Firmware Validation Engineer

Job Title

Firmware Validation Engineer

Role Summary

Validate firmware for optical modules by designing test strategies, building automated test frameworks, and executing hardware-in-the-loop validation. Work closely with hardware and design engineers to identify root causes and implement firmware fixes and features.

Opportunity to influence firmware and product architecture while maintaining hands-on test and development responsibilities.

Experience Level

Mid-level — 5+ years of experience in firmware validation or embedded software development.

Responsibilities

Primary responsibilities include test design, automation, hands-on validation, and cross-functional debugging.

• Analyze requirements and functional specifications to design test plans and detailed test cases for firmware validation.
• Develop Python-based automation frameworks and transform technical requirements into scalable test case architectures.
• Contribute to firmware code (C/C++): implement fixes, optimize code, and add new features for optical control.
• Lead root-cause analysis and coordinate debugging across hardware, firmware, and optical physics teams.
• Build and run hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) test benches and maintain automated validation infrastructure.
• Work in an agile, fast-paced environment and reprioritize quickly as hardware and requirements evolve.

Requirements

Must-have technical skills and experience.

• 5+ years experience in firmware validation or embedded software development.
• Expert-level Python for automation and test development.
• Proficient in C/C++ for firmware contributions.
• Hands-on experience with HIL testing and laboratory instruments such as oscilloscopes, optical spectrum analyzers, and BERTs.
• Proven track record building automated test benches from scratch to validate hardware/firmware interactions.
• Strong debugging skills and ability to coordinate cross-functional investigations (hardware, firmware, optics).
• Ability to work flexibly under pressure in a rapid-growth environment.

Nice-to-have:

• Experience with silicon photonics or optical transceivers.
• Familiarity with STM32 microcontroller family.

Education Requirements

Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering (EE) or Computer Engineering (CE) specified.

About the Company

Company: Xscape Photonics

Headquarters: Santa Clara, California, United States

Developer of integrated photonics solutions and instrumentation, specializing in photonic circuits, control systems, and test methodologies for optical communication and sensing applications. Works on device integration, control algorithms, and validation of photonic hardware and firmware.