Junior Embedded Linux Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

An Amazing Career Opportunity for a Senior Test Engineer - App Certification (Embedded Systems)!

Location: Cypress, California

Job ID: 46731

HID Global is seeking a motivated and experienced Senior Test Engineer - App Certification (Embedded Systems)  to join our dynamic quality assurance team. In this role, you will focus on validating 3rd-party applications integrated with Mercury controllers, ensuring they meet strict security, stability, compatibility, and resource usage requirements.

This role is responsible for making sure that applications do not compromise the firmware, operating system, hardware resources, or overall system integrity.

You will play a critical role in safeguarding our devices from vulnerabilities introduced by external applications, while collaborating with global teams and driving quality and security best practices. 

Who are we? 

HID powers the trusted identities of the world's people, places, and things, allowing people to transact safely, work productively and travel freely.

We are a high-tech software company headquartered in Austin, TX, with over 4,500 worldwide employees. Check us out here: www.hidglobal.com and https://youtu.be/23km5H4K9Eo  

Physical Access Control Solutions (PACS):

HID Physical Access Control Solutions (PACS) is at the forefront of securing spaces with advanced, reliable access control solutions. From cutting-edge readers, credentials and controllers, to mobile and biometric technologies, HID PACS empowers organizations worldwide to protect their people, property and assets with scalable, high-quality solutions. 

This is more than just a job - it's your chance to join an industry leader to drive innovation in access control and make a real impact on global security solutions.  

Are you ready to make a difference? Join us and help shape the future of security. 

As our Senior Test Engineer, you'll support HID's success by: 

• Leading validation and certification testing of 3rd-party applications from a platform integrity and security perspective.
• Ensuring applications do not:
  • Compromise device or firmware security
  • Impact system stability, uptime, or reliability
  • Exceed controller processing, memory, or storage resources, or violate file system constraints.
  • Misuse system interfaces, APIs, or communication channels
• Performing security-focused testing, including vulnerability analysis.
• Evaluating application behavior within embedded Linux environments, including:
  • Process isolation
  • File system access
  • Resource consumption
  • System calls and permissions
• Validating safe interaction with controller firmware, OS, and hardware interfaces.
• Conducting compatibility and integration testing with controller APIs and communication protocols:
  • REST
  • MQTT
  • CoAP
• Performing network and protocol analysis using tools such as Wireshark and packet sniffers.
• Testing and validating serial communication interfaces and low-level protocols.
• Monitoring runtime behavior to detect abnormal or malicious activity.
• Developing and maintaining automated test frameworks and CI-CD pipelines.
• Writing scripts for test automation, monitoring, and security validation.
• Defining and enforcing application acceptance criteria and certification standards.
• Identifying risks introduced by untrusted or third-party code execution.
• Documenting security findings, validation results, and certification outcomes.
• Collaborating with engineering, product, and external partners on secure integration practices.
• Mentoring junior engineers and promoting best practices in embedded QA and security testing.

Your Experience and Background include:  

• Bachelor's degree in Computer Engineering, Computer Science, or related field (or equivalent experience).
• 5+ years of QA experience with embedded systems, firmware, or IoT devices.
• Strong understanding of Linux-based embedded systems.
• Experience with system-level testing.  
• Solid knowledge of hardware/software/firmware constraints in embedded environments.
• Experience with resource monitoring, benchmarking, and profiling (CPU, memory, storage).
• Hands-on experience with REST APIs , MQTT, CoAP.
• Experience with network analysis and packet capture tools (e.g., Wireshark).
• Familiarity with serial communication protocols (UART, RS-232, RS-485).
• Strong experience with test automation frameworks and environments.
• Proficiency in Bash, or similar scripting languages.
• Experience in software security testing, vulnerability assessment, or system hardening validation.
• Strong understanding of QA methodologies, test design, and defect tracking.
• Excellent troubleshooting, analytical, and problem-solving skills.
• Strong communication skills, including working with external partners.

