Firmware QA Technician
Summary
Tests and validates embedded firmware and hardware for reliability, using tools like Xray for Jira, J-Link, and oscilloscopes, while debugging communication protocols and collaborating with engineering teams.
We are seeking a technically proficient Firmware QA Technician with a strong background in hardware and embedded firmware validation to join our team. In this role, you will be responsible for ensuring the reliability of cutting-edge hardware and embedded systems through meticulous testing and analysis. You will collaborate with hardware engineers, firmware developers, and test automation engineers to design and execute test plans that evaluate system performance, signal integrity, and protocol compliance.
Test Planning & Execution:
- Develop and maintain comprehensive test suites and repositories to validate firmware functionality and hardware performance.
- Execute structured test plans based on product specifications using Xray for Jira, ensuring full requirements coverage from concept to production.
- Perform exploratory testing to identify edge-case hardware failures, power-cycle regressions, and communication latency issues.
Hardware & Firmware Integration:
- Perform firmware updates and provisioning across various hardware revisions using bootloaders and debug probes such as J-Link and ST-Link.
- Identify and isolate hardware-related defects, providing detailed feedback to engineering teams regarding system behavior and potential failure points.
Lab Validation & Protocol Analysis:
- Utilize and manage advanced lab equipment including oscilloscopes, power supplies, digital multimeters, and logic analyzers for precise test setup and debugging.
- Conduct in-depth analysis of serial communication protocols using tools like Wireshark and USB analyzers to ensure data integrity.
Collaboration & Reporting:
- Work within an Agile/Scrum environment, participating in sprint planning and retrospectives to ensure alignment with development goals.
- Provide clear, technical reports on test results, identifying defects and documenting test procedures to support formal verification and validation efforts.
- Associate degree (AA/AS) in Electronic Engineering Technology, Computer Engineering Technology, or a related field.
- 1–2+ years of experience in a lab or manufacturing environment involving embedded systems.
- Must have a solid understanding of firmware development and embedded system architecture.
- Must be proficient in the use of common electronic test equipment: digital multimeters, oscilloscopes, and function generators.
- Must be able to read and interpret electrical schematics to understand signal flow and identify potential hardware-software integration issues.
- Must have hands-on experience debugging firmware and utilizing firmware provisioning tools.
- Must possess a knowledge of common manufacturing processes as they relate to electronic assemblies and subassemblies.
- Must be proficient in analyzing requirements or technical specifications to create effective test cases.
- Must possess excellent communication skills and be able to collaborate effectively with engineers spanning a variety of disciplines.
- Must be personable and able to work well as part of a dedicated team in order to represent the core family values of Whelen Engineering while interacting with fellow employees and vendors.
Desirable Qualifications
- Familiarity with CAN, USB, UART, SPI, I2C, and Ethernet communication protocols.
- Experience with Atlassian development and collaboration tools, such as Jira, Xray, and Confluence.
- Familiarity with safety or regulatory standards relevant to embedded systems (e.g., ISO, IEC).
- Strong debugging and troubleshooting skills in both software and hardware contexts.
- Comply with the EH&S Policy and applicable regulatory and company EH&S rules and requirements
- Report to supervision conditions or practices that are either unsafe or that may adversely impact the environment, to ensure prompt resolution of potential hazards
- Attend scheduled EH&S training program
- Actively support the organization’s efforts to meet or exceed EH&S goals and plans
- Recommend improved EH&S practices
Must be able to communicate effectively with co-workers, supervisors, and third parties. This ability to communicate requires the employee to be conversant in English as the majority of our workforce and the third parties that we encounter only speak English.
The incumbent is responsible for complying with the policies in Whelen’s “Employee Handbook.”
This Job Description is to serve as a guide. It is intended to be flexible and will continue to evolve over time with business needs and demands and may be updated periodically and at the Company’s discretion. Nothing in this position description changes or is intended to change the employment at-will relationship with the Company. Employment at-will means that an employee or the Company may terminate the employment relationship at any time, for any reason or no reason at all, with or without notice.