Firmware Engineer

Firmware Test Engineer

We are looking for a Firmware Test Engineer to execute manual firmware testing including functional, regression, integration, and stress testing. The role involves developing and maintaining test plans, test cases, and test documentation based on firmware requirements. You will perform hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) and software-in-the-loop (SIL) testing, identify, document, and track firmware defects, and collaborate with developers to ensure resolution. Additionally, you 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, use lab and debug tools to troubleshoot firmware and communication issues, and contribute to 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.
• Perform hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) and software-in-the-loop (SIL) testing.
• Identify, document, and track firmware defects, and collaborate with developers for 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

Work in a beautiful brand new facility in Carlsbad, within a collaborative team environment. The position follows an alternate work week schedule of 9/80, allowing every other Friday off. Enjoy on-site amenities such as a self-service café, free gourmet coffee stations, an on-site gym, ping-pong, foosball, an outdoor bocce ball court, BBQ, and firepit. Work 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.

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 Apr 3, 2026.

Diversity, Equity & Inclusion

At Actalent, diversity and inclusion are a bridge towards the equity and success of our people. DE&I is embedded into our culture through:

• Hiring diverse talent
• Maintaining an inclusive environment through persistent self-reflection
• Building a culture of care, engagement, and recognition with clear outcomes
• Ensuring growth opportunities for our people

Actalent is an equal opportunity employer.

About Actalent

Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services. For more than 40 years, we've helped visionary companies advance their goals. Headquartered in the United States, our teams span 150 offices across North America, EMEA, and APAC—with four delivery centers in India led by 1,000+ extraordinary employees who connect their passion with purpose every day.

Our Bangalore, Hyderabad, Pune, and Chennai delivery centers are hubs of engineering expertise, with core capabilities in mechanical and electrical engineering, systems and software, and manufacturing engineering. Our teams deliver work across multiple industries including transportation, consumer and industrial products, and life sciences. We serve more than 4,500 clients, including many Fortune 500 brands.