Firmware Test Engineer – Autonomous Systems / Autonomous Driving

7Th Sky Tech; Palo Alto (CA); Hybrid; USD 120,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

7Th Sky Tech is seeking a Firmware Test Engineer in California to join an autonomous driving technology client. You will develop and execute test strategies for embedded firmware across ECUs, sensors, and automotive control systems.

The role emphasizes creating automated test frameworks with Python, validating CAN/CAN FD, LIN, Ethernet, and other interfaces, and collaborating with cross-functional teams to improve test coverage and ensure production-quality firmware.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of firmware, embedded software, or hardware/software testing experience.
• Strong experience with embedded firmware validation and verification.
• Hands-on Python test automation experience.
• Strong C/C++ and embedded systems understanding.
• Experience with HIL/SIL testing and system-level validation.
• Experience with CAN/CAN FD, LIN, Automotive Ethernet, SPI, I2C, UART protocols.
• Experience with automotive testing tools like CANoe/CANalyzer.
• Familiarity with Agile/Scrum methodologies.

Responsibilities

• Develop, validate, and execute firmware validation plans for embedded automotive systems.
• Design and maintain automated test frameworks for firmware and embedded platforms.
• Perform unit, integration, functional, regression, system, and HIL testing.
• Develop Python-based test automation and diagnostic tools.
• Test CAN/CAN FD, LIN, Ethernet, SPI, I2C, UART communications.
• Collaborate with firmware, hardware, and systems teams to reproduce and resolve defects.
• Maintain regression suites and improve test coverage.

Skills

Firmware testing

Python scripting

C/C++

Embedded systems

HIL/SIL testing

Automotive protocols CAN/CAN FD/LIN

CI/CD

Git

Tools

CANoe/CANalyzer

CAPL

JTAG/SWD

Vector tools

Jenkins

GitLab CI

Job description

Firmware Test Engineer –

Job Type: Full-Time

Location: California – Hybrid

Industry: Autonomous Vehicles / ADAS / Automotive Technology

Job Summary

We are seeking a highly skilled Firmware Test Engineer to join our engineering team supporting a leading autonomous driving and advanced automotive technology client. The ideal candidate will have strong experience in embedded firmware validation, hardware/software integration, test automation, and system-level testing.

You will be responsible for developing and executing comprehensive test strategies for embedded firmware used in autonomous vehicle, ADAS, sensor, ECU, and automotive control systems. This role requires close collaboration with firmware, hardware, systems, and validation teams to identify defects, improve test coverage, and ensure production-quality firmware.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop, implement, and execute firmware validation and verification test plans for embedded automotive systems.
• Design and maintain automated test frameworks for firmware and embedded systems.
• Perform unit, integration, functional, regression, system, and hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) testing.
• Validate firmware functionality across ECUs, sensors, controllers, and automotive embedded platforms.
• Develop Python-based test automation and diagnostic tools.
• Perform CAN/CAN FD, LIN, Ethernet, SPI, I2C, UART and other embedded communication testing.
• Work with Vector CANoe/CANalyzer or similar automotive diagnostic and network-analysis tools.
• Analyze firmware logs, traces, crashes, and test results to identify root causes.
• Debug issues across hardware, firmware, drivers, and system interfaces.
• Collaborate closely with firmware developers to reproduce, isolate, and resolve defects.
• Develop test cases from firmware requirements and system specifications.
• Maintain automated regression suites and continuously improve test coverage.
• Execute testing on embedded hardware, development boards, ECUs, and prototype systems.
• Support CI/CD-based firmware testing and automated regression pipelines.
• Integrate testing into Jenkins, GitLab CI, or similar build and automation environments.
• Perform firmware flashing, configuration, recovery, and version validation.
• Track defects using Jira, Azure DevOps, or similar tools.
• Participate in design reviews, requirements reviews, test-readiness reviews, and defect triage.
• Support root-cause analysis and verification of software/firmware fixes.
• Work in a fast-paced environment with hardware, firmware, systems, and autonomous-driving engineering teams.

Required Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience in firmware, embedded software, or hardware/software testing.
• Strong experience with embedded firmware validation and verification.
• Hands-on experience with Python test automation.
• Strong understanding of C/C++ and embedded systems.
• Experience with HIL/SIL testing and system-level validation.
• Experience working with automotive communication protocols such as CAN/CAN FD, LIN, Automotive Ethernet, SPI, I2C, and UART.
• Experience with CANoe, CANalyzer, CAPL, or equivalent automotive testing tools.
• Strong understanding of embedded hardware, microcontrollers, ECUs, sensors, and device drivers.
• Experience creating detailed test cases, test procedures, and validation reports.
• Strong debugging and troubleshooting skills using logs, traces, debuggers, and diagnostic tools.
• Experience with Git and CI/CD environments.
• Familiarity with Agile/Scrum development methodologies.
• Strong analytical, communication, and problem-solving skills.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in autonomous vehicles, ADAS, robotics, automotive electronics, or mobility systems.
• Experience testing firmware for camera, radar, LiDAR, IMU, GPS/GNSS, or other vehicle sensors.
• Experience with AUTOSAR and automotive embedded software architecture.
• Knowledge of UDS / ISO 14229 and automotive diagnostics.
• Experience with Jenkins, GitLab CI, Docker, or similar automation infrastructure.
• Experience with real‑time embedded operating systems such as FreeRTOS, QNX, or Linux.
• Familiarity with ISO 26262, ASPICE, and automotive software quality processes.
• Experience with hardware debugging using JTAG/SWD, oscilloscopes, logic analyzers, or other lab equipment.
• Experience working with autonomous‑driving compute platforms or automotive SoCs.
• Knowledge of cybersecurity validation for embedded automotive systems is a plus.

Technical Skills

Programming: Python, C, C++

Testing: Firmware Validation, Embedded Testing, HIL, SIL, Regression, Integration Testing

Protocols: CAN, CAN FD, LIN, Ethernet, SPI, I2C, UART, UDS

Tools: Vector CANoe, CANalyzer, CAPL, JTAG/SWD, Debuggers

Automation: Python, PyTest, Jenkins, GitLab CI/CD

Platforms: Embedded Linux, QNX, FreeRTOS

Automotive: ECU, ADAS, Autonomous Driving, AUTOSAR, ISO 26262, ASPICE

Tracking: Jira, Azure DevOps, Git

What You Will Do

The successful candidate will help ensure that firmware powering next-generation autonomous and ADAS systems meets stringent requirements for functionality, reliability, performance, and robustness. You will work across the hardware–firmware–software boundary, building sophisticated automated testing and helping engineering teams deliver reliable embedded products.

Work Arrangement

Employment: Full-Time

Work Model: Hybrid

Location: California

Client Environment: Autonomous Driving / ADAS / Automotive Technology

Candidates should be comfortable working onsite at the client location as required and collaborating with cross‑functional engineering teams.

Skills: python,automotive,azure,software,devops,firmware,embedded