Component and Product Quality Engineer, Interconnects

About the Role

The Hardware organization at Openai is responsible for building supercompute platforms from silicon and boards to full rack-scale systems, powering advanced AI workloads. The team is dedicated to delivering production-grade silicon and creating custom design tools and methodologies to accelerate innovation and enable hardware optimized specifically for AI.

As a quality engineer, you will work closely with cross-functional teams, including electrical, mechanical, SI/PI, systems, reliability, operations, and external vendors. Your expertise will be instrumental in preventing escapes and driving rapid, data-driven containment and corrective action.

What You Will Do

• Own quality for advanced interconnect components and assemblies, including high-speed copper cables, cable cartridges, patch panels, and backplane/cable-backplane solutions
• Drive quality-by-design: participate in design reviews, DFM/DFx, tolerance stacks, material and plating selections, connector mating strategy, strain relief, and assembly methods
• Define and track quality and reliability metrics for interconnects across NPI and mass production
• Build and execute qualification strategies for cables, connectors, and patch panels
• Partner with engineering and operations to drive smooth ramp: risk assessments, pilot build learnings, change control, and readiness reviews
• Own supplier and contract manufacturer performance management: scorecards, audits, and follow-up to close findings with verified effectiveness
• Work with suppliers to improve manufacturing throughput, stability, and yields for cable and connector assembly processes
• Lead rapid containment and root-cause investigations for failures found during bring-up, system integration tests, reliability testing, and fleet deployments
• Own the end-to-end corrective action process: define problem statements, isolate variables, validate root cause, implement fixes, and verify effectiveness
• Partner with SI/PI and test teams to correlate electrical performance issues with manufacturing and mechanical drivers

What We Are Looking For

• 7+ years of experience in quality engineering, manufacturing quality, supplier quality, or reliability for interconnects or similar components
• Strong knowledge of high-speed interconnects, including connectors, cables, and backplane solutions
• Experience with quality-by-design principles and methodologies
• Proven track record of driving quality improvements and reducing field failures
• Excellent problem-solving skills, with the ability to analyze complex issues and drive rapid containment and corrective action
• Strong collaboration and communication skills, with experience working with cross-functional teams and external vendors
• Bachelor's degree in a relevant field, such as Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related discipline

Nice to Have

• Experience working in a fast-paced, dynamic environment with multiple stakeholders and priorities
• Knowledge of AI technology and its applications
• Familiarity with design tools and methodologies, such as CAD and simulation software
• Certification in a relevant quality engineering discipline, such as CQE or CMQ/OE

Benefits and Perks

• Competitive salary and benefits package
• Opportunity to work on cutting-edge technology and drive innovation in the field of AI
• Collaborative and dynamic work environment with a team of experienced professionals
• Professional development opportunities, including training and education programs
• Flexible work arrangements, including remote work options
• Access to state-of-the-art tools and equipment
• Recognition and reward programs for outstanding performance
• Comprehensive health and wellness programs, including medical, dental, and vision coverage
• Generous PTO and holiday policies
• 401(k) or retirement plan matching
• Equity or stock options
• Additional perks, such as on-site fitness classes, meal delivery, or on-site parking

• Tip: Highlight your experience working with high-speed interconnects and your knowledge of quality-by-design principles in your application.
• Be prepared to discuss your problem-solving skills and experience driving quality improvements in a fast-paced environment.
• Showcase your ability to collaborate with cross-functional teams and external vendors, and highlight any experience working in a dynamic environment with multiple stakeholders and priorities.
• Consider including examples of your experience with design tools and methodologies, such as CAD and simulation software, in your portfolio or application materials.
• Don't be afraid to ask about the company culture and work environment during the interview process, and be prepared to discuss your long-term career goals and how they align with the company's mission and values.
• Tip: Research the company's products and services, and be prepared to discuss how your skills and experience align with their needs and goals.
• Highlight any relevant certifications or training programs you've completed, and be prepared to discuss your experience working with AI technology and its applications.
• Be prepared to provide specific examples of your experience and skills, and avoid generic responses that don't showcase your unique qualifications and experience.