Test Engineer chez Sprout

Sprout is a global IT hardware retirement provider for hyperscaler and enterprise clients. We leverage a nationwide footprint (and international partner network) combined with proprietary software to enable efficient end-to-end IT asset disposition with a focus on data-bearing devices from the client to the cloud. The company is headquartered in Charlotte, NC with additional operations near Sacramento, Dallas, and Boston. Sprout provides software and services to clients in the form of our IT Asset Disposition, Certified Destruction, and Responsible Recycling solutions.

Since our founding as an electronic waste startup from a Duke University dorm room in 2014, we have been expanding at an average rate of >66% each year. By adhering to our 3 values (One Sprout, Deliver Excellence, and Integrity Matters), we are proud of our culture to move at #SproutSpeed to become the emerging leader in our industry.

General Description 

The Test SME / Test Engineer owns Sprout’s hardware testing strategy and execution. This role designs and maintains scalable, standardized functional test methods and fixtures for laptops, desktops, servers, networking equipment, A/V, and mobility devices. The SME ensures that testing supports chain-of-custody controls, data security verification, and regulatory compliance (R2v3, ISO 9001/14001/45001, ISO 27001, NAID AAA). Success in this role improves throughput, first-pass yield, grading accuracy, and client trust. 

1) Test Strategy & Methods 

• Define, document, and maintain standard test plans (key function tests, diagnostics, grading criteria) per product class. 

• Establish acceptance criteria and defect taxonomies used by Operators, Team Leads, and Supervisors for uniform grading and triage. 

• Author and maintain SOPs, job aids, and training content; drive standard work across sites. 

• Improve test performance, reduce test time, and assure the quality of the process data. 

2) Test Infrastructure & Automation 

• Design and maintain test benches, load-out racks, and peripheral kits (adapters, loopbacks, dongles, cables, ESD controls). 

• Build automated test flows (e.g., imaging, firmware, BIOS/UEFI settings, drivers) and data capture pipelines (barcode scans, serials, asset tags) integrated with Sprout’s ERP. 

• Develop basic tooling/scripts (e.g., PowerShell/Python/batch) to reduce manual effort and increase repeatability. 

3) Data Security & Compliance 

• Implement verification steps that validate successful data sanitization and device unlock states before functional testing proceeds. 

• Maintain auditable records of test results and device states (e.g., wipe verified, lock status, grade) to support internal and external audits. 

• Partner with Compliance to ensure test processes align with R2v3, ISO, NAID AAA, client SOWs, and QEHSMS requirements. 

4) Quality, Yield & Analytics 

• Define and monitor KPIs: First Pass Yield (FPY), retest rate, defect Pareto, mean time to test (MTTT), RMA/return rates. 

• Perform failure analysis (FA) and lead corrective/preventive actions (CAPA) with cross-functional teams. 

• Calibrate test equipment and ensure measurement reliability; maintain golden sample libraries. 

5) Lean / 5S / Continuous Improvement 

• Drive Kaizen events focused on test throughput, ergonomics, and material flow; sustain 5S at all benches. 

• Create visual management (andon, takt dashboards, test status boards) and error-proofing (poka-yoke) for common failure modes. 

• Standardize best practices across facilities; lead Gemba walks and coaching for test-related stations. 

6) Operations Integration & Support 

• Train Operators (L1–L4), IT Hardware Techs, and Leads on test methods, safety, and ESD practices. 

• Partner with Facility Managers and Supervisors to balance staffing, line balancing, and SLA adherence. 

• Provide SME support for client pilots, new product classes, and onsite decommission/testing engagements when required. 

7) Tooling, Vendors & Licensing 

• Select and manage diagnostic tools, licenses, and repair utilities; evaluate new test technologies and fixtures. 

• Maintain software license compliance and maintain vendor relationships for test tooling and calibration services. 

8) Safety & ESD 

• Enforce ESD controls, tool safety, and PPE usage at all test stations; contribute to risk assessments and JHAs. 

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering or related field. 

• 3-6 years of experience supporting manufacturing test operations, including Test Hardware and Software.  

• 2-3 years of experience in driving operational improvements and achieving successful business outcomes in a technology-driven environment. 

• Proficiency with imaging/diagnostics tools, firmware utilities, and device management. 

• Understanding of statistical analysis of test processes including MSA, Gage R&R, and capability studies. 

• Working knowledge of scripting/automation (PowerShell, Bash, Python) preferred. 

• Familiarity with ERP/inventory systems and barcode/serialization workflows. 

• Understanding of data sanitization concepts and verification; chain-of-custody and audit trail fundamentals.

EEO – Equal Employment Opportunity

The Company is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, creed, color, sex, affectional or sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, gender, ethnicity, religion, national origin, ancestry, nationality, age, disability, marital status, veteran status, genetic information, or on any other basis prohibited by law (except where an attribute is a bona fide occupational qualification)