Senior Reliability Engineer

Join us at Gradient, where our purpose is to revolutionize home comfort while championing environmental sustainability. Our mission is to combat the escalating challenge of climate change by redefining how homes are heated and cooled. Today, the environmental impact of heating and cooling systems surpasses that of the entire transportation sector, and without intervention, this trend is set to escalate drastically. At Gradient, we believe that ensuring comfortable living spaces shouldn’t come at the cost of our planet. We envision a future where every individual can enjoy the luxury of a comfortable home without contributing to carbon emissions. Our high-efficiency, low-carbon heat pump is just the beginning of our journey toward fully decarbonizing buildings. By joining Gradient, you’ll be at the forefront of a movement to make sustainable living accessible to all, ensuring healthier communities and a brighter, greener future.

This role is required to be onsite in our San Francisco HQ 4-5 days per week. 

The estimated salary for this role is $160,000 to $185,000 USD per year + equity. An individual's compensation will vary on a number of factors including but not limited to geography, skills, education, experience and unique qualifications where applicable.

Overview

Lead lifetime reliability strategy for HVAC components and systems. You’ll develop predictive life models, design accelerated test methods, and drive durability improvements across the product lifecycle.

Key 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.
• Lead failure analysis of lifetime-related issues 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.

Required Qualifications

• 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.

Bonus Qualifications: 

• Experience with heat pumps, VRF systems, inverter-driven compressors, or advanced control electronics.
• Experience with IoT devices.
• 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 

We are committed to building a diverse and inclusive company. We seek to create a culture where everyone can belong because we believe that people do their best work when they can show up every day as their authentic selves. We welcome people of different backgrounds, experiences, abilities, and perspectives.

Gradient is an equal opportunity employer. We do not make hiring or employment decisions on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, disability status, or genetic information, in compliance with applicable federal, state and local law.