• Experience with embedded platform certification programs or app validation frameworks is preferred.
• Understanding of secure application onboarding and approval workflows for embedded or IoT platforms is preferred.
• Experience validating untrusted or third-party code execution in constrained environments is preferred.
• Familiarity with sandboxing, process isolation, or lightweight containerization in embedded Linux is preferred.
• Knowledge of firmware security concepts (secure boot, code signing, chain of trust, TEE) is preferred.
• Background in penetration testing, fuzz testing, or threat modeling is preferred.
• Experience analyzing runtime system behavior and anomaly detection is preferred.
• Familiarity with access control systems (PACS) and controller architectures is preferred.
• Experience with secure firmware update mechanisms and device lifecycle management is preferred.

What we can offer you:

• Competitive salary and rewards package

• Competitive benefits and annual leave offering, allowing for work-life balance

• A vibrant, welcoming & inclusive culture
• Extensive career development opportunities and resources to maximize your potential
• To be a part of a global organization that is pioneering the hardware, software and services that allow people to confidently navigate the physical and digital worlds

Why apply? 

• Empowerment: You'll work as part of a global team in a flexible work environment, learning and enhancing your expertise. We welcome an opportunity to meet you and learn about your unique talents, skills, and experiences. You don't need to check all the boxes. If you have most of the skills and experience, we want you to apply.
• Innovation: You embrace challenges and want to drive change. We are open to ideas, including flexible work arrangements, job sharing or part-time job seekers.
• Integrity: You are results-orientated, reliable, and straightforward and value being treated accordingly. We want all our employees to be themselves, to feel appreciated and accepted.

The wage range for this role considers a broad scope of factors that are considered when making compensation decisions, including but not limited to: skill sets, experience and training, licensure and certifications, and other business and organizational needs. The disclosed range does not account for geographic differentials based on the location where the position may be filled. At HID, it is uncommon for individuals to be hired at or near the top of the range. Final compensation decisions depend on the specific facts and circumstances of each case.

The base salary for CA is $110,000 to $118,000.

HID does not accept unsolicited resumes from headhunters, recruitment agencies, or fee-based recruitment services. We are not responsible for any fees related to unsolicited resumes.

HID is committed to building a diverse, equitable, and inclusive workforce that reflects the global communities we serve. As an equal opportunity employer, we welcome applications from individuals of all backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives. We evaluate applicants without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, age, veteran status, or any other legally protected characteristic. Our goal is to create a workplace that empowers everyone to thrive and be their authentic selves, fostering an environment of mutual respect and inclusivity. If you have a disability and require assistance or accommodation to participate in the application process or to perform essential job functions, please contact accommodations-ext@hidglobal.com.

Please be aware that our recruitment process may include the use of AI-powered tools to assist in screening applicant resumes. These tools help us efficiently identify candidates whose qualifications and skills align with the job description. We use AI in a responsible manner and in accordance with applicable data privacy laws and regulations. Importantly, all applicants are reviewed by our Talent Acquisition team. AI is used to support, not replace, human judgment in the evaluation process.

We make it easier for people to get where they want to go!
On an average day, think of how many times you tap, twist, tag, push or swipe to get access, find information, connect with others or track something.  HID technology is behind billions of interactions, in more than 100 countries.  We help you create a verified, trusted identity that can get you where you need to go - without having to think about it.  
When you join our HID team, you'll also be part of the ASSA ABLOY Group, the global leader in access solutions. You'll have 63,000 colleagues in more than 70 different countries. We empower our people to build their career around their aspirations and our ambitions - supporting them with regular feedback, training, and development opportunities. Our colleagues think broadly about where they can make the most impact, and we encourage them to grow their role locally, regionally, or even internationally. As we welcome new people on board, it's important to us to have diverse, inclusive teams, and we value different perspectives and experiences.

 #LI-HIDGlobal