Firmware Quality Assurance Engineer

Bridge Technical Talent; Connecticut; On-site; USD 85,000 - 125,000; Full time

Job summary

Bridge Technical Talent is seeking a Firmware QA Engineer with HIL testing expertise to ensure reliable embedded firmware across the development lifecycle. You will build automated tests in Python/Robot Framework, implement HIL solutions, and integrate tests into Bitbucket CI/CD while collaborating with hardware and firmware teams.

The ideal candidate has 2–5 years in engineering, strong Python scripting, and hands-on experience with test equipment and Xray/Jira for traceability.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in engineering or related field.
• 2–5 years in a relevant engineering role.
• Strong Python and test automation scripting experience.
• Hands-on with Robot Framework or similar tools.
• Solid firmware/embedded systems understanding.
• Proficient with test equipment: oscilloscope, DMM, logic analyzer.
• Familiar with Git, Bitbucket, PRs & code reviews.
• Ability to read technical specs and craft test plans.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Develop and code automated test cases for firmware validation.
• Create detailed test plans based on specs and ensure traceability.
• Design HIL automation frameworks for firmware on hardware.
• Integrate tests into Bitbucket CI/CD pipelines.
• Debug and analyze system behavior with firmware teams.
• Log, track and manage defects throughout the lifecycle.
• Maintain a dedicated HIL lab and test setup.
• Document test procedures and report results for verification.

Skills

Python

Robot Framework

CI/CD

Test automation

Embedded systems

Debugging

Git & Bitbucket

Test planning

Communication

Hardware-in-the-Loop

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering

Computer Science

Electrical Engineering

Tools

Jira

Xray

Confluence

Oscilloscopes

Logic analyzers

Digital multimeters

USB analyzers

Job description

We are seeking a highly skilled Firmware QA Engineer with a 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.
• 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.
• 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.