
Senior Level
$160K/yr - $185K/yr
7+ years expGradient is a company focused on revolutionizing home comfort while promoting environmental sustainability. The Senior Reliability Engineer will lead the lifetime reliability strategy for HVAC components and systems, developing predictive life models and driving durability improvements throughout the product lifecycle.
Clean EnergyConsumer ElectronicsElectronics
Responsibilities
Lead lifetime reliability modeling for HVAC systems (compressors, motors, electronics, heat exchangers, refrigerant circuits)
Build physics-of-failure–based life predictions; translate stress/usage profiles into field lifetime expectations
Design and execute lifetime test plans: accelerated cycling, thermal fatigue, electrical endurance, corrosion, vibration, and mechanical stress tests
Define acceleration factors, degradation metrics, failure thresholds, and end-of-life criteria
Contribute to the failure analysis (FRACAS) process and drive corrective actions with design and manufacturing teams
Develop Weibull/parametric life models and maintain qualification standards for new products and design changes
Analyze field reliability data (warranty, service reports, returned units) to refine life models and update design limits
Integrate lifetime reliability requirements early in design through DfR methods and cross-functional collaboration
Strong documentation capability for reliability processes, test plans, models, and assumptions; mentor junior reliability engineers
Qualification
Required
BS/MS in Mechanical, Electrical, Materials, or related engineering discipline
7–10+ years in reliability engineering for HVAC or electromechanical systems
Expertise in lifetime modeling (Weibull, parametric life analysis, physics-of-failure modeling)
Strong background in accelerated life testing, test design, and reliability statistics
Proven ability to generate and validate acceleration factors and interpret degradation data accurately
Hands-on experience with environmental chambers, vibration tables, corrosion testing, cycling rigs, and FA methods
Preferred
Experience with heat pumps, VRF systems, inverter-driven compressors, or advanced control electronics
Familiarity with ASHRAE, AHRI, IEC, and DOE efficiency-related requirements
Experience with HVAC product testing and validation
Supplier reliability or DfR background for HVAC components
Background in appliance safety, performance, and regulatory testing
Familiarity with product certification processes and/or UL 60335
Benefits
Equity
Medical/vision/dental/life/disability insurance
401k
Paid parental leave
Professional Development Stipend
Commuter benefits
Flexible PTO
Company
Gradient
Gradient’s mission is to cool the world by transforming every home to be more comfortable and healthy for the people who inhabit it.
51-200 employees
H1B Sponsorship
Gradient has a track record of offering H1B sponsorships. Please note that this does not
guarantee sponsorship for this specific role. Below presents additional info for your
reference. (Data Powered by US Department of Labor)
Distribution of Different Job Fields Receiving Sponsorship
Represents job field similar to this job
Trends of Total Sponsorships
2025 (1)
Funding
Current Stage
Growth StageTotal Funding
$58MKey Investors
Climate InvestmentUS Department of EnergyPrime Impact Fund
2024-02-28Series A· $9.5M
2023-10-17Convertible Note
2023-06-27Series A· $9M
Leadership Team
Kipp Bradford
Advisor & Consultant
Recent News
TheRecursive.com
2025-11-15
2025-10-09
Company data provided by crunchbase