Firmware Engineer
About the role
Job Title: Firmware Test Engineer
Job Description
We are seeking a dedicated Firmware Test Engineer to execute manual firmware testing, including functional, regression, integration, and stress testing. You will develop and maintain test plans, test cases, and test documentation based on firmware requirements. The role involves performing hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) and software-in-the-loop (SIL) testing, identifying, documenting, and tracking firmware defects, and collaborating with developers to ensure resolution. The candidate will validate firmware behavior across embedded systems and connected IoT devices, support cross-platform and compatibility testing, assist with user acceptance testing (UAT), and final release validation. Using lab and debug tools, you will troubleshoot firmware and communication issues while contributing to the continuous improvement of testing processes and best practices.
Responsibilities
- Execute manual firmware testing including functional, regression, integration, and stress testing.
- Develop and maintain test plans, test cases, and test documentation based on firmware requirements.
- Perform hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) and software-in-the-loop (SIL) testing.
- Identify, document, and track firmware defects; collaborate with developers to ensure resolution.
- Validate firmware behavior across embedded systems and connected IoT devices.
- Support cross-platform and compatibility testing.
- Assist with user acceptance testing (UAT) and final release validation.
- Use lab and debug tools to troubleshoot firmware and communication issues.
- Contribute to continuous improvement of testing processes and best practices.
Essential Skills
- Hands-on experience testing embedded firmware on physical hardware.
- Ability to execute functional, regression, integration, and performance testing.
- 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/or Bluetooth/Wi-Fi.
- Experience documenting and tracking defects using tools like JIRA or similar issue-tracking systems.
- Comfortable working cross-functionally with firmware developers, hardware engineers, and product teams.
- Ability to work independently in a fast-paced, hands-on lab environment.
Additional Skills & Qualifications
- 1-2+ years of experience working in a manufacturing/lab setting.
- B.S. in Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, or related field.
- Experience writing scripts or other automation tools for firmware testing.
- Exposure to C/C++ for reading or lightly modifying test-related code.
- Experience with Wireshark, protocol analyzers, or API testing tools (Postman).
- Familiarity with embedded UX validation.
- Experience testing IoT or connected devices.
Work Environment
The work environment includes a beautiful, brand-new facility in Carlsbad with a team atmosphere. The lab consists of 15 lab engineers but lacks electronics specialists. The position has a 6-month duration with the possibility of extension. The work schedule follows an alternate work week schedule - 9/80, providing every other Friday off. The facility includes an on-site self-service café with free gourmet coffee stations, company-sponsored fun events, an on-site gym, ping-pong, foosball, an outdoor bocce ball court, BBQ, and a firepit. Working hours are from 7:30 am to 5:30 pm, with flexibility in start time between 6:30 am and 8:30 am.
Job Type & Location
This is a Contract position based out of Carlsbad, CA.
Pay And Benefits
The pay range for this position is $32.00 - $37.00/hr.
Individual compensation offered for this position within this range will depend on many factors, including qualifications, skills, relevant experience, job knowledge, geographic location, internal equity, and other pertinent job-related factors.
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)
Workplace Type
This is a fully onsite position in Carlsbad,CA.
Application Deadline
This position is anticipated to close on Oct 23, 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 [email protected] 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.
