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Firmware Test Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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 ...

POSITION SUMMARY We are seeking a Embedded Firmware Test Engineer who will support the thermal controls application development team, by reviewing approved requirements, writing detailed test cases ...

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

$130K - $180K/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 ...

... 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 ...

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 ...

Test the firmware in a variety of environments including simulation, FPGA prototyping, and on ... Establish working relationships with firmware development engineers to improve code quality.

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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 26, 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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What cities are hiring for Firmware Test Engineer jobs? Cities with the most Firmware Test Engineer job openings:
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:
What job categories do people searching Firmware Test Engineer jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Firmware Test Engineer jobs are:
Infographic showing various Firmware Test Engineer job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 11% As Needed, 39% Full Time, 14% Part Time, 32% Contract, and 4% Nights. Highlights an 93% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $122,231 per year, or $58.8 per hour.
Senior Firmware Test Engineer

Senior Firmware Test Engineer

Motorola

San Mateo, CA

$130K - $160K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Retirement

Posted 9 days ago


Motorola Solutions rating

8.7

Company rating: 8.7 out of 10

Based on 39 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

10th of 139 rated electronics manufacturers


Job description

Company Overview

At Motorola Solutions, we believe that everything starts with our people. We're a global close-knit community, united by the relentless pursuit to help keep people safer everywhere. We build and connect technologies to help protect people, property and places. Our solutions foster the collaboration that's critical for safer communities, safer schools, safer hospitals, safer businesses, and ultimately, safer nations. Connect with a career that matters, and help us build a safer future.


Department OverviewAvigilon Alta is a leader within the access control industry. Our access control solution makes businesses more secure with multi-factor authentication, enables a contactless entry experience and can be easily scaled and managed due to its cloud-based architecture.
We are looking for an outstanding team member to architect and drive the validation strategy for our deeply embedded firmware across new and existing products. We are seeking a senior technical leader to join us as we build, scale, and innovatively validate our industry-leading platform for access control and office automation. Outstanding analytical skills and a developer-centric approach to automation are a must. We are particularly seeking candidates who can bridge the gap between hardware and software-possessing the skills to design sophisticated Hardware-in-the-Loop (HIL) automation and troubleshoot complex system behaviors in power-constrained, real-time environments.
Job Description

As a test automation expert at Avigilon Alta, you will be the technical authority responsible for the validation strategy of our next-generation access control ecosystem. This role requires a deep understanding of how embedded systems interact with the physical world and the cloud. You will bridge the gap between electronics design, firmware development, and world-class test automation.

What You'll Do
  • Design and lead the execution of comprehensive test strategies that cover the "hardware-to-cloud" journey, ensuring our readers and controllers are secure, performant, and resilient.
  • Develop sophisticated, hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) automation frameworks that exercise firmware at the driver, middle-ware, and application layers.
  • Utilize a broad understanding of electronics to debug complex issues using oscilloscopes, logic analyzers, and protocol sniffers.
  • Validate and stress-test a variety of communication protocols including RS-485, Ethernet/IP, BLE, NFC, and UWB.
  • Ensure robust device connectivity and security by testing network stacks, TLS/X.509 certificate handling, and data integrity across various deployment environments.
  • Mentor junior engineers and collaborate directly with Hardware and Software teams to implement "testability" into the product design phase (DFT/DFM).
What You Bring
  • A strong background in electronics; you are comfortable reading schematics and understanding the electrical constraints of embedded systems.
  • Proven experience in firmware development or low-level testing (C/C++), with a firm grasp of RTOS, interrupt handling, and memory management.
  • Expert-level proficiency in Python or similar languages for building scalable, automated test suites.
  • Comprehensive knowledge of serial and networked communication (UART, SPI, I2C, TCP/IP, and RS-485).
  • The ability to see the "big picture" of a product ecosystem and the discipline to build a validation culture that balances speed with unshakeable reliability.

Qualifications

  • 7+ years of experience in firmware development, embedded systems engineering, or firmware validation, with at least 3 years in a lead or principal capacity.
  • Bachelor's Degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Computer Science, or a related technical field (Master's preferred).
  • Expert-level proficiency in Python for developing complex, scalable test automation frameworks from scratch.
  • Deep understanding of C/C++ and the ability to read and critique production-level firmware, including RTOS-based architectures and interrupt-driven logic.
  • Hands-on experience with hardware lab equipment, including Oscilloscopes, Logic Analyzers, and Digital Multimeters for low-level signal analysis and troubleshooting.
  • Advanced knowledge of wired and wireless interfaces, specifically RS-485, UART, I2C, SPI, and TCP/IP networking.
  • Proven track record of implementing Hardware-in-the-Loop (HIL) testing.

Target Base Salary Range: $130,000 - $160,000
Consistent with Motorola Solutions values and applicable law, we provide the following information to promote pay transparency and equity. Pay within this range varies and depends on job-related knowledge, skills, and experience. The actual offer will be based on the individual candidate.

#LI-CA1


Basic Requirements
  • Bachelor's Degree
  • 7+ years of firmware or embedded development
  • Legal authorization to work in the U.S. indefinitely is required. Employer work permit sponsorship is not available for this position.

Travel RequirementsUnder 10%
Relocation ProvidedNone
Position TypeExperienced
Referral Payment PlanYes

Our U.S.Benefitsinclude:

  • Incentive Bonus Plans

  • Medical, Dental, Visionbenefits

  • 401K with Company Match

  • 10 Paid Holidays

  • GenerousPaidTime Off Packages

  • Employee Stock Purchase Plan

  • PaidParental & Family Leave

  • and more!


EEO Statement

Motorola Solutions is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion or belief, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status or any other legally-protected characteristic.

We are proud of our people-first and community-focused culture, empowering every Motorolan to be their most authentic self and to do their best work to deliver on the promise of a safer world. If you'd like to join our team but feel that you don't quite meet all of the preferred skills, we'd still love to hear why you think you'd be a great addition to our team.

We're committed to providing an inclusive and accessible recruiting experience for candidates with disabilities, or other physical or mental health conditions. To request an accommodation, please complete thisReasonable Accommodations Formso we can assist you.


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About Motorola Solutions

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

At Motorola Solutions, we believe that everything starts with safety. It's the constant that empowers people to confidently move forward. It can fill a flight or sell out a stadium. It can care for a patient or graduate a class. As a global leader in public safety and enterprise security, we create and connect the technologies that help to keep people safe where they live, learn, work and play. Our integrated technology ecosystem unifies critical communications, video security and access control, and command center software, enabling collaboration in more powerful ways. At Motorola Solutions, we're ushering in a new era in public safety and security. Bring your passion, potential and talents to a career that matters.

Industry

Technology, communication and media

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Chicago, IL, US

Year founded

1928