Embedded Software Test Engineer

Type: Contract
Length: 6 months
Pay Rate: $60-80/DOE
Work Site: Hybrid
Location: Chicago, IL
Visa: ***Must be a US Citizen based on project

Position Overview
The Ranger Group, a leading US Engineering Solutions provider to companies across the Aerospace & Defense, Medical Device, Electronics and Industrial Manufacturing industries, is currently seeking a skilled Embedded Software Test Engineer to join a high-performing engineering team at a leading aerospace and defense manufacturer in the Chicago metropolitan area. In this contract role, you will be responsible for designing, developing, and executing software test strategies for embedded systems used in mission-critical applications. You will work closely with firmware and hardware engineers to validate software functionality against requirements and ensure the highest levels of quality and safety.

Key Responsibilities

• Design and develop automated test frameworks using Python (pytest) for embedded software validation

• Write requirement-based test cases from software specifications using both black-box and white-box testing methodologies

• Perform embedded software testing on microcontroller-based systems, including validation of internal peripherals (GPIO, UART, SPI, ADC, Timers)

• Debug and analyze hardware and software issues using tools such as JTAG debuggers and oscilloscopes

• Collaborate with embedded firmware engineers to support integration and system-level testing

• Document test plans, test cases, test results, and defect reports

• Participate in design and code reviews with cross-functional engineering teams

Required Qualifications

Python & Test Automation

• Proficiency in Python programming with hands-on experience building pytest-based automated test frameworks

• Solid understanding of object-oriented programming concepts; ability to write test cases using classes

• Experience with requirement-based test development — translating software requirements into executable test cases

• Demonstrated experience with both black-box and white-box testing approaches

Embedded C Programming

• Strong proficiency in embedded C programming with solid knowledge of low-level programming concepts

• Practical experience writing and debugging C code for resource-constrained microcontroller environments

Microcontroller Knowledge

• Good working understanding of microcontroller architectures and internal peripherals

• Hands-on experience with GPIO, UART, SPI, ADC, Timers, and related hardware interfaces

Debugging & Communication Protocols

• Experience using hardware debugging tools including JTAG debuggers and oscilloscopes

• Familiarity with serial communication protocols, particularly UART and SPI

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with bare-metal (non-OS) embedded software development

• Proficiency with TI Code Composer Studio or equivalent embedded IDE

• Knowledge of DO-178C (Software Considerations in Airborne Systems and Equipment Certification)

• Prior experience in aerospace, defense, or other safety-critical industries