Firmware Validation Engineer

Join a hands-on firmware validation team focused on connected in-cabin audio and streaming experiences for advanced autonomous vehicles. This onsite role in Foster City, CA is centered on manual testing, coverage expansion, defect triage, and root-cause analysis to help deliver reliable, high-quality feature performance.
Responsibilities

• Execute functional, integration, regression, and exploratory testing for audio and streaming features on benches and in vehicles.
• Develop and maintain test cases and documentation as features evolve.
• Identify gaps in existing test coverage and add new scenarios to strengthen validation depth.
• Investigate defects by reproducing issues, collecting logs, and analyzing data from tools such as Wireshark, DLT, ADB, HCI/Bluetooth traces, and vehicle logs.
• Serve as the first point of contact for fleet-reported audio and streaming issues, helping narrow scope and drive resolution with cross-functional partners.
• Own defects through the full lifecycle in JIRA, including clear reproduction steps, supporting evidence, severity assessment, verification, and regression follow-up.
• Support and maintain test benches, in-vehicle rigs, and diagnostic setups so environments remain ready for release testing.
• Collaborate closely with firmware, product, integration, diagnostics, and fleet teams to align on readiness and priorities.

Skills

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or a related field.
• 8+ years of hands-on validation or QA experience on firmware or embedded products.
• Proven ability to write and run test plans and test cases while improving test coverage.
• Experience in at least one connectivity area, such as Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, cellular, GNSS, or vehicle networking.
• Strong debugging and log analysis skills with experience using Wireshark, DLT, ADB, and similar tools.
• Ability to reproduce and isolate issues reported from field or production environments.
• Python scripting skills to automate repetitive tasks and help parse logs.
• Comfort working in Linux/Ubuntu environments.
• Strong discipline in defect tracking and documentation using JIRA and Confluence.
• Experience working in agile release cycles.

Preferred Skills

• Experience with in-cabin entertainment or media casting frameworks.
• Bluetooth stack validation experience, including pairing, A2DP, HFP, AVRCP, and interoperability testing.
• Broader background in wireless connectivity technologies.
• Exposure to autonomous vehicle or robotaxi fleet environments.

Horizontal is committed to building an inclusive workplace where diverse perspectives are valued, respected, and supported. We encourage candidates from all backgrounds to apply and bring their unique experiences, ideas, and strengths to the team.

By applying for this position, you acknowledge and agree that Horizontal Talent may contact you regarding your application using automated technology, including phone calls, SMS/text messages, or email, which may be delivered by our virtual AI recruiter, Alex.

Please apply through this online posting or by visiting our Job Board at Applications will be accepted for 4 weeks. For those that join the team, we offer competitive compensation and benefits including medical, dental, vision, and retirement. Check out all we have to offer and how you can become part of the Horizontal Talent Team. The pay range for this role is $76 - $110 per hour based on qualifications and experience.