Firmware Validation Engineer

Xscape Photonics Inc; Santa Clara (CA); On-site; USD 120,000 - 170,000; Full time

Job summary

Xscape Photonics Inc in Santa Clara is seeking a Firmware Validation Engineer with a builder’s mindset to ensure the integrity of optical modules through rigorous testing and to contribute directly to firmware development.

You will design test plans, implement Python automation, and collaborate with hardware and software teams to squash bugs and shape firmware features.

The role requires 5+ years in firmware validation, a BS in EE or CE, and a proactive, fast‑paced approach in a growing company.

Qualifications

• 5+ years in firmware validation or embedded software development.
• Bachelor’s degree in EE or CE.
• Expert-level Python for automation; C/C++ experience required for firmware work.
• Hands-on experience with hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) testing and standard lab equipment (Oscilloscopes, Optical Spectrum Analyzers, BERTs).
• Fail-fast, learn-fast attitude; thrive in a high-pressure, rapid-growth setting.

Responsibilities

• Test Strategy & Design: design test plans and test cases for firmware validation.
• Development Contribution: collaborate with design team to write/optimize firmware, fix bugs, and develop features for optical control.
• Test Case Architecture: build Python-based automation frameworks from complex requirements.
• Cross-Functional Debugging: lead root-cause analysis bridging hardware, firmware and optics.
• Agile Execution: adapt quickly in a fast-paced environment with evolving requirements.

Skills

Python scripting

Firmware validation

Root-cause analysis

Automation testing

Hardware knowledge

Education

Bachelors in EE/CE

Tools

Oscilloscopes

Optical Spectrum Analyzers

HIL testing

Job description

The Role

We are seeking a Firmware Validation Engineer with a builder’s mindset. While your primary mission is to ensure the integrity of our optical modules through rigorous testing, you won't just be finding bugs - you'll be invited to help squash them. This role offers the unique opportunity to contribute directly to firmware development, making it ideal for a validation expert who wants to keep their coding skills sharp and influence the product architecture.

Key Responsibilities

• Test Strategy & Design: Analyze product requirements and functional specifications to design comprehensive test plans and detailed test cases for firmware validation.


• Development Contribution: Collaborate with the design team to write and optimize firmware code, implement bug fixes, and develop new features for optical control.


• Test Case Architecture: Transform complex technical requirements into sophisticated Python-based automation frameworks.


• Cross-Functional Debugging: Lead root-cause analysis sessions, bridging the gap between hardware, firmware, and optical physics.


• Agile Execution: Rapidly pivot between high-priority tasks in a fast-paced environment where requirements and hardware revisions evolve quickly.

Required Qualifications

• Experience: 5+ years in firmware validation or embedded software development.


• Technical Core: Bachelor’s degree in EE or CE and a penchant for solving complex technical problems.


• Scripting & Tooling: Expert-level Python skills for automation. Experience with C/C++ is required for your contributions to the firmware codebase.


• Lab Skills: Hands‑on experience with hardware‑in‑the‑loop (HIL) testing and standard lab equipment (Oscilloscopes, Optical Spectrum Analyzers, BERTs).


• Mindset: A \"fail fast, learn faster\" attitude. You must be highly flexible and thrive in a high‑pressure, rapid‑growth setting.


• Automation: Proven track record of building automated test benches from scratch to validate hardware/firmware interactions.

Preferred Qualifications

Optics: Familiarity with Silicon Photonics or Optical Transceivers is highly desirable.

MCU: Prior experience with STM32 family of microcontrollers is a plus.