Firmware Validation Engineer

Job Title

Firmware Validation Engineer

Role Summary

Validate firmware for optical modules by designing and executing test strategies, building Python-based automation frameworks, and performing root-cause analysis across hardware, firmware, and optics. Collaborate with design teams to contribute fixes and features to the firmware codebase.

Experience Level

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

Responsibilities

Deliver end-to-end firmware validation and automation; bridge hardware, firmware, and optics to drive quality and product readiness.

• Analyze requirements and functional specs to produce comprehensive test plans and detailed test cases for firmware validation.
• Design and implement Python-based automation frameworks and test case architectures.
• Collaborate with firmware engineers to write, optimize, and patch C/C++ firmware code as needed for validation.
• Build and maintain automated test benches and hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) setups.
• Lead root-cause analysis and cross-functional debugging involving hardware, firmware, and optical subsystems.
• Work in an agile environment and adapt quickly to changing requirements and hardware revisions.

Requirements

Key must-have technical skills and experience, followed by desirable additions.

• Must-have: 5+ years in firmware validation or embedded software development.
• Must-have: Expert-level Python for test automation and framework development.
• Must-have: Proficient in C/C++ for firmware contributions and debugging.
• Must-have: Hands-on experience with HIL testing and lab equipment (oscilloscopes, optical spectrum analyzers, BERTs).
• Must-have: Proven track record building automated test benches to validate hardware/firmware interactions.
• Must-have: Comfortable working under pressure in a fast-paced, iterative development setting.
• Nice-to-have: Familiarity with silicon photonics or optical transceivers.
• Nice-to-have: Experience with STM32 microcontrollers.

Education Requirements

Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering (EE) or Computer Engineering (CE) is specified as the expected degree.

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.