Quality Engineer, Lab Infrastructure

Welcome to the intersection of energy and home services. At NRG, we're driven by our passion to create a smarter, cleaner and more connected future.

Vivint Smart Home, an NRG owned company, is a leading smart home company in the United States, dedicated to redefining the home experience with intelligent products and services. We find purpose in proactively protecting and keeping our customers connected to home, no matter where they are. Join the Smart Home team to create smarter, safer and more sustainable homes.

Summary:

We are seeking a highly motivated and hands-on Systems Engineer to provide dedicated support to our Quality Assurance and Release organizations. In this pivotal role, you will be instrumental in ensuring the optimal performance and reliability of the Automation lab that hosts hardware, software, and specialized IoT components essential for robust software development, thorough quality assurance, and seamless product releases. You will be the technical expert responsible for configuring, installing, troubleshooting, and maintaining our diverse infrastructure, directly contributing to the delivery of high-quality products. The ideal candidate will possess strong problem-solving skills, a deep understanding of computer hardware and networking, and a keen interest in the intricacies of IoT systems.

Key Responsibilities:

• Systems Configuration & Troubleshooting: Configure, troubleshoot, and resolve hardware and software issues across a variety of devices, including servers, workstations, and specialized IoT components, supporting the critical needs of Quality Assurance and Release teams.
• Technical Support & Maintenance: Provide timely and effective break/fix support to a large user base of software development and quality assurance professionals.
• Hardware & Software Deployment: Execute hardware and software installations, including flashing/imaging workstations and specialized panels, ensuring all systems are properly set up and ready for testing and release activities.
• Networking Implementation & Support: Implement, maintain, and troubleshoot complex network configurations, including gateways, routes, subnets, VLANs, VPNs, and firewalls, with practical experience configuring Cisco routers and switches.
• Cabling Infrastructure: Manage and install various types of cabling, particularly Ethernet and coax/RF, to establish and maintain reliable physical connections within the testing and release environments.
• Technical Problem Solving: Conduct in-depth research and analysis to devise and implement solutions for unfamiliar or complex technical challenges, demonstrating a proactive approach to problem resolution.
• Cross-Functional Communication: Communicate effectively and professionally with both end-users and inter-departmental team members (Engineering, QA, Release) to ensure comprehensive and best-in-class technical support.
• Operating System Administration: Possess a basic working knowledge of Linux (ideally via command line interface) and Windows administration to support diverse operating environments.

Qualifications:

• Proven experience in assembling, disassembling, and troubleshooting PCs, workstations, servers, and other miscellaneous computer hardware components. Strong comfort level with basic components, peripheral ports, and general hardware diagnostics.
• Demonstrated ability to research, learn, and implement solutions for unfamiliar technical problems independently.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with a proven ability to provide clear technical support and collaborate effectively across teams.
• Solid understanding and practical experience with core networking concepts including gateways, routes, subnets, VLANs, VPNs, and firewalls.
• Hands-on experience configuring and troubleshooting routers and switches.
• Proficiency in cabling, including Ethernet, Power Distribution.
• Basic working knowledge of Linux administration (command line experience preferred) and Windows administration.
• Ability to design and interpret technical diagrams, specifically rack elevation diagrams, using tools like Lucidchart or Microsoft Visio.

Bonus Points:

• IoT Device Integration & Troubleshooting: Proven experience integrating and troubleshooting diverse IoT devices (e.g., cameras, thermostats, environmental sensors) within smart home or connected environments.
• IoT Wireless Protocols: Understanding of various IoT wireless communication protocols (e.g., Wi-Fi, Zigbee, Z-Wave, Thread, Matter) and their practical application in complex, multi-device home networking scenarios.

Qualifications:

Formal Education: Associate's or Bachelor's degree in IT, Computer Science, or a related field (or equivalent practical experience).

Core IT Certifications: CompTIA A+, Network+, and ideally CCNA (Cisco).

OS & Administration: Certifications or strong demonstrated knowledge in Linux and Windows administration.

IoT & Specialized Systems: Bonus for certifications or experience in IoT platforms, wireless protocols, and specialized testing/lab environments.

NRG Energy is committed to a drug and alcohol-free workplace. To the extent permitted by law and any applicable collective bargaining agreement, employees are subject to periodic random drug testing, and post-accident and reasonable suspicion drug and alcohol testing. EOE AA M/F/Vet/Disability. Level, Title and/or Salary may be adjusted based on the applicant's experience or skills.

Official description on file with Talent.