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Firmware Test Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

The Wireless Connectivity Silicon team is looking for a Wireless Firmware Test Engineer to help ensure the quality of innovative wireless silicon for use in Apple products. You can also help in the ...

The Wireless Connectivity Silicon team is looking for a Wireless Firmware Test Engineer to help ensure the quality of innovative wireless silicon for use in Apple products. You can also help in the ...

The Wireless Connectivity Silicon team is looking for a Wireless Firmware Test Engineer to help ensure the quality of innovative wireless silicon for use in Apple products. You can also help in the ...

The Wireless Connectivity Silicon team is looking for a Wireless Firmware Test Engineer to help ensure the quality of innovative wireless silicon for use in Apple products. You can also help in the ...

The Wireless Connectivity Silicon team seeks an experienced Lead Wireless Firmware Test Engineer to drive quality strategy and lead a team of QA engineers ensuring excellence of Apple's homegrown ...

Senior Firmware Test Engineers at Micron Technology lead the design, development, and execution of comprehensive firmware validation strategies for enterprise SSDs using NAND Flash memory, applying ...

We are seeking a collaborative, motivated System Firmware Test Development Engineer to join our Firmware QA team. In this role, you will work closely with firmware architects and domain validation ...

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Firmware Test Engineer information

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How much do firmware test engineer jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 6, 2026, the average hourly pay for firmware test engineer in the United States is $58.76, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $43.03 and $76.44 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 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 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 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.

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Who are the top companies hiring for Firmware Test Engineer jobs? The top employers for Firmware Test Engineer jobs are:
What states have the most Firmware Test Engineer jobs? States with the most job openings for Firmware Test Engineer jobs include:
Wireless Firmware Test Engineer

Wireless Firmware Test Engineer

Apple

San Diego, CA

$139K - $258K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Retirement

Posted 4 days ago


Apple rating

8.1

Company rating: 8.1 out of 10

Based on 661 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

6th of 30 rated technology retailers


Job description

The Wireless Connectivity Silicon team is looking for a Wireless Firmware Test Engineer to help ensure the quality of innovative wireless silicon for use in Apple products. You can also help in the automation development effort to characterize state-of-the-art wireless SoC products!
Description
In this role you will collaborate with FW, Radio, MAC, and Systems engineering teams to develop a FW test plan to ensure Apple's wireless silicon FW and products' stability, reliability, function correctness, and performance. You will develop white box FW test cases by understanding FW code structure and work closely with developers to craft test methodologies and FW functions to support testing. You will work on test plan development, manual and automatic test setup/scripts, publish test reports, collect test logs, and first screen of test failure/debug. Help build pre-silicon and post-silicon reference board test setups, as well as production-specific test setups. Design and develop innovative ideas that address automation and execution problems. Support development in debugging and reproducing issues, work with system QA on bug reproduction, log/statistic collection, and run debug tests with debug FW build.","responsibilities":"Develop and execute white box FW test cases by thoroughly understanding the FW code structure.
Collaborate closely with FW developers to design test methodologies and FW functions that facilitate testing.
Working closely with cross functional partners across FW, Radio, MAC, and Systems engineering teams, you’ll develop WiFi PHY firmware validation plan to ensure the stability, reliability, function correctness, and performance of Apple’s N1 wireless silicon firmware and products.
Support development teams with troubleshooting complex issues, work with partner teams on bug reproduction, log analysis & debug.
Preferred Qualifications
Proven experience as a Silicon firmware test engineer.
Strong wireless/PHY/radio fundamentals.
Experience in FW/SW white box testing, including test plan design, implementation, documentation, and maintenance.
Strong problem-solving and debugging skills: analyze and investigate test failures, errors, build issues, and be able to drive issues to completion accurately.
Thrive in a collaborative environment and be comfortable working with multi-functional teams.
Excellent oral and written communication skills.
Understanding of embedded SW fundamentals and low-level hardware interfaces.
Standout ability in collaboration, communication, and partnerships.
Proactive, positive, dedicated, inventive, and willing to address challenges.
Excellent knowledge and experience with test methodologies (unit testing, integration testing, performance testing, and functional testing).
Minimum Qualifications
Bachelors +3 years of relevant industry experience.
Strong knowledge of wireless communication systems and IEEE 802.11 standards (a/b/g/n/ac/ax/be).
Programming skills in Python, Perl or Shell scripting.
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 $139,500 and $258,100, 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