• Validation Software Firmware Engineer

    Actalent (Palo Alto, CA)


    Job Title: Validation Software Firmware Engineer

    Job Description

    Join our dynamic Energy Residential Device Software team as a Validation Software/Firmware Engineer. You will architect automated test frameworks, design validation infrastructure, and collaborate closely with software firmware developers. Your contributions will be crucial in enhancing product robustness and empowering our engineers to confidently deploy firmware updates.

    Responsibilities

    + Design and deploy advanced automated test frameworks for embedded Linux and RTOS-based products.

    + Develop software-in-the-loop (SIL) and hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) test systems using tools such as oscilloscopes and logic analyzers.

    + Create actionable test reports to track code coverage, regression metrics, and release readiness.

    + Reverse-engineer complex systems to identify edge cases and failure modes.

    + Collaborate with cross-functional teams to refine validation strategies and troubleshoot issues.

    + Drive adoption of best practices for test automation, CI/CD, code robustness, and infrastructure scalability.

    Essential Skills

    + Proficiency in C/C++ programming.

    + Experience in embedded firmware development, ideally with Electrical Engineering experience.

    + Familiarity with 'Software in the Loop' (SIL) and 'Hardware in the Loop' (HIL) concepts.

    + Hands-on expertise with hardware debugging tools such as oscilloscopes and protocol analyzers.

    + Strong understanding of software development in systems languages (e.g., C, C++, Rust) and Linux software architecture.

    + Knowledge of embedded firmware (e.g., RTOS) and communication protocols (Ethernet, CAN, RS485, etc.).

     

    Additional Skills & Qualifications

     

    + Degree in Electrical Engineering preferred.

    + Experience in embedded systems validation, firmware testing, or related fields.

    + Ability to translate complex requirements into scalable test solutions.

    Work Environment

    Join a team dedicated to on-device software development for residential products such as Powerwall, solar inverters, and EV chargers. You'll be part of a collaborative environment that emphasizes innovation and quality in software development.

     

    Job Type & Location

     

    This is a Contract position based out of Palo Alto, CA.

    Pay and Benefits

    The pay range for this position is $50.00 - $65.00/hr.

     

    Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following:

     

    • Medical, dental & vision • Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital • 401(k) Retirement Plan – Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available • Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents) • Short and long-term disability • Health Spending Account (HSA) • Transportation benefits • Employee Assistance Program • Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)

     

    Workplace Type

     

    This is a fully onsite position in Palo Alto,CA.

     

    Application Deadline

     

    This position is anticipated to close on Dec 10, 2025.

    About Actalent

    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 30,000 consultants and more than 4,500 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500.

     

    The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.

     

    If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing due to a disability, please email [email protected] (%[email protected]) for other accommodation options.