Firmware Test Engineer

The Firmware Test Engineer designs, executes, and automates tests for embedded Linux firmware and wireless communication devices, ensuring reliable data transmission across complex mesh networks. This role focuses on validating networking protocols, wireless subsystems, and backbone communication paths that carry critical data for devices such as gas and water meters. The engineer builds and maintains test environments, contributes to continuous integration and regression testing, and collaborates closely with firmware and QA teams to improve product quality and test coverage., * Design, execute, and document manual test cases for firmware features across embedded Linux user space and kernel space.

• Validate wireless communication subsystems, including RF, WiFi, and Bluetooth, across multiple device configurations.
• Test and verify networking protocol behavior, including IPv4, IPv6, ICMP, DHCPv6, TCP/IP, UDP, PPP, and Ethernet, to ensure correct data transmission.
• Evaluate Layer-2 switching and routing functionality to confirm correctness, stability, and proper data flow.
• Focus on end-to-end data flow, verifying that data moves correctly from point A to point B, in the right format, on time, and through the appropriate routes in mesh networks.
• Test communication devices that use multi-layer (seven-layer) networking protocols, including devices such as gas and water meters and other RF or cellular-enabled endpoints.
• Perform system-level "box testing" of communication devices and firmware to validate overall functionality and robustness.
• Automate manual firmware test cases using scripting languages such as Python and Bash, or using Robot Framework, and integrate them into nightly regression builds and CI/CD pipelines.
• Build and configure hardware and software test setups from scratch, manually verify them, and then automate them for continuous regression coverage.
• Maintain and enhance the automation framework to ensure scalability, reliability, and coverage across all product lines.
• Identify, document, and track defects with clear reproduction steps, detailed logs, and thorough root-cause analysis.
• Monitor nightly build and regression results, triage failures, and report findings with actionable details and recommendations.
• Collaborate closely with firmware engineers to review requirements, provide early testing feedback, and improve testability and product design.
• Mentor junior QA engineers by sharing best practices in firmware testing, automation, and networking protocols.
• Use test management tools to organize, track, and report on test cases, test runs, and defects throughout the development lifecycle.
• Leverage network emulation and traffic analysis tools to analyze network behavior, troubleshoot issues, and validate protocol compliance.
• Work independently to manage multiple testing priorities and deliver high-quality results with minimal guidance.

IPv6, IPv4 Linux CI/CD Iperf Triage TCP/IP Dataflow Firmware Testrail Debugging Scripting Visionary Wireshark Pipelines Automation Mentorship Innovation OSI Models Scalability Reliability Testability Communication ANSYS Meshing Nightly Build Data Integrity Manual Testing Water Metering Version Control Network Routing Robot Framework Mesh Networking Safety Assurance Embedded Systems Software Testing Test Engineering Traffic Analysis Energy Management Network Protocols Routing Protocols Gas Meter Systems Network Emulation Regression Testing Wireless Protocols Networking Hardware Time Off Management Test Management Tools Continuous Integration Artificial Intelligence Wireless Communications C (Programming Language) Communications Protocols Bash (Scripting Language) Linux On Embedded Systems Engineering Design Process C++ (Programming Language) Real-Time Operating Systems Python (Programming Language) Troubleshooting (Problem Solving) Internet Control Message Protocol (ICMP) Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP), * Hands-on experience testing embedded Linux systems in both user space and kernel space.

