Firmware Validation Test Engineer

Title: Firmware Validation Test Engineer
Location: Foster City, CA
Duration : 6 Months

Key Responsibilities:

Manual feature validation: Execute functional, integration, regression, and exploratory testing for Audio and streaming features on bench and in-vehicle.
Test content development: Author new test cases, expand existing test suites, and keep test documentation current as features evolve.
Coverage gap closure: Identify untested or under-tested paths in the existing suites and systematically add coverage; track coverage health for each feature track.
Root cause analysis: Reproduce defects, capture and analyze logs (Wireshark, DLT, ADB, HCI/Bluetooth traces, vehicle logs), and isolate root cause before handing off to firmware owners.
Field issue triage: Own first-line triage for Audio and Streaming feature fleet issues - reproduce in lab, narrow scope, and drive issues to closure in partnership with fleet support, diagnostics, and firmware teams.
Defect lifecycle: Manage defects end-to-end in JIRA - clear reproduction steps, attached logs, severity rationale, fix verification, and regression follow-up.
Test infrastructure: Maintain test benches, in-vehicle rigs, and diagnostic setups so they stay release-ready.
Cross-functional communication: Partner with firmware leads, product managers, and integration partners to align on feature readiness and defect priority.

Required Qualifications:

8+ years in a hands-on validation/QA engineering role on firmware or embedded products.
Validation depth: Demonstrated experience writing and executing test plans/cases, identifying and closing coverage gaps, and managing defects through the full lifecycle.
Connectivity background (any flavor): Hands-on validation experience in at least one connectivity domain - Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, cellular (LTE/5G), GNSS, or vehicle networking.
Root-cause skill: Strong log triage and debugging instincts; comfortable with Wireshark, DLT, ADB, and similar tooling.
Field triage experience: Track record of reproducing and isolating defects reported from production/field environments.
Python scripting sufficient to automate repetitive checks and parse logs; comfortable on Linux/Ubuntu. (Python scripting is mandatory requirement).
Strong defect-tracking discipline (JIRA/Confluence) and experience in agile release cycles.

Preferred Qualifications:

Prior experience with in-cabin entertainment and/or media casting frameworks.
Bluetooth stack validation (pairing, A2DP/HFP/AVRCP, interop).
Background and experience in wireless connectivity technologies.
Prior exposure to autonomous-vehicle or robotaxi fleet environments.

Education:

Bachelor's or Master's degree in Computer Science, Computer or Electrical Engineering, Mathematics, or a related field.