Firmware Test Engineer

Job Description

Job Description

Job Title: Firmware Test Engineer

Job Description

The Firmware Test Engineer designs, executes, and automates tests for embedded Linux firmware and wireless communication devices, ensuring reliable data transmission across complex mesh networks. This role focuses on validating networking protocols, wireless subsystems, and backbone communication paths that carry critical data for devices such as gas and water meters. The engineer builds and maintains test environments, contributes to continuous integration and regression testing, and collaborates closely with firmware and QA teams to improve product quality and test coverage.

Responsibilities

• Design, execute, and document manual test cases for firmware features across embedded Linux user space and kernel space.
• Validate wireless communication subsystems, including RF, WiFi, and Bluetooth, across multiple device configurations.
• Test and verify networking protocol behavior, including IPv4, IPv6, ICMP, DHCPv6, TCP/IP, UDP, PPP, and Ethernet, to ensure correct data transmission.
• Evaluate Layer-2 switching and routing functionality to confirm correctness, stability, and proper data flow.
• Focus on end-to-end data flow, verifying that data moves correctly from point A to point B, in the right format, on time, and through the appropriate routes in mesh networks.
• Test communication devices that use multi-layer (seven-layer) networking protocols, including devices such as gas and water meters and other RF or cellular-enabled endpoints.
• Perform system-level “box testing” of communication devices and firmware to validate overall functionality and robustness.
• Automate manual firmware test cases using scripting languages such as Python and Bash, or using Robot Framework, and integrate them into nightly regression builds and CI/CD pipelines.
• Build and configure hardware and software test setups from scratch, manually verify them, and then automate them for continuous regression coverage.
• Maintain and enhance the automation framework to ensure scalability, reliability, and coverage across all product lines.
• Identify, document, and track defects with clear reproduction steps, detailed logs, and thorough root-cause analysis.
• Monitor nightly build and regression results, triage failures, and report findings with actionable details and recommendations.
• Collaborate closely with firmware engineers to review requirements, provide early testing feedback, and improve testability and product design.
• Mentor junior QA engineers by sharing best practices in firmware testing, automation, and networking protocols.
• Use test management tools to organize, track, and report on test cases, test runs, and defects throughout the development lifecycle.
• Leverage network emulation and traffic analysis tools to analyze network behavior, troubleshoot issues, and validate protocol compliance.
• Work independently to manage multiple testing priorities and deliver high-quality results with minimal guidance.

Essential Skills

• Hands-on experience testing embedded Linux systems in both user space and kernel space.
• Proven experience testing wireless protocols such as RF, WiFi, or Bluetooth.
• Strong knowledge of networking protocols, including IPv4, IPv6, ICMP, DHCPv6, TCP/IP, UDP, Ethernet, and PPP.
• Familiarity with Layer-2 switching and routing protocol testing.
• Strong scripting skills in Python and/or Bash for test automation.
• Experience using Robot Framework for structured test automation.
• Experience integrating automated tests into CI/CD pipelines or nightly regression systems.
• Working experience with Linux environments and networking protocols.
• Experience testing communication devices and mesh networks, with emphasis on data integrity, timing, routing, and format.
• Proficiency in C or C++ sufficient to understand and debug firmware-level code.
• Exposure to network emulation or traffic analysis tools such as Wireshark, iPerf, or tcpdump.
• Experience with test management tools such as TestRail, Jira, or equivalent systems.
• Experience with version control systems such as Git.
• Ability to work independently, manage multiple priorities, and deliver results with minimal supervision.
• Strong communication skills and a collaborative, ownership-driven attitude.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience working with mesh networks and backbone communication systems that carry data between distributed devices.
• Experience in testing devices such as gas meters, water meters, or similar RF and cellular-based endpoints.
• Familiarity with real-time operating systems (RTOS) in addition to Linux.
• Experience with predominantly manual testing environments and transitioning manual tests to automation.
• Experience maintaining and extending automation frameworks for scalability across multiple product lines.
• Comfort working with seven-layer networking models and understanding interactions between different protocol layers.
• Experience mentoring junior engineers or contributing to team knowledge sharing.

Work Environment

This role is fully onsite in Alpharetta, GA, working Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. The position operates in a combined office and lab environment, where you will regularly work with embedded devices, networking equipment, and RF test setups. You can expect hands-on interaction with hardware test benches, communication devices, and lab instruments, as well as regular use of Linux workstations and automation tools as part of the daily workflow.

This is a Permanent position based out of Alpharetta, GA.

The pay range for this position is $100000.00 - $145000.00/yr.

Our client is a global leader in energy management solutions, operating in over 30 countries and headquartered in Switzerland. We are thrilled that you’ve considered us to be a part of your professional journey. As a part of the family, employees are offered a comprehensive and competitive package of benefits including medical, dental and vision coverage, life insurance, and a 401(k)-retirement plan featuring a generous company match incentive. Additionally, we offer three (3) weeks of Paid Time Off (PTO) as well as eleven (11) paid holidays. We also offer a tuition reimbursement program, optional pet insurance, supplemental medical coverage and a host of other perks to ensure the health, wellness, and enrichment of our team members.

This is a fully onsite position in Alpharetta,GA.

This position is anticipated to close on Jul 14, 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 View email address on ziprecruiter.com 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.