• Proven experience testing wireless protocols such as RF, WiFi, or Bluetooth.
• Strong knowledge of networking protocols, including IPv4, IPv6, ICMP, DHCPv6, TCP/IP, UDP, Ethernet, and PPP.
• Familiarity with Layer-2 switching and routing protocol testing.
• Strong scripting skills in Python and/or Bash for test automation.
• Experience using Robot Framework for structured test automation.
• Experience integrating automated tests into CI/CD pipelines or nightly regression systems.
• Working experience with Linux environments and networking protocols.
• Experience testing communication devices and mesh networks, with emphasis on data integrity, timing, routing, and format.
• Proficiency in C or C++ sufficient to understand and debug firmware-level code.
• Exposure to network emulation or traffic analysis tools such as Wireshark, iPerf, or tcpdump.
• Experience with test management tools such as TestRail, Jira, or equivalent systems.
• Experience with version control systems such as Git.
• Ability to work independently, manage multiple priorities, and deliver results with minimal supervision.
• Strong communication skills and a collaborative, ownership-driven attitude., * Experience working with mesh networks and backbone communication systems that carry data between distributed devices.
• Experience in testing devices such as gas meters, water meters, or similar RF and cellular-based endpoints.
• Familiarity with real-time operating systems (RTOS) in addition to Linux.
• Experience with predominantly manual testing environments and transitioning manual tests to automation.
• Experience maintaining and extending automation frameworks for scalability across multiple product lines.
• Comfort working with seven-layer networking models and understanding interactions between different protocol layers.
• Experience mentoring junior engineers or contributing to team knowledge sharing., IPv6 IPv4 Linux CI/CD Iperf Triage TCP/IP Dataflow Firmware Testrail Debugging Scripting Visionary Wireshark Pipelines Automation Mentorship Innovation OSI Models Scalability Reliability Testability Communication ANSYS Meshing Nightly Build Data Integrity Manual Testing Water Metering Version Control Network Routing Robot Framework Mesh Networking Safety Assurance Embedded Systems Software Testing Test Engineering Traffic Analysis Energy Management Network Protocols Routing Protocols Gas Meter Systems Network Emulation Regression Testing Wireless Protocols Networking Hardware Time Off Management Test Management Tools Continuous Integration Artificial Intelligence Wireless Communications C (Programming Language) Communications Protocols Bash (Scripting Language) Linux On Embedded Systems Engineering Design Process C++ (Programming Language) Real-Time Operating Systems Python (Programming Language) Troubleshooting (Problem Solving) Internet Control Message Protocol (ICMP) Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP), Alpharetta, GA*On-Site Linux Modems Planning Firmware Debugging Visionary Leadership Management Mentorship Innovation Test Tools Code Review Reliability End Systems Coordinating Multitasking Communication Time Management Computer Science Embedded Systems Diagnostic Tools Critical Thinking Embedded Firmware Cellular Networks Project Management Product Management Telecommunications System Programming Time Off Management Software Development Firmware Development Technical Consulting Electrical Engineering Artificial Intelligence C (Programming Language) Creative Problem Solving Engineering Design Process C++ (Programming Language) Real-Time Operating Systems Troubleshooting (Problem Solving) +0

This role is fully onsite in Alpharetta, GA, working Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. The position operates in a combined office and lab environment, where you will regularly work with embedded devices, networking equipment, and RF test setups. You can expect hands-on interaction with hardware test benches, communication devices, and lab instruments, as well as regular use of Linux workstations and automation tools as part of the daily workflow. Job Type & Location

This is a Permanent position based out of Alpharetta, GA. Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $100000.00 - $145000.00/yr.

Our client is a global leader in energy management solutions, operating in over 30 countries and headquartered in Switzerland. We are thrilled that you've considered us to be a part of your professional journey. As a part of the family, employees are offered a comprehensive and competitive package of benefits including medical, dental and vision coverage, life insurance, and a 401(k)-retirement plan featuring a generous company match incentive. Additionally, we offer three (3) weeks of Paid Time Off (PTO) as well as eleven (11) paid holidays. We also offer a tuition reimbursement program, optional pet insurance, supplemental medical coverage and a host of other perks to ensure the health, wellness, and enrichment of our team members. Workplace Type

Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent solutions. We help visionary companies advance their engineering and science initiatives through access to specialized experts who drive scale, innovation and speed to market. With a network of almost 20,000 consultants and 5,000 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500. We are proud to be an Engineering News-Record (ENR) Top 500 Design Firm for our engineering design services and a ClearlyRated Best of Staffing® winner for both client and talent service.