Hardware Test Engineer

Nirvana Energy Systems is developing a new class of solid-state thermoacoustic energy infrastructure that generates power, heating, cooling, and cryocooling from a single platform.

Build the future with Nirvana Energy.

Nirvana Energy Systems is developing a new class of solid-state thermoacoustic energy infrastructure that generates power, heating, cooling, and cryocooling from a single platform.

Job Overview

Nirvana Energy is seeking a versatile, hands‑on Hardware Test Engineer to help turn advanced thermoacoustic technology into repeatable, production‑ready hardware. You will support the planning, testing, troubleshooting, and on‑time delivery of Nirvana’s Thermoacoustic Power Systems and Thermoacoustic Heat Pumps.

This entry‑level role provides broad exposure to product engineering, test‑system development, machine design, manufacturing processes, tooling, automation, quality, procurement, and customer requirements. We are looking for a high‑achieving engineering graduate who takes initiative, learns quickly, and follows technical work through to a safe, accurate, and well‑documented result.

How You Will Contribute

• Participate in project engineering, program management, and production planning to support the on‑time delivery of thermoacoustic Stirling engine‑based hardware.
• Work across engineering, manufacturing, machine‑shop operations, procurement, quality assurance, test, and operations.
• Research, select, specify, procure, integrate, and validate test and laboratory equipment for product development and production.
• Develop and refine test methods, procedures, acceptance criteria, data‑collection practices, and manufacturing processes to meet internal and customer requirements.
• Configure and operate data‑acquisition systems, oscilloscopes, power supplies, cooling systems, vacuum pumps, sensors, instrumentation, and related laboratory equipment.
• Troubleshoot test stands, instrumentation, fixtures, hardware, software, and production processes using structured problem solving and first‑principles reasoning.
• Support test automation, data processing, and technical reporting using LabVIEW, MATLAB, PTC Mathcad, or other appropriate engineering tools.
• Partner with drafting and design personnel to create tooling and fixturing models and drawings using appropriate Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing (GD&T).
• Coordinate with Nirvana’s machine‑shop resources, purchasing team, and external vendors to procure components, tooling, test‑stand hardware, and equipment to required specifications and accuracy.
• Develop, document, qualify, and troubleshoot production methods, including welding, brazing, machining, assembly, inspection, and related special processes.
• Report progress, test results, risks, failures, corrective actions, and recommendations clearly and promptly to team members and management.
• Participate in technical discussions with existing and prospective customers regarding product, interface, validation, and delivery requirements.
• Contribute to continuous‑improvement initiatives that strengthen safety, quality, repeatability, throughput, and production readiness.

Necessary Qualifications

• Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering, Industrial and Systems Engineering, Engineering Technology Management, or another relevant engineering field.
• Broad engineering foundation spanning machine design, strength of materials, machining and fabrication, programming, measurement, and process improvement.
• Ability to define problems, collect and analyze data, troubleshoot methodically, establish facts, evaluate alternatives, and draw valid conclusions.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills and the ability to collaborate across engineering, manufacturing, quality, procurement, management, vendors, and customers.
• Ability to organize, prioritize, and complete high‑quality work on schedule while managing multiple assignments in parallel.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Excel, Word, and PowerPoint.
• Self‑motivation, sound judgment, intellectual curiosity, attention to detail, and a willingness to take ownership of unfamiliar technical work.
• Ability and willingness to use AI tools responsibly to improve productivity, decision‑making, work quality, and cost efficiency, while critically validating AI‑generated outputs.
  

Preferred Experience

• Cooperative education, internship, research, capstone, laboratory, machine‑shop, Formula SAE, robotics, or comparable hands‑on engineering experience.
• Experience with data‑acquisition systems, oscilloscopes, power supplies, cooling systems, vacuum pumps, sensors, or other laboratory instrumentation.
• Experience designing or fabricating tooling, fixtures, test stands, mechanical assemblies, or prototype hardware.
• Experience programming in LabVIEW or developing test automation, instrument‑control, data‑acquisition, or analysis tools.
• Familiarity with MATLAB and/or PTC Mathcad for engineering computation, modeling, data analysis, or reporting.
• Exposure to GD&T, drawing interpretation, machining, welding, brazing, manufacturing process development, or quality systems.
• Experience with thermoacoustic systems, Stirling engines, heat pumps, generators, thermal systems, pressure systems, or other complex electromechanical hardware.
  

Physical Requirements

This role regularly involves sitting, communicating, and using hands and fingers to operate tools, equipment, and computers. It occasionally requires standing, walking, reaching, and lifting or moving 50 pounds or more, using appropriate assistance or material‑handling equipment when required by safe work practices.

Compensation & Benefits

This is a salaried position with an annual base salary range of $70,000–$75,000 USD for Strongsville, OH location. Bay Area compensation will be adjusted accordingly to cost of living. The role is not eligible for an annual incentive. Final compensation will reflect the candidate’s qualifications, experience, and work location, as permitted by applicable law.

Featured benefits include medical, dental, and vision insurance; 401(k); paid maternity leave; and paid paternity leave.