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Firmware Test Engineer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

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 ...

Firmware Validation Engineer

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$184.70 - $324.80/hr

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 ...

This key host interface firmware technology drives Samsung's breakthrough V-NAND technology and ... Develop black-box functional test coverage and test methodologies for NVMe SSD's. * Debug, triage ...

Working closely with firmware test engineers, senior mentors, and data scientists, the engineer gains hands-on experience at the intersection of firmware validation and AI/ML, contributing to more ...

Firmware Engineer

Goleta, CA · On-site

$90 - $130/hr

Write and maintain firmware tests and safety mechanism validation tests * Produce Functional Safety-compliant firmware work products aligned with ISO 26262 * Participate in requirements, design ...

Showing results 21-40

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 Validation Engineer

Apple

Bodega Bay, CA • On-site

$184K - $324K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Retirement

Re-posted 6 days ago


Key responsibilities

  • Develop test automation frameworks and execute firmware test cases for wireless System on a Chip (SoC).

  • Collaborate with software developers and quality engineers to design, implement, and improve firmware testing processes and infrastructure.

  • Partner with development teams to triage, diagnose, and debug firmware issues, ensuring high firmware quality and coverage.


Apple rating

8.1

Company rating: 8.1 out of 10

Based on 684 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

6th of 30 rated technology retailers


Job description

Would you like to join Apple’s growing wireless silicon development team? Our wireless SOC organization is responsible for all aspects of wireless silicon development with a particular emphasis on highly energy efficient design and new technologies that transform the user experience at the product level, all of which is driven by a world-class vertically integrated engineering team spanning RF/Analog architecture and design, Systems/PHY/MAC architecture and design, VLSI/RTL design and integration, Emulation, Design Verification, Test and Validation, and FW/SW engineering.
Description
In this highly visible role, you will be at the center of a silicon design group with a critical impact on getting functional wireless products to hundreds of millions of customers quickly.
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 ensuring high quality of their firmware for manufacturability and improved user experience. Be the quality champion within the organization and spearhead quality processes such that there aren’t any room for regressions and help ship world class quality products.","responsibilities":"Work with software developers, quality engineers to design, implement robust and scalable test automation framework which would enable quality engineers to build tests efficiently and precisely.
Develop test infrastructure, and continuous integration flow for pre-silicon development and post-silicon validation, system integration and debug, including pre-check in, nightly/weekly/release regression test.
Drive continuous improvement of firmware test coverage and firmware release quality.
Partner with development teams and multi-functional QA team to triage, diagnose, debug issues, and derive root-cause.
Develop firmware test plans and implement test cases based on requirements from system and product teams.
Preferred Qualifications
Highly motivated and passionate about SW/firmware testing.
Proficiency in programming with python and C.
Knowledgable with hardware/firmware development life cycle.
Experienced with test bringup on FPGA and SoC silicon hardware.
Exposure to CI process and familiar with automation test framework development and tools such as Jenkins.
Experienced with various wireless technologies such as WiFi/Bluetooth/UWB and integration issues.
Experience in FW/SW white box testing, including test plan design, implementation, documentation, and maintenance.
Understanding of embedded SW fundamentals and low-level hardware interfaces.
Strong wireless/PHY/radio/RF fundamentals.
Strong written and verbal communication skills.
Able to work with test equipment (i.e., oscilloscope, logic analyzer).
Minimum Qualifications
BS and 10+ years of relevant industry experience.
Pay & Benefits
At Apple, base pay is one part of our total compensation package and is determined within a range. This provides the opportunity to progress as you grow and develop within a role. The base pay range for this role is between $184,700 and $324,800, and your base pay will depend on your skills, qualifications, experience, and location.
Apple employees also have the opportunity to become an Apple shareholder through participation in Apple's discretionary employee stock programs. Apple employees are eligible for discretionary restricted stock unit awards, and can purchase Apple stock at a discount if voluntarily participating in Apple's Employee Stock Purchase Plan. You'll also receive benefits including: Comprehensive medical and dental coverage, retirement benefits, a range of discounted products and free services, and for formal education related to advancing your career at Apple, reimbursement for certain educational expenses - including tuition. Additionally, this role might be eligible for discretionary bonuses or commission payments as well as relocation. Learn more about Apple Benefits
Note: Apple benefit, compensation and employee stock programs are subject to eligibility requirements and other terms of the applicable plan or program.

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About Apple

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Imagine what you could do here! At Apple, new ideas have a way of becoming extraordinary products, services, and customer experiences very quickly. Bring passion and dedication to your job and there's no telling what you could accomplish. Dynamic, intelligent people and inspiring, innovative technologies are the norm here. The people who work here have reinvented entire industries with all Apple Hardware products. The same real passion for innovation that goes into our products also applies to our practices strengthening our dedication to leave the world better than we found it.

Industry

Computer and electronic product manufacturing

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Cupertino, CA, US

Year founded

1976