Staff Software Development Engineer in Test (SDET) – Embedded Platform Software

Job Title: Staff Software Development Engineer in Test (SDET) – Embedded Software

Location: Newark, CA

Work Arrangement: 100% Onsite

Employment Type: Contract

Experience: 10+ years preferred

Job Summary

We are seeking an experienced Staff Software Development Engineer in Test (SDET) to support embedded platform software verification and test automation. The ideal candidate will have strong experience testing low-level embedded software on target hardware, developing hardware- and software-based tests from requirements, and automating manual test cases.

This role will focus on embedded Diagnostics, Communication, and Bootloader components, along with hardware integration, test-bench development, maintenance, and troubleshooting. The successful candidate will collaborate with engineering teams to improve test coverage, enhance automation frameworks, and ensure the reliability and quality of embedded platform software.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead embedded software verification activities on target hardware.
• Develop hardware- and software-based test cases based on system and software requirements.
• Design, implement, execute, and maintain test plans, test procedures, and validation strategies.
• Convert manual test cases into automated tests to improve testing efficiency and coverage.
• Develop and enhance test automation scripts, utilities, and validation tools using Python, C/C++, or CAPL.
• Bring up, configure, integrate, and troubleshoot new hardware on test benches.
• Maintain, debug, and improve existing test benches and software validation environments.
• Perform testing and debugging of embedded Diagnostics, Communication, and Bootloader components.
• Investigate and resolve software, hardware, and test-environment issues.
• Participate in test-code design discussions, peer reviews, and continuous improvement activities.
• Collaborate with embedded software developers, hardware engineers, and validation teams to identify defects and improve product quality.
• Support integration testing, regression testing, and automated validation workflows.
• Document test results, defects, troubleshooting findings, and verification status.

Required Qualifications

• 10+ years of relevant industry experience preferred, particularly in embedded software testing, verification, or test automation.
• Strong experience testing low-level embedded software on target hardware.
• Proven ability to develop effective hardware- and software-based test cases from requirements.
• Experience converting manual tests into automated test scripts.
• Working-level programming proficiency in at least one of the following:
• CAPL
• C/C++
• Python
• Strong troubleshooting and debugging skills across software, hardware, and test environments.
• Experience with test-bench setup, hardware integration, or embedded system validation.
• Strong understanding of software verification methodologies, test design, and defect analysis.
• Relevant technical certification, formal qualification, or equivalent hands-on technical background.
• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a related field preferred. A master's degree is a plus.

Preferred Qualifications

• Automotive embedded software testing and validation experience.
• Experience with automotive communication protocols, including CAN, CAN-FD, LIN, and Automotive Ethernet.
• Familiarity with ISO 14229 (UDS) diagnostic services.
• Experience with Vector CANoe or similar automotive testing and simulation tools.
• Python-based test automation and scripting experience.
• Familiarity with Jenkins, Git, or GitLab for CI/CD and version control.
• Experience using on-chip debugging tools such as Lauterbach.
• Experience with automotive hardware, PCBA-level debugging, and hardware/software integration.
• Vehicle-level testing, diagnostics, and troubleshooting experience.
• Experience developing and maintaining automated regression test suites.

Top Technical Skills

1. Embedded Software Test Design: Developing and executing tests from requirements, including verification on target hardware.
2. Programming and Test Automation: Hands-on coding experience in at least one of CAPL, C/C++, or Python.
3. Hardware Integration and Debugging: Test-bench bring-up, maintenance, troubleshooting, and embedded system validation.

Work Environment

• Onsite position based in Newark, California.
• Flexible, asynchronous daily schedule based on team requirements.
• Approximately 2–3 hours of overtime as needed.
• No travel expected.
• Contract assignment with potential for extension or conversion.