Freelance Computer Hardware Engineer Jobs in Boston, MA

Role Summary
Oracle Cloud Infrastructure (OCI) Hardware Engineering is seeking a Senior Hardware Technician to support hands-on lab execution, including PCB rework, server configuration and bring-up, system and component testing, and maintaining day-to-day lab readiness. This is a full-time, on-site position in an engineering lab environment supporting hardware sustaining, alternate component qualification, and hardware validation activities.
At the Senior level, the expectation is that you can independently execute complex lab activities, operate with minimal supervision, support multiple concurrent priorities, and proactively communicate status and issues while maintaining high standards for quality, repeatability, and lab readiness. You will contribute to improving lab operations, validation processes, and engineering throughput across multiple hardware programs.
Responsibilities
Key Responsibilities
PCB Rework / Hardware Rework

• Perform component-level rework on PCBs (e.g., remove/replace components) using standard lab equipment (soldering iron, hot air rework as applicable, microscope, and related tools).
• Perform hardware modifications, board rework, and component replacement to support hardware sustaining and alternate component qualification activities.
• Follow ESD, safety, and handling procedures; maintain rework tools and work area in ready condition.
• Record rework actions performed and communicate results to the requesting engineer or technician.

System Configuration / Server Build & Bring-Up

• Assemble, configure, tear down, and rebuild servers to documented requirements by installing CPUs, DIMMs, PCIe cards, NICs, storage devices, motherboards, power supplies, and associated cabling.
• Update firmware (e.g., BIOS/BMC) using established procedures and verify versions and settings as directed.
• Install operating systems and required baseline tools; perform initial validation (successful boot, device enumeration checks, and basic health checks).
• Connect systems to the lab network and confirm basic connectivity and expected configuration.
• Configure and maintain supporting lab infrastructure, including racks, PDUs, network switches, console servers, and associated cabling, to support validation activities.
• Continuously reconfigure systems to support hardware qualification, sustaining activities, and engineering validation.

System and Component Testing

• Execute documented test procedures and functional tests on systems under test (SUTs) reliably and repeatably.
• Perform functional testing and basic hardware fault isolation using established diagnostic methods and standard laboratory equipment.
• Capture logs and test results; summarize outcomes and escalate failures or anomalous behavior with sufficient detail for engineering investigation.
• Maintain accuracy in following documented procedures, sequencing, traceability, and data collection requirements.

Lab Operations

• Maintain an organized, clean, and safe lab environment that supports efficient engineering work.
• Track and restock common supplies and consumables (cables, adapters, ESD items, fasteners, labels, etc.).
• Coordinate routine equipment upkeep and support calibration activities to ensure laboratory equipment remains available and compliant.
• Assist with inventory management, procurement support, shipping and receiving activities, asset tracking, storage organization, and general hardware logistics within the lab.
• Support environmental chamber readiness and maintain overall lab infrastructure required for hardware validation activities.

Collaboration & Process Improvement

• Work closely with hardware, firmware, validation, manufacturing, and sustaining engineers to prioritize daily tasks, manage work queues, and provide clear status updates.
• Follow documented processes while contributing improvements that increase lab throughput, quality, repeatability, and operational efficiency.
• Document work clearly and communicate findings to support engineering investigations and cross-functional collaboration.
• Support standardization of lab methods, build processes, and validation practices to improve consistency across the team.

Minimum Qualifications

• 5+ years of relevant experience supporting electronics laboratories, hardware validation environments, or data center hardware.
• Practical experience with soldering and PCB rework (through-hole and/or SMT) and comfort using common rework tools.
• Experience assembling, configuring, troubleshooting, and validating server or high-performance computer hardware, including installing components and performing system bring-up.
• Ability to follow established procedures for firmware updates, operating system installation, and hardware validation.
• Experience performing functional testing, basic hardware fault isolation, and documenting test results in a clear, repeatable manner.
• Experience configuring and supporting laboratory infrastructure, including racks, cabling, network connectivity, PDUs, or related validation equipment.
• Demonstrated organizational skills and ability to maintain lab readiness, including inventory, equipment availability, procurement support, and calibration coordination.
• Ability to work full-time on-site in a hardware engineering laboratory environment while following ESD and safety practices.

Preferred Qualifications

• Associate degree, advanced trade training, military electronics training, or equivalent hands-on technical experience.
• Experience with PCB-level debug and failure isolation to the component level.
• Basic Linux command-line familiarity (e.g., checking device enumeration, collecting logs, and supporting hardware validation activities).
• Experience using oscilloscopes, digital multimeters, logic analyzers, power supplies, spectrum analyzers, or related laboratory equipment.
• Experience using inventory management, asset tracking, or ticketing systems.
• Experience supporting hardware validation, sustaining engineering, alternate component qualification, or environmental chamber testing.

Senior Level Characteristics

• Independently executes complex lab activities with minimal supervision.
• Applies established practices and procedures while contributing improvements to lab processes and operational efficiency.
• Produces consistent, high-quality work across multiple concurrent hardware activities while maintaining traceability and repeatability.
• Performs functional testing and hardware fault isolation using systematic troubleshooting methods.
• Communicates clearly with engineers and technicians and documents work to support repeatable engineering execution.
• Contributes to improving lab throughput, readiness, and overall engineering support.

Location: On-Site | Burlington, MA
Qualifications
Disclaimer:
Certain U.S. based or U.S. customer or client-facing roles may be required to comply with applicable requirements, such as immunization/occupational health mandates, and/or drug testing requirements.
Range and benefit information provided in this posting are specific to the stated locations only
US: Hiring Range in USD from $28.41 to $56.83 per hour; from: $59,100 to $118,200 per annum.
Oracle maintains broad salary ranges for its roles in order to account for variations in knowledge, skills, experience, market conditions and locations, as well as reflect Oracle's differing products, industries and lines of business.
Candidates are typically placed into the range based on the preceding factors as well as internal peer equity.
Oracle US offers a comprehensive benefits package which includes the following:
1. Medical, dental, and vision insurance, including expert medical opinion
2. Short term disability and long term disability
3. Life insurance and AD&D
4. Supplemental life insurance (Employee/Spouse/Child)
5. Health care and dependent care Flexible Spending Accounts
6. Pre-tax commuter and parking benefits
7. 401(k) Savings and Investment Plan with company match
8. Paid time off: Flexible Vacation is provided to all eligible employees assigned to a salaried (non-overtime eligible) position. Accrued Vacation is provided to all other employees eligible for vacation benefits. For employees working at least 35 hours per week, the vacation accrual rate is 13 days annually for the first three years of employment and 18 days annually for subsequent years of employment. Vacation accrual is prorated for employees working between 20 and 34 hours per week. Employees working fewer than 20 hours per week are not eligible for vacation.
9. 11 paid holidays
10. Paid sick leave: 72 hours of paid sick leave upon date of hire. Refreshes each calendar year. Unused balance will carry over each year up to a maximum cap of 112 hours.
11. Paid parental leave
12. Adoption assistance
13. Employee Stock Purchase Plan
14. Financial planning and group legal
15. Voluntary benefits including auto, homeowner and pet insurance
The role will generally accept applications for at least three calendar days from the posting date or as long as the job remains posted.
Career Level - OP4
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