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Firmware Test Engineer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

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 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 ...

You will bridge the gap between electronics design, firmware development, and world-class test ... Mentor junior engineers and collaborate directly with Hardware and Software teams to implement ...

You will bridge the gap between electronics design, firmware development, and world-class test ... Mentor junior engineers and collaborate directly with Hardware and Software teams to implement ...

Firmware Test Engineer

Torrance, CA · 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 · 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 · 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 ...

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 ...

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Firmware Test Engineer information

See California salary details

$10

$57

$79

How much do firmware test engineer jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 7, 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, 83% Full Time, 13% Part Time, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 91% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $120,630 per year, or $58 per hour.

Firmware Test Engineer

Belcan

Berkeley, CA • On-site

$56.38/hr

Contractor

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 19 days ago


Job description


Job Title: 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 will contribute to the design and execution of verification tests for their Battery Management System (BMS) software. To be considered for this role you will have Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Software Engineering, or a related technical field.
Job Duties
* Translate product requirements into detailed, rigorous verification test managed within Jama.
* Determine optimal test assets and strategies (Software-in the-loop SIL) vs Hardware-in -the -Loop (HIL) to validate requirements effectively.
* Develop and automate Pytest test cases across SIL and HIL environments to prove that their firmware consistently meets product performance and safety standards.
* Verify overall Battery Management System (BMS) software, identifying bugs early in the release cycle through systematic test execution.
* Debug complex embedded systems, isolating root causes across both software logic and physical electrical hardware.
* Collaborate cross-functionally with firmware-engineers, system designers, and hardware specialists to improve test coverage and accelerate feature delivery.
Knowledge/Skills/Education/Experience
* Degree in Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Software Engineering, or a related technical field ( or equivalent practical experience)
* Demonstrated experience with Python and pytest for building robust automated test suites.
* Hands-on background in embedded communication protocols and debugging embedded software systems.
* Comfort with electrical hardware debugging, including reading schematics, using oscilloscopes/multimeters, and working in HIL environments
* A proactive, gritty mindset with high personal initiative and a strong commitment to collaborative problem-solving.
* Excellent communication and organization skills to bridge requirement management (Jama) with hands-on technical execution.
Belcan is an equal opportunity employer. Your application and candidacy will not be considered based on race, color, sex, religion, creed, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, genetic information, pregnancy, veteran status or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.' Belcan provides a competitive pay and benefits package. This position is offering a pay range of $56.38/hr. However, we consider several factors when extending an offer, including but not limited to education, experience, geographic location, and discipline.
Benefits offered may include health care, dental, vision, life insurance; 401(k); education assistance; paid time off including PTO, holidays, and any other paid leave required by law.

Belcan logo

About Belcan

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Belcan is a leading provider of qualified personnel to many of the world's most respected enterprises. We offer excellent opportunities for contract/temporary, temp-to-hire, and direct assignments in the engineering, IT, and professional fields. We are the employer of choice for thousands worldwide. Our overriding goal is to provide quality staffing solutions that help people, organizations, and communities succeed.

Industry

It services

Company size

5,001 - 10,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Cincinnati, OH, US

Year founded

1958