Firmware Validation Engineer

Pb Consulting; South San Francisco (CA); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

Pb Consulting is seeking an experienced Firmware Validation Engineer to validate the quality, reliability, and performance of firmware and embedded products in South San Francisco. You will develop and execute validation strategies, identify coverage gaps, and drive defects to resolution with cross-functional engineering teams.

You will perform hands-on validation of connectivity technologies (Bluetooth, Wi‑Fi, LTE/5G, GNSS, vehicle networking), debug with Wireshark, ADB, and DLT, and build

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical, Computer Engineering or CS.
• 8+ years in firmware validation, embedded testing, or QA.
• Experience in test planning, execution, coverage analysis, and defect lifecycle.
• Hands-on validation in at least one connectivity domain: Bluetooth, Wi‑Fi, LTE/5G, GNSS, or vehicle networking.
• Strong debugging, log analysis, and Python automation skills.
• Proficiency with Jira/Confluence and Agile methodologies.
• Proven ability to work across firmware, hardware, software, and systems teams.

Responsibilities

• Develop, review, and execute test plans, test cases, and validation strategies.
• Identify coverage gaps and implement effective validation scenarios.
• Manage defects through identification, reproduction, root-cause analysis, and closure.
• Validate connectivity technologies (Bluetooth, Wi‑Fi, LTE/5G, GNSS, vehicle networks).
• Debug and analyze issues using Wireshark, ADB, DLT, and Bluetooth/HCI traces.
• Reproduce issues from production, field, or customer environments.
• Develop Python scripts and automation frameworks for test execution and log analysis.
• Work in Linux/Ubuntu environments for testing and system analysis.
• Collaborate with firmware, hardware, software, systems, and product teams.
• Track defects in Jira and maintain documentation in Confluence.

Skills

Python scripting

Test planning

Validation

Debugging

Log analysis

Cross-functional collaboration

Linux/Ubuntu

Education

Bachelor's degree in Electrical/Computer Engineering or CS

Tools

Wireshark

ADB

DLT

Bluetooth/HCI traces

Jira

Confluence

Job description

Role Overview

We are seeking an experienced Firmware Validation Engineer to validate and ensure the quality, reliability, and performance of firmware and embedded products. The role involves developing and executing validation strategies, identifying coverage gaps, debugging complex issues, and working closely with cross-functional engineering teams to drive defects through resolution.

The ideal candidate will have strong hands-on experience in embedded/firmware validation, connectivity technologies, automation, debugging, and log analysis.

Roles & Responsibilities

• Develop, review, and execute test plans, test cases, and validation strategies for firmware and embedded products.

• Identify test coverage gaps and implement effective validation scenarios to improve product quality.

• Manage defects through the complete lifecycle, from identification and reproduction to root-cause analysis and closure.

• Perform hands-on validation of connectivity technologies such as Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, LTE/5G, GNSS, or vehicle networking.

• Debug and analyze issues using tools such as Wireshark, ADB, DLT, Bluetooth/HCI traces, and similar diagnostic tools.

• Reproduce and troubleshoot issues reported from production, field, or customer environments.

• Develop Python scripts and automation frameworks for test execution, log analysis, and repetitive validation activities.

• Work extensively in Linux/Ubuntu environments for testing, debugging, and system analysis.

• Collaborate with firmware, hardware, software, systems, and product teams to investigate and resolve issues.

• Track and manage defects using Jira and maintain technical documentation in Confluence.

• Participate in Agile ceremonies and contribute to continuous improvement of validation processes and methodologies.

Required Qualifications & Skills

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Computer Science, or a related field.

• 8+ years of experience in firmware validation, embedded systems testing, or QA engineering.

• Proven experience in test planning, test execution, coverage analysis, and defect lifecycle management.

• Hands-on validation experience with at least one connectivity domain:

• Bluetooth

• Wi-Fi

• LTE/5G

• GNSS

• Vehicle networking

• Strong debugging, troubleshooting, and log analysis skills.

• Experience with Wireshark, ADB, DLT, Bluetooth/HCI traces, or similar tools.

• Strong Python scripting skills for automation and validation.

• Proficiency working in Linux/Ubuntu environments.

• Experience with Jira, Confluence, and Agile development methodologies.

• Strong communication and collaboration skills in a cross-functional engineering environment.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with audio, streaming, media casting, infotainment, or in-cabin entertainment systems.

• Hands-on experience with Bluetooth stack validation, including pairing, A2DP, HFP, AVRCP, and interoperability testing.

• Experience with wireless connectivity technologies and protocols.

• Experience in automotive, robotics, fleet, or other embedded product environments.

• Experience validating products in production or field environments.