Wireless Firmware Validation Engineer

Zoox; Foster City (CA); On-site; USD 206,000 - 240,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Stock options / RSUs

Paid time off

Job summary

Zoox is seeking a Wireless Firmware Validation Engineer to own performance validation, optimization, and debugging of our TCU. You will analyze diagnostics across cellular networks, 4G/5G modems, Wi‑Fi, and Bluetooth, while designing testing campaigns using industry tools like Keysight UXM.

Your work safeguards the safety and reliability of the Zoox autonomous fleet, bridging hardware, cloud services, and test systems. You will lead automated log analysis and cross‑functional collaboration.

Qualifications

• 10+ years in wireless validation or embedded systems test engineering.
• Deep expertise in developing 3GPP cellular (4G-LTE, 5G-NR), Wi‑Fi, and Satellite feature test plans.
• Proficiency in LTE/5G protocol stacks (NAS, PDCP, RRC, RLC, MAC, PHY) and cross‑layer debugging.

Responsibilities

• Define test architecture from hardware bring‑up to fleet deployment.
• Design and execute advanced testing campaigns with network emulators to identify edge cases.
• Dig into log reviews and cross‑functional system integration issues to find root causes.
• Ensure interfaces are well‑architected and validated between RF-baseband, protocol stack, and host.

Skills

10+ years exp

Wireless validation

3GPP LTE/5G

Wi-Fi/Bluetooth

Network analysis tools

Emulation tools

Python/Shell

Education

Bachelor's or Master's in EE/CS

Tools

QXDM

Wireshark

Keysight UXM

R&S CMW500/CMX500

Job description

As a Wireless Firmware Validation Engineer on the Firmware team, you will own the performance validation, optimization, and debugging of our TCU (Telematics Control Unit). Managing a complex architecture that integrates third‑party hardware with our autonomous vehicle platform, you will analyze diagnostics and log outputs across cellular networks, 4G/5G modems, internal software layers, Wi‑Fi, and Bluetooth. You will not only reactively troubleshoot complex field issues but also proactively design, facilitate, and evaluate advanced testing campaigns - utilizing industry‑standard network emulation tools like the Keysight UXM to identify cellular edge cases and vulnerabilities before they impact operations.

Your work will directly safeguard the safety, reliability, and scaling of the Zoox autonomous fleet. Robust, low‑latency connectivity is fundamental to autonomous vehicle deployment, powering essential real‑time cloud services, fleet management pipelines, and teleoperation capabilities. By ensuring our vehicles maintain seamless, high‑performance connections under the most demanding real‑world conditions, you will bridge the gap between cutting‑edge hardware, cloud infrastructure, and test systems to enable Zoox to deliver the future of autonomous mobility.

You will leverage your substantial prior expertise in connectivity software and protocols (cellular modem cross‑layers, Wi‑Fi MAC/PHY) to provide critical insights and feedback, guaranteeing that our systems are rigorously tested and hardened for operational deployment.

In this role, you will:

• Test Architecture & Strategy: Define component integration plans (from initial hardware bring‑up to advanced functions), then design, develop, and execute comprehensive test plans spanning early development through large‑scale operational fleet deployment.
• Advanced Testing Campaigns: Proactively design and facilitate advanced testing campaigns utilizing industry‑standard network emulation tools (e.g., Keysight UXM) to identify cellular edge cases, performance bottlenecks, and vulnerabilities.
• Deep Debugging: Dig into challenging log reviews and cross‑functional system integration mysteries to identify root causes. Propose solutions balancing long‑term architectural goals with near‑term operational needs.
• Interface Validation: Ensure all interfaces are well‑architected, documented, and rigorously validated—particularly between RF‑baseband, baseband‑protocol stack (AP), and AP to host.
• Automation & Frameworks: Develop and enhance log frameworks and automation scripts to analyze wireless communication behavior at scale.
• Cross‑Functional Collaboration: Review (and if necessary adjust or author) the Software, Firmware, and integration design specifications and requirements for Zoox's.

Qualifications

• 10+ years of industry experience in wireless validation or embedded systems test engineering. B.S. or M.S. degree in Electrical Engineering, Telecommunications, Computer Science, or a similar discipline with 10+ years of industry experience in wireless validation or embedded systems test engineering.
• Validation Expertise: Deep expertise in developing 3GPP cellular (4G‑LTE, 5G‑NR), Wi‑Fi, and Satellite feature test plans, as well as debugging protocol layers (MAC, L1, RF, FW).
• Protocol Knowledge: Extensive expertise in LTE/5G Protocol Stacks (NAS, PDCP, RRC, RLC, MAC, PHY) and interpreting 3GPP specifications.
• Network Analysis Tools: Exceptional ability to use cellular network analysis tools (e.g., QXDM, Shannon Tools, Wireshark) to capture, parse, and analyze complex cross‑layer wireless behaviors.
• Emulation & Lab Tools: Proven hands‑on experience with industry‑standard network emulators (e.g., Keysight UXM, Rohde & Schwarz CMW500/CMX500) for baseband testing and hardware bring‑up.
• Programming/Automation: Strong proficiency in Python or Shell scripting for building and maintaining automated test frameworks.

Bonus Qualifications

• Familiarity with other wireless technologies (Wi‑Fi, Bluetooth, BLE).
• Experience testing software within an embedded Linux or Yocto Project environment.
• Prior experience in the autonomous vehicle, telematics, or IoT space, where connectivity directly impacts physical safety and fleet operations.
• A proven track record of driving continuous improvements, mentoring fellow engineers, and promoting best validation practices across organizations.

$206,000 - $240,000 a year

Base Salary Range

There are three major components to compensation for this position: salary, Amazon Restricted Stock Units (RSUs), and Zoox Stock Appreciation Rights. A sign‑on bonus may be offered as part of the compensation package. The listed range applies only to the base salary. Compensation will vary based on geographic location and level. Leveling, as well as positioning within a level, is determined by a range of factors, including, but not limited to, a candidate's relevant years of experience, domain knowledge, and interview performance. The salary range listed in this posting is representative of the range of levels Zoox is considering for this position.

Zoox also offers a comprehensive package of benefits, including paid time off (e.g. sick leave, vacation, bereavement), unpaid time off, Zoox Stock Appreciation Rights, Amazon RSUs, health insurance, long‑term care insurance, long‑term and short‑term disability insurance, and life insurance.

About Zoox

Zoox is developing the first ground‑up, fully autonomous vehicle fleet and the supporting ecosystem required to bring this technology to market. Sitting at the intersection of robotics, machine learning, and design, Zoox aims to provide the next generation of mobility‑as‑a‑service in urban environments. We're looking for top talent that shares our passion and wants to be part of a fast‑moving and highly execution‑oriented team.

Follow us on LinkedIn

Accommodations

If you need an accommodation to participate in the application or interview process please reach out to [e-mail] or your assigned recruiter.

A Final Note:

You do not need to match every listed expectation to apply for this position. Here at Zoox, we know that diverse perspectives foster the innovation we need to be successful, and we are committed to building a team that encompasses a variety of backgrounds, experiences, and skills.