QA / Automation Lab Engineer

CINDER; Hillsboro (OR); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Cinder is seeking a motivated QA / Test Automation Engineer (Embedded SDET) to advance embedded systems testing and automation. This entry-to-mid level role welcomes recent graduates or those with 1–3 years of testing experience who possess curiosity and automation exposure.

You will design test plans, perform manual testing on embedded devices, and build automated suites in Python. Collaboration with firmware, hardware, and software teams is essential to drive quality and efficiency.

Qualifications

• Proven ability to plan, develop, and report test results based on product requirements.
• Experience designing and implementing automated functional tests for embedded devices.
• Strong Python experience with test frameworks (pytest or similar).
• Experience with Linux and Embedded Linux platforms.
• Hands-on testing for microcontrollers (ESP32).
• Familiarity with OTA firmware updates and protobuf/REST API testing.
• Experience with Wi-Fi, NFC, and LTE wireless technologies.
• Knowledge of Appium or similar UI automation tools.
• Basic C/C++ proficiency to troubleshoot firmware.

Responsibilities

• Develop test plans, strategies, and reports aligned to product requirements.
• Perform manual functional testing and validate embedded devices.
• Design, develop, and maintain automated functional test suites using Python.
• Validate hardware, firmware, and OTA update functionality.
• Execute tests on Linux/Embedded Linux platforms and HW test setups.
• Collaborate with firmware, hardware, and software engineers to resolve issues.
• Continuously improve test automation coverage and efficiency.

Skills

Test planning

Automation testing

Python pytest

Embedded Linux

ESP32 MCU

Serial testing

Appium

C/C++ basics

OTA validation

Wireless tech

Tools

pytest

REST API testing

Job description

Novus Labs is our sibling company that provides engineering support to the largest tech companies in bringing some of the most innovative products to market.

About the Role

We are looking for a motivated QA / Test Automation Engineer (Embedded SDET) who is eager to build a career in embedded systems testing and automation. This is an excellent opportunity for a recent college graduate (RCG) or someone with 1–3 years of testing experience who has strong technical curiosity and some automation experience.

What you will be doing

• Develop test plans, test strategies, and test reports based on product requirements.
• Perform manual functional testing and validation of embedded devices.
• Design, develop, and maintain automated functional test suites using Python.
• Validate embedded hardware and firmware functionality.
• Execute testing on Linux and Embedded Linux platforms.
• Perform hands‑on hardware testing using serial/UART interfaces, console logs, and hardware test setups.
• Validate Over‑the‑Air (OTA) firmware updates.
• Perform REST API and protobuf interface testing.
• Work with wireless technologies including Wi‑Fi, NFC, and LTE.
• Collaborate with firmware, hardware, and software engineers to identify, troubleshoot, and resolve issues.
• Continuously improve test automation coverage, processes, and testing efficiency.

About You

You enjoy solving technical problems and working directly with embedded hardware. You're passionate about software quality, automation, and learning new technologies. Whether you're a recent graduate with strong internship or project experience or have a couple of years of professional testing experience, you're excited to grow your career in embedded systems and automation.

Required Qualifications

• Test planning, development, and reporting skills
• Experience designing and implementing automated functional,
• Python experience with test frameworks and tooling (pytest or similar)
• Experience with Linux and Embedded Linux platforms
• Experience with Microcontroller (ESP32)
• Hands‑on embedded device testing (serial/UART, console logs, hardware test setups; HIL experience is a plus)
• Wireless technologies (Wi‑Fi, NCF, LTE)
• OTA update validation
• Appium (or similar UI test automation tools)
• Basic C/C++ proficiency to understand and troubleshoot firmware

Applicants must be authorized to work for ANY employer in the US. We are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of employment Visas.

About Cinder

Cinder is a people‑first staffing and recruiting company committed to creating workplaces where employees feel valued, supported, and engaged. Our mission is to leverage our power as a recruiting and consulting company to build workplaces where people thrive. Backed by our ISO 9001 certification, we deliver high‑quality staffing solutions, and our clients have rated us over 100% for multiple quarters. Join us and be part of a team that makes a real impact!