Automotive Firmware Validation Engineer

Workplace: On-Site, 5 days 
Location: Foster City, CA

Our team is seeking a hands-on Automotive Firmware Validation Engineer to join the Firmware - Connectivity and Audio team. This is a validation-first role focused on manual feature testing, growing test content, closing coverage gaps, root-causing defects, and triaging field problems across in-cabin connected experiences. The engineer is the team's owner for day-to-day test execution and defect quality on these feature tracks.

Responsibilities 
    • Manual feature validation: Execute functional, integration, regression, and exploratory testing for Audio and streaming features on bench and in-vehicle.
    • Test content development: Author new test cases, expand existing test suites, and keep test documentation current as features evolve.
    • Coverage gap closure: Identify untested or under-tested paths in the existing suites and systematically add coverage; track coverage health for each feature track.
    • Root cause analysis: Reproduce defects, capture and analyze logs (Wireshark, DLT, ADB, HCI/Bluetooth traces, vehicle logs), and isolate root cause before handing off to firmware owners.
    • Field issue triage: Own first-line triage for Audio and Streaming feature fleet issues — reproduce in lab, narrow scope, and drive issues to closure in partnership with fleet support, diagnostics, and firmware teams.
    • Defect lifecycle: Manage defects end-to-end in JIRA — clear reproduction steps, attached logs, severity rationale, fix verification, and regression follow-up.
    • Test infrastructure: Maintain test benches, in-vehicle rigs, and diagnostic setups so they stay release-ready.
    • Cross-functional communication: Partner with firmware leads, product managers, and integration partners to align on feature readiness and defect priority.

Required Qualifications 
    • BS in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or related
    •  8+ years in a hands-on validation/QA engineering role on firmware or embedded products.
    • Validation depth: Demonstrated experience writing and executing test plans/cases, identifying and closing coverage gaps, and managing defects through the full lifecycle.
    • Connectivity background (any flavor): Hands-on validation experience in at least one connectivity domain — Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, cellular (LTE/5G), GNSS, or vehicle networking.
    • Root-cause skill: Strong log triage and debugging instincts; comfortable with Wireshark, DLT, ADB, and similar tooling.
    • Field triage experience: Track record of reproducing and isolating defects reported from production/field environments.
    • Python scripting sufficient to automate repetitive checks and parse logs; comfortable on Linux/Ubuntu.
    • Strong defect-tracking discipline (JIRA/Confluence) and experience in agile release cycles.

Preferred Qualifications 
    • Prior experience with in-cabin entertainment and/or media casting frameworks.
    • Bluetooth stack validation (pairing, A2DP/HFP/AVRCP, interop).
    • Background and experience in wireless connectivity technologies.
    • Prior exposure to autonomous-vehicle or robotaxi fleet environments.

Salary Range
    • $130,000 - 150,000
    • The actual salary offered is dependent on various factors including, but not limited to, location, the candidate’s combination of job-related knowledge, qualifications, skills, education, training, and experience