Staff Validation & Tools Engineer - Embedded Firmware

Staff Validation & Tools Engineer - Embedded FirmwareWe're ALSO, an electric mobility company originally conceived as a part of Rivian. We're a passionate team of builders, dreamers, doers and innovators, focused on creating entirely new (not to mention, innovative and delightful) vertically integrated, small EVs designed to meet the global mobility challenges of today and tomorrow. Our mission is to inspire everyone to ride ALSO—replacing many local car, truck and SUV miles with ones on vehicles that are more affordable, more enjoyable and 10-50x more efficient.As a Staff Validation & Tools Engineer - Embedded Firmware, you'll own the validation strategy, tooling architecture, and system-level quality approach for our flagship and next-generation products. You'll build and scale validation frameworks spanning firmware, software, connectivity, mobile, cloud-adjacent systems, and HIL environments, working closely with Hardware, Firmware, Systems, Product, Mobile, Cloud, and Test Engineering to improve testability, traceability, release readiness, and early issue detection.This role is ideal for someone who can set technical direction, build practical validation infrastructure, mentor engineers, and help create a quality-first culture in a fast-moving product environment.What You'll DoDefine the technical vision, architecture, and roadmap for embedded firmware and software validation across product programsDesign, scale, and maintain SIL and HIL validation infrastructure to support automated system-level testing, regression coverage, release readiness, and issue reproductionBuild and evolve validation frameworks that improve test coverage, execution speed, reliability, traceability, and quality reporting across firmware and software releasesEstablish clear validation metrics, including test coverage, pass/fail trends, defect escape rate, regression health, and release readiness indicatorsLead end-to-end validation planning for new features, firmware releases, connectivity workflows, and system-level product behaviorPartner with Hardware, Firmware, Systems, Mobile, Cloud, and Product teams to ensure requirements are testable, risks are understood, and validation plans are aligned before implementationLead technical root-cause analysis for complex system issues across hardware, firmware, embedded software, connectivity, and test infrastructureDevelop and improve automated test tooling using Python-based frameworks such as Robot Framework or Pytest, and integrate validation workflows into CI/CD pipelines (Jenkins, GitLab CI, or similar)Use SIL/HIL environments, embedded debug tools, logs, sniffers, and hardware interfaces to reproduce, isolate, and resolve defectsMentor junior and mid-level engineers on validation strategy, debugging methods, test design, and quality ownership, and communicate validation status and release readiness to engineering and product leadershipWhat You'll BringBachelor's or Master's degree in Software Engineering, Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or a related technical field8+ years in embedded software validation, firmware testing, software quality engineering, or validation tools development, with a track record leading validation strategy or test architecture for complex embedded, connected, automotive, or IoT platformsExperience building or scaling automated validation frameworks for firmware, embedded software, system-level testing, or hardware-in-the-loop environments, with hands-on testing of RTOS-based or Linux-based systemsStrong understanding of embedded architectures, microcontrollers, bootloaders, firmware update flows, hardware/software interfaces, and board-level debug workflows, using tools like JTAG, serial consoles, SWD, logic analyzers, and oscilloscopesExperience validating connectivity, location services, or wireless technologies such as cellular, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, BLE, or GNSSStrong programming and scripting skills, especially in Python, with experience using automation frameworks such as Robot Framework or PytestWorking knowledge of CI/CD systems and automated validation workflows (Jenkins, GitLab CI, GitHub Actions, or similar)Experience with SIL and HIL validation environments, including test execution, automation, reporting, defect reproduction, and regression analysisFamiliarity with test management, requirements management, and bug tracking tools for release reporting and quality metrics, plus hands-on experience with automotive protocols (UDS, XCP, CAN, CAN-FD, I2C, SPI, UART, USB, USB-PD) and network analysis tools like Vector CANoe or CANalyzerAbility to lead root-cause analysis across hardware, firmware, software, and connectivity, with strong communication skills to explain validation strategy and release readiness to stakeholdersThe salary for this position ranges from $170,000 - $210,000 per year, depending on experience, qualifications, and location.Perks & BenefitsRobust health coverage — excellent health, dental and vision insurance covered up to 100% by ALSO with FSA & HSA optionsOne Medical membership and dedicated insurance advocatesRich fertility and family building benefits with ProgynyFlexible time off401(k) match