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Firmware Test Engineer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Firmware Test Engineer

Irvine, CA ยท On-site

$80 - $110/hr

Firmware Test Engineer Professional Salary Range: $80,000.00 To $110,000.00 Annually Firmware Test Engineer Phillips Connect Location: Irvine, CA (Onsite) Department: Engineering Reports to: Director ...

Firmware Test Engineer

Berkeley, CA ยท On-site

$56.38/hr

Firmware Test Engineer Pay Rate: Up to $ 56.38 /hr. (DOE) Location: Berkeley, CA Zip Code: 94702 There is a Firmware Test Engineer job opportunity with our client in Berkeley, CA. In this role you ...

Firmware Test Engineer

Berkeley, CA ยท On-site

$56.38/hr

Firmware Test Engineer Pay Rate: Up to $ 56.38 /hr. (DOE) Location: Berkeley, CA Zip Code: 94702 There is a Firmware Test Engineer job opportunity with our client in Berkeley, CA. In this role you ...

Firmware Test Engineer

Torrance, CA ยท On-site

$145K - $204K/yr

... engineers, operators, and builders who want to move fast, take on extreme ownership, and get capability into the hands of warfighters in months, not years. What you will be doing * Automated Test ...

Firmware Test Engineer

Torrance, CA ยท On-site

$130 - $180/hr

... engineers, operators, and builders who want to move fast, take on extreme ownership, and get capability into the hands of warfighters in months, not years. What you will be doing * Automated Test ...

Firmware Test Engineer

Torrance, CA ยท On-site

$145K - $204K/yr

... engineers, operators, and builders who want to move fast, take on extreme ownership, and get capability into the hands of warfighters in months, not years. What you will be doing * Automated Test ...

Staff Firmware Test Developer

San Jose, CA ยท On-site

$110 - $160/hr

About the Role As a Staff Firmware Test Developer , you'll be the technical owner of security validation for enterprise SSD firmware -- designing, building, and executing test strategies that ensure ...

Responsible for developing and executing firmware test cases for System on a Chip (SoC) in wireless application, you will work closely with the Software Engineering team ensuring the quality of their ...

Responsible for developing test automation along with executing firmware test cases for System on a Chip (SoC) in wireless application, you will work closely with the Software Engineering team ...

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Showing results 1-20

Firmware Test Engineer information

See California salary details

$10

$57

$79

How much do firmware test engineer jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 26, 2026, the average hourly pay for firmware test engineer in California is $58.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $42.45 and $75.43 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a firmware test engineer?

A Firmware Test Engineer is a professional responsible for designing, developing, and executing tests to ensure the quality and reliability of firmware, which is low-level software that controls hardware devices. They work closely with development teams to identify bugs, verify functionality, and validate performance across various hardware platforms. Their role is critical in preventing defects, improving product stability, and ensuring that firmware meets customer and regulatory standards.

What are the typical challenges a firmware test engineer faces when validating new hardware products?

Firmware Test Engineers often encounter challenges related to limited documentation, rapidly evolving hardware prototypes, and integration issues between firmware and physical components. Testing often requires developing custom test setups and automation tools to simulate real-world scenarios, which can be time-consuming but crucial for identifying hidden bugs. Collaboration with hardware and software teams is essential to troubleshoot issues quickly, and adaptability is key as project priorities and specifications may shift throughout the development cycle.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a firmware test engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Firmware Test Engineer, you need strong skills in embedded systems, programming languages like C/C++, and a solid understanding of hardware-software integration, often supported by a degree in electrical engineering, computer science, or a related field. Familiarity with test automation tools, version control systems (e.g., Git), and debugging equipment such as oscilloscopes is typically required. Analytical thinking, problem-solving abilities, and effective communication help distinguish top performers in this role. These skills ensure accurate testing, efficient troubleshooting, and high-quality firmware delivery in complex technical environments.

What is the difference between Firmware Test Engineer vs Hardware Test Engineer?

