Firmware Validation Engineer

Job Title

Firmware Validation Engineer

Role Summary

Responsible for validating firmware and firmware/hardware interactions for optical modules through test strategy, automation, and hardware-in-the-loop validation. The role includes designing test plans, developing Python-based automation frameworks, and participating in firmware development and bug fixes.

Work cross-functionally with hardware, firmware, and optics teams to perform root-cause analysis, improve product reliability, and influence product architecture in a fast-paced environment.

Experience Level

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

Responsibilities

Design and execute validation activities to ensure firmware quality and correct operation of optical modules.

• Analyze product requirements and create comprehensive test plans and detailed test cases for firmware validation.
• Develop Python-based automation frameworks and test-case architectures to automate firmware validation.
• Contribute to firmware code (C/C++) to implement fixes and new features for optical control.
• Build and maintain automated test benches and hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) test setups.
• Use lab equipment (oscilloscopes, optical spectrum analyzers, BERTs) for measurements and validation.
• Lead cross-functional debugging and root-cause analysis across hardware, firmware, and optics domains.
• Adapt quickly to changing priorities, evolving requirements, and hardware revisions in an agile environment.

Requirements

Must-have skills and experience for immediate contribution.

• 5+ years in firmware validation or embedded software development.
• Expert-level Python for test automation and framework development.
• Proficient in C/C++ for firmware development and debugging.
• Practical experience with hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) testing and building automated test benches.
• Hands-on experience with laboratory instruments: oscilloscopes, optical spectrum analyzers, BERTs, etc.
• Strong problem-solving mindset; able to lead root-cause analysis and triage in cross-functional teams.

Nice-to-have:

• Familiarity with silicon photonics or optical transceivers.
• Experience with STM32 microcontrollers.

Education Requirements

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

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.