What does a firmware test engineer do?
Firmware engineers are technical experts who work on programming various devices. They have extensive knowledge of coding and software development. Firmware engineers must understand several programming languages, with the specifics depending on their industry. Designing code and testing proper functionality are additional job responsibilities.
Firmware test engineer responsibilities
Here are examples of responsibilities from real firmware test engineer resumes:
- Manage firmware of automate bench top devices that utilize a microprocessor.
- Validate the FPGA, GPIO, SPI, and I2C.
- Develop test tools to load new kernels, update file systems, and test RF equipment.
- Create a robot control by a FPGA.
- Maintain Linux WiFi device drivers for Qualcomm/Atheros AR9xxx.
- Develop one-touch bootable Linux environment with a small, custom kernel.
- Architect and implement test lab automation project using Java J2EE technologies.
- Design and perform calibration, serial port, USB and bluetooth test.
- Test USB interoperability and embed host (front panel USB) for pre-certification.
- Work in a large team developing, debugging, and testing code for printer servers.
- Port a proprietary RTOS to the Motorola 68EC020 and PowerPC processors for use in network communications devices.
- Develop motor control system, home spin non-preemptive cooperative RTOS, and communication protocol for the ROV.
- Develop automation of RF calibration utility (AutoCal), which optimizes and improves the test process and coverage.
- Test firmware and software programs to compare to specifications and documentation.
- Define feature requirements of LabView code develop in collaboration with outside vendors.
Firmware test engineer skills and personality traits
We calculated that 18% of Firmware Test Engineers are proficient in Python, Firmware, and Test Automation. They’re also known for soft skills such as Analytical skills, Problem-solving skills, and Communication skills.
We break down the percentage of Firmware Test Engineers that have these skills listed on their resume here:
- Python, 18%
Developed, maintained, and trained others on Python and Shell scripts, to build and automate testing printer firmware.
- Firmware, 13%
Tested software and firmware before release to ensure that projected functionality was implemented as expected.
- Test Automation, 6%
Created test automation for backwards compatibility features for new LaserJet printer architecture.
- Test Results, 5%
Maintain test results in an organized manner and accessible on the company network to others on the product development team.
- Linux, 4%
Created and documented Subsystem and Product Test Plans/Test Cases for newly developed or current Linux embedded products.
- Test Scripts, 4%
Designed and implemented test scripts to ensure product functionality and robustness.
Common skills that a firmware test engineer uses to do their job include "python," "firmware," and "test automation." You can find details on the most important firmware test engineer responsibilities below.
Analytical skills. One of the key soft skills for a firmware test engineer to have is analytical skills. You can see how this relates to what firmware test engineers do because "computer hardware engineers use computer programming tools to analyze the digital circuits in hardware to determine the best design." Additionally, a firmware test engineer resume shows how firmware test engineers use analytical skills: "analyzed, designed, and implemented pcl tests for the first color laserjet. "
Problem-solving skills. Many firmware test engineer duties rely on problem-solving skills. "computer hardware engineers identify complex problems in computer hardware, develop and evaluate possible solutions, and figure out the best way to implement them.," so a firmware test engineer will need this skill often in their role. This resume example is just one of many ways firmware test engineer responsibilities rely on problem-solving skills: "enlisted by leading oem to perform gray-box testing of advanced energy metering solutions incorporating wireless communication technology (rf mesh). "
Communication skills. This is an important skill for firmware test engineers to perform their duties. For an example of how firmware test engineer responsibilities depend on this skill, consider that "engineers often work on teams and must be able to communicate with other types of engineers, software developers and programmers, as well as with nontechnical team members." This excerpt from a resume also shows how vital it is to everyday roles and responsibilities of a firmware test engineer: "assisted in development of gsm and hart communication based devices for level measurement and flow measurement instruments. ".
The three companies that hire the most firmware test engineers are:
- Micron Technology6 firmware test engineers jobs
- Techtronic Industries TTI3 firmware test engineers jobs
- CTG2 firmware test engineers jobs
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Firmware test engineer vs. Quality assurance
The primary role of quality assurance specialists is to inspect the quality system's implementation and perform quality assurance audits. They are responsible for monitoring and recording results from procedures and processes within manufacturing industries. They are also responsible for some other tasks, including keeping up-to-date manufacturing and auditing documentation, training less experienced QA team members, and creating standard operating procedures. To be a quality assurance specialist, you must have a high school diploma, organizational skills, and strong attention to detail.
While similarities exist, there are also some differences between firmware test engineers and quality assurance. For instance, firmware test engineer responsibilities require skills such as "python," "firmware," "test automation," and "test tools." Whereas a quality assurance is skilled in "food handling," "selenium," "data entry," and "jira." This is part of what separates the two careers.
Quality assurances earn the highest salaries when working in the finance industry, with an average yearly salary of $68,731. On the other hand, firmware test engineers are paid more in the technology industry with an average salary of $97,802.quality assurances tend to reach similar levels of education than firmware test engineers. In fact, quality assurances are 2.3% less likely to graduate with a Master's Degree and 0.9% more likely to have a Doctoral Degree.Firmware test engineer vs. Quality analyst
Pumpers are individuals who take responsibility for setting the pumping system controls for product maximization. Their job requires them to set density, concentration, rate, and pressure. They do the operation and maintenance of the auxiliary equipment pumping oil. It is their duty to set the wells so they will function based on the production schedules and switch the oil flow between tanks. They even install the pumping systems.
Each career also uses different skills, according to real firmware test engineer resumes. While firmware test engineer responsibilities can utilize skills like "python," "firmware," "c #," and "test automation," quality analysts use skills like "customer service," "patients," "data analysis," and "corrective action."
Quality analysts earn a lower average salary than firmware test engineers. But quality analysts earn the highest pay in the finance industry, with an average salary of $77,710. Additionally, firmware test engineers earn the highest salaries in the technology with average pay of $97,802 annually.quality analysts earn similar levels of education than firmware test engineers in general. They're 2.0% more likely to graduate with a Master's Degree and 0.9% more likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.What technology do you think will become more important and prevalent for firmware test engineers in the next 3-5 years?
Firmware test engineer vs. Quality assurance lead
A quality assurance lead, also known as QA Lead, is responsible for conducting necessary quality tests and analyses for software program and development. As a quality assurance lead, they must take the lead in ensuring quality during development by proactively performing critical evaluations, troubleshooting, and providing precise documentation. It is also essential to identify issues and resolve them as soon as possible. Furthermore, a quality assurance lead must maintain an active line of communication and coordination as most of the work will be in a team setting.
Some important key differences between the two careers include a few of the skills necessary to fulfill the responsibilities of each. Some examples from firmware test engineer resumes include skills like "python," "firmware," "test automation," and "rf," whereas a quality assurance lead is more likely to list skills in "test plan," "status reports," "selenium webdriver," and "jira. "
Quality assurance leads earn the highest salary when working in the retail industry, where they receive an average salary of $105,673. Comparatively, firmware test engineers have the highest earning potential in the technology industry, with an average salary of $97,802.quality assurance leads typically earn higher educational levels compared to firmware test engineers. Specifically, they're 7.9% more likely to graduate with a Master's Degree, and 0.4% more likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.Firmware test engineer vs. Senior quality assurance analyst
Senior quality assurance analysts are responsible for developing and implementing quality assurance standards within an organization. They collect and analyze data to reinforce proposed projects, systems requirements, and business cases. These will include writing scripts and test plans to monitor errors and fixes in product and software development, operational systems, and information systems. Besides, they are also responsible for several tasks, including preparing reports and recommendations, communicating with