AspectFirmware Test EngineerHardware Test Engineer
Primary FocusTesting firmware/software components embedded in devicesTesting physical hardware and electronic components
Required SkillsEmbedded systems, coding, debugging firmwareElectronics, circuit analysis, hardware troubleshooting
Work EnvironmentDevelopment labs, software testing environmentsHardware labs, electronic testing facilities
Common CertificationsEmbedded systems certifications, ISTQBElectronics certifications, IPC certifications

Firmware Test Engineers focus on validating embedded software within devices, while Hardware Test Engineers concentrate on physical hardware components. Both roles often collaborate in product development but require different technical skills and testing environments.

What job categories do people searching Firmware Test Engineer jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Firmware Test Engineer jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Firmware Test Engineer jobs?

Cities in California with the most Firmware Test Engineer job openings:

Infographic showing various Firmware Test Engineer job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 88% Full Time, 8% Part Time, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 93% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $120,630 per year, or $58 per hour.

Firmware Test Engineer

Irvine, CA โ€ข On-site

Phillips Connect
Truckingย โ€ขย 11 - 50 employees

$80 - $110/hr

Other

Retirement, PTO

Posted 7 days ago


Job description

If you are unable to complete this application due to a disability, contact this employer to ask for an accommodation or an alternative application process.

Firmware Test Engineer

Professional

Salary Range: $80,000.00 To $110,000.00 Annually

Firmware Test Engineer

Phillips Connect

Location: Irvine, CA (Onsite)
Department: Engineering
Reports to: Director of Test Engineering

Help Build the Future of Smart Transportation

Phillips Connect is transforming the commercial transportation industry through smart trailer technology. Our connected solutions provide fleets with real-time visibility into trailer health, location, cargo status, and operational performance, helping customers improve safety, maximize uptime, and make smarter business decisions.

We're looking for a Firmware Test Engineer who is passionate about quality, automation, and embedded systems. In this role, you'll help ensure our next generation of smart trailer solutions are reliable, scalable, and production-ready by designing and executing comprehensive firmware validation and automated testing.

If you enjoy solving complex technical challenges, building automated test solutions, and collaborating with talented firmware and hardware engineers, we'd love to hear from you.

What You'll Do
  • Design and execute functional, integration, regression, and performance testing for embedded firmware.
  • Develop and maintain automated test scripts using Python to improve test coverage and efficiency.
  • Identify, document, reproduce, and analyze firmware defects while partnering with engineering teams to resolve issues.
  • Configure and maintain laboratory equipment, development boards, GPS devices, cellular modules, and embedded test environments.
  • Participate in design reviews and recommend improvements that enhance product quality, reliability, and testability.
  • Collaborate with Firmware, Hardware, Product Management, Technical Support, and Operations throughout the product development lifecycle.
What We're Looking For
  • Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Computer Science, or a related field.
  • 3โ€“5 years of experience in firmware, embedded systems, software validation, or test engineering.
  • Experience developing automated test scripts using Python.
  • Strong understanding of embedded systems, firmware validation, and regression testing.
  • Excellent analytical, troubleshooting, documentation, and communication skills.
What Helps You Stand Out
  • Experience testing IoT, telematics, GPS, cellular-connected, or other embedded products.
  • Handsโ€‘on experience with Raspberry Pi, Arduino, UART communications, and embedded development platforms.
  • Familiarity with oscilloscopes, multimeters, power supplies, logic analyzers, and electronic laboratory equipment.
  • Experience supporting continuous integration (CI) pipelines and automated testing frameworks.
  • Knowledge of TCP/IP networking, cellular communications, and embedded Linux environments.
  • A passion for continuous improvement, automation, and building high-quality products.
Why Phillips Connect:

Smart trailer technology is redefining how freight moves, and weโ€™re the team building it. We offer:

  • Competitive compensation
  • Annual incentive opportunity
  • 401(k) with company match
  • Paid vacation and company holidays
  • Professional development and career growth opportunities
  • Collaborative, innovative culture where your ideas matter
Salary Range

Annual Base Salary between $80,000 โ€“ $110,000 based on experience,expertise, education, and other business-related factors.

Phillips Connect is an equal opportunity employer. We believe the best teams are built on diverse perspectives, and we're committed to an environment where everyone belongs.

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