Entry Level Embedded Firmware Engineer Jobs in Providence, RI

Job Title: Verification & Validation (V&V) Engineer

Job Description

This role focuses on executing verification, validation, and hardware/firmware integration testing for fire detection and suppression control products. You will work hands-on at the test bench, running established test plans for active programs and contributing to new test plans as upcoming programs enter the verification phase. In addition to bench testing, you may flex into PCB design or embedded firmware development during periods of increased development activity, helping ensure that safety-critical control systems perform reliably in real-world conditions.

Responsibilities

• Execute existing verification and validation (V&V) and hardware qualification test plans, currently documented in manual Word and Excel formats, across multiple active programs.
• Perform firmware functionality and hardware/firmware integration testing by stimulating inputs, verifying outputs and LED/fault indications, and confirming system behavior against defined requirements, such as shorting an input and confirming the correct indication.
• Simulate and inject real-world scenarios, including sensor and temperature stimuli and A/D-level signals, to validate detection behavior and overall system performance.
• Use benchtop test equipment on a daily basis, including oscilloscopes, spectrum analyzers, multimeters, decade boxes, and signal sources, to set up, execute, and debug tests.
• Log and document test results clearly and accurately, report defects, and collaborate with firmware and hardware engineers to support root-cause analysis and issue resolution.
• Assist in drafting detailed test plans and test cases from product requirements for newer programs as they reach the verification and validation phase.
• Support hardware and firmware development surges by flexing into PCB design or embedded C firmware tasks, depending on experience and capability.
• Contribute to continuous improvement of test processes and tools, including support for test automation using scripting languages where applicable.

Essential Skills

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or a related field, or equivalent practical experience.
• 3–7 years of experience in hardware or system testing, verification, or embedded product testing.
• Strong hands-on bench testing skills, including confident use of oscilloscopes, spectrum analyzers, multimeters, decade boxes, and general test setup and debug techniques.
• Proven ability to execute written test plans rigorously and follow test procedures with attention to detail.
• Ability to document test results clearly, maintain accurate records, and communicate findings effectively to engineering teams.
• Solid understanding of microcontroller-based embedded systems at the hardware/firmware integration level.
• Experience with hardware and system test environments, including embedded product test and bench test methodologies.
• Familiarity with common test equipment and techniques used in hardware/system and embedded testing.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• PCB design experience, ideally using Altium, strongly preferred to support hardware development surges.
• Embedded C firmware development capability, strongly preferred for flexibility in supporting firmware tasks.
• Experience with Python, which is used extensively by the team, for test automation and scripting support.
• Experience with C# scripting for additional test automation and tooling support.
• Background in writing test plans and test cases directly from product requirements.
• Experience testing regulated or safety-critical products, such as fire and life-safety systems, intrinsically safe devices, or EMC-tested equipment.
• Long-term commitment to a role anticipated to last approximately 9–12 months, with potential for extension.
• Ability to work collaboratively with cross-functional hardware and firmware engineering teams in a structured test environment.

Work Environment

This is an onsite role based in Rhode Island, working in a lab and bench-testing environment focused on fire detection and suppression control systems. You will regularly use benchtop test equipment such as oscilloscopes, spectrum analyzers, multimeters, decade boxes, and signal sources to perform manual tests and debug issues. The environment supports embedded product development and verification, with opportunities to contribute to PCB design and embedded C firmware when programs surge. The position offers a long-term engagement of approximately 9–12 months with the potential for extension, standard benefits, around three weeks of paid time off, and approximately ten company holidays. The culture emphasizes safety, rigorous testing practices, clear documentation, and close collaboration between hardware, firmware, and test engineers.

This is a Contract position based out of Lincoln, RI.

The pay range for this position is $62.00 - $62.00/hr.

Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following: • Medical, dental & vision • Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital • 401(k) Retirement Plan – Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available • Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents) • Short and long-term disability • Health Spending Account (HSA) • Transportation benefits • Employee Assistance Program • Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)

This is a fully onsite position in Lincoln,RI.

This position is anticipated to close on Aug 11, 2026.

About Actalent

Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent solutions. We help visionary companies advance their engineering and science initiatives through access to specialized experts who drive scale, innovation and speed to market. With a network of almost 20,000 consultants and 5,000 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500. We are proud to be an Engineering News-Record (ENR) Top 500 Design Firm for our engineering design services and a ClearlyRated Best of Staffing® winner for both client and talent service.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.

If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability, please email actalentaccommodation@actalentservices.com for other accommodation options.

San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance: Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Massachusetts Lie Detector: It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI): We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.