Firmware QA Engineer II

Whelen Engineering; Connecticut; On-site; USD 80,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

Whelen Engineering is looking for a Firmware QA Engineer II in Chester, CT. The role focuses on ensuring the quality of embedded firmware through hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) testing and automated framework development.

Ideal candidates will have a Bachelor’s in Engineering and 2–5 years of experience, with proficiency in Python, Robot Framework, and various electronic test equipment. This full-time position offers collaborative work in an Agile environment.

Qualifications

• 2–5 years of relevant engineering experience.
• Proficient in Python for high-level test automation.
• Experience with Robot Framework or similar tools.
• Solid understanding of firmware development and embedded systems.
• Effective communication skills for collaboration.

Responsibilities

• Develop and code automated test cases using Python and Robot Framework.
• Design HIL automation frameworks for firmware evaluation.
• Collaborate in an Agile/Scrum environment with cross-functional teams.
• Document software designs and test procedures for verification.

Skills

Python

Robot Framework

HIL testing

Debugging

Test Automation

Collaboration

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering (Computer Science or Computer Engineering preferred)

Tools

Git

Jira

Bitbucket

Oscilloscopes

Digital Multimeters

Logic Analyzers

Job description

Firmware QA Engineer II

Department: Engineering (126) CT

Employment Type: Full Time

Location: Chester, CT

Description

We are seeking a highly skilled Firmware QA Engineer II with a strong background in hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) testing and automated framework development. In this role, you will be responsible for ensuring the quality and reliability of embedded firmware products throughout the development lifecycle. You will collaborate with hardware engineers and firmware developers to design and execute automated tests that evaluate system performance, functionality, and integration within a CI/CD pipeline.

Duties and Responsibilities

Test Planning & Execution:

• Develop and code comprehensive automated test cases to validate firmware functionality and performance using Python and Robot Framework.
• Create and execute detailed test plans based on product specifications, utilizing Xray for Jira to ensure full requirements traceability and compliance.

Test Automation & CI/CD:

• Design and implement Hardware-in-the-Loop (HIL) automation frameworks to evaluate firmware on physical hardware platforms.
• Architect and integrate automated testing into Bitbucket CI/CD pipelines to improve testing efficiency.

Firmware Debugging & Analysis:

• Work closely with firmware developers to perform in-depth debugging and analysis of system behavior.
• Identify, log, and track defects throughout the development cycle, utilizing logic analyzers and USB analyzers to isolate root causes.

Hardware Integration & Lab Management:

• Develop and maintain a specialized HIL test lab, integrating hardware components with firmware to evaluate overall system functionality.
• Utilize and manage lab equipment, including oscilloscopes, power supplies, and digital multimeters, for test setup and hardware validation.

Collaboration & Reporting:

• Collaborate within an Agile/Scrum environment with cross-functional teams to ensure smooth test execution from concept to production.
• Document software designs and test procedures, providing clear reports on results to support formal verification and validation efforts.

Education and Experience

• Must hold a Bachelor’s degree in an engineering discipline (Computer Science or Computer Engineering preferred).
• Must have 2–5 years of experience in a relevant engineering position.
• Must be proficient in Python or related scripting languages for high-level test automation.
• Must have hands‑on experience with Robot Framework or similar automated testing tools (Cypress, PyTest, etc).
• Must possess a solid understanding of firmware development and the architecture of embedded systems.
• Must have "hands-on" skills and be proficient in the use of common electronic test equipment: oscilloscopes, digital multimeters, and logic analyzers.
• Must be familiar with Git for version control and workflows involving Bitbucket, pull requests, and code reviews.
• Must possess a knowledge of analyzing technical specifications to create effective test plans and validation procedures.
• Must possess excellent communication skills to collaborate effectively with engineers spanning a variety of disciplines.
• Must be able to work as part of a dedicated team to represent core company values while interacting with employees and vendors.

Desirable Qualifications

• Familiar with CAN, USB, Ethernet, UART, SPI, and other common communication protocols.
• Experience with Atlassian development and collaboration tools, such as Jira, Xray, and Confluence.
• Strong debugging and troubleshooting skills in both software and hardware contexts.
• Familiarity with safety or regulatory standards relevant to embedded systems.