Firmware Engineer

Job Title: Firmware Test Engineer

Job Description

This role focuses on hands-on testing and validation of embedded firmware for connected devices in a fast-paced lab environment. You will plan, execute, and document comprehensive manual tests to ensure firmware quality, reliability, and performance across embedded systems and IoT products. Working closely with firmware developers, hardware engineers, and product teams, you will identify defects, support troubleshooting, and contribute to continuous improvement of testing processes.

Responsibilities

• Execute manual firmware testing, including functional, regression, integration, performance, stress, and compatibility testing across embedded systems and connected IoT devices.
• Develop, maintain, and execute detailed test plans, test cases, and test documentation based on firmware requirements and product specifications.
• Perform hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) and software-in-the-loop (SIL) testing to validate firmware behavior under realistic operating conditions.
• Identify, document, and track firmware defects using issue-tracking tools, and collaborate closely with developers to ensure timely resolution.
• Validate firmware behavior across multiple platforms and configurations to ensure cross-platform compatibility and robust operation.
• Assist with user acceptance testing (UAT) and final release validation to support high-quality product launches.
• Use lab and debug tools such as oscilloscopes, serial consoles, JTAG, logic analyzers, and protocol analyzers to troubleshoot firmware and communication issues.
• Analyze communication protocols (including UART, SPI, I2C, CAN, USB, Bluetooth, and Wi-Fi where applicable) to diagnose and resolve interface and interoperability problems.
• Create and maintain scripts or other automation tools to streamline firmware testing and improve test coverage.
• Review and lightly modify C/C test-related code to support test execution and automation.
• Use tools such as Wireshark, protocol analyzers, and API testing tools (such as Postman) to validate network and API behavior for IoT or connected devices.
• Contribute to continuous improvement of testing processes, methodologies, and best practices within the lab environment.
• Work cross-functionally with firmware developers, hardware engineers, and product stakeholders to clarify requirements, share findings, and ensure alignment on quality goals.
• Operate effectively in a hands-on manufacturing and lab setting, following lab procedures and using test equipment safely and efficiently.

Essential Skills

• 1–2 years of experience working in a manufacturing or lab setting with hands-on exposure to hardware and test equipment.
• Hands-on experience testing embedded firmware on physical hardware in a lab environment.
• Ability to execute functional, regression, integration, performance, and stress testing for firmware and embedded systems.
• Experience debugging firmware issues using serial consoles, JTAG, oscilloscopes, and logic analyzers.
• Familiarity with embedded communication protocols such as UART, SPI, I2C, CAN, USB, and Bluetooth and/or Wi-Fi.
• Experience documenting and tracking defects using tools like JIRA or similar issue-tracking systems.
• Ability to work independently and proactively in a fast-paced, hands-on lab environment.
• Comfort working cross-functionally with firmware developers, hardware engineers, and product teams.
• B.S. in Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, or a related technical field.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience writing scripts or other automation tools to support firmware testing.
• Exposure to C/C for reading and lightly modifying test-related code.
• Experience with Wireshark and other protocol analyzers for inspecting and troubleshooting communication traffic.
• Experience with API testing tools such as Postman.
• Familiarity with embedded user interface and user experience (UI/UX) validation.
• Experience testing IoT or connected devices, including cloud-connected or wireless products.
• Strong attention to detail and documentation skills for maintaining clear and accurate test records.
• Ability to contribute ideas for improving test coverage, efficiency, and overall quality processes.

Work Environment

This position is based in a beautiful, brand-new facility in Carlsbad with a collaborative team environment and an active lab culture. You will work alongside a team of approximately 15 lab engineers in a hands-on setting that emphasizes practical testing and problem-solving.

This is a Contract position based out of Carlsbad, CA.

The pay range for this position is $32.00 - $37.00/hr.

Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following: • Medical, dental & vision • Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital • 401(k) Retirement Plan – Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available • Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents) • Short and long-term disability • Health Spending Account (HSA) • Transportation benefits • Employee Assistance Program • Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)

This is a fully onsite position in Carlsbad,CA.

This position is anticipated to close on Aug 17, 2026.

About Actalent

Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent solutions. We help visionary companies advance their engineering and science initiatives through access to specialized experts who drive scale, innovation and speed to market. With a network of almost 20,000 consultants and 5,000 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500. We are proud to be an Engineering News-Record (ENR) Top 500 Design Firm for our engineering design services and a ClearlyRated Best of Staffing® winner for both client and talent service.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.

If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability, please email actalentaccommodation@actalentservices.com for other accommodation options.

San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance: Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Massachusetts Lie Detector: It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI): We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.

Salary : $32 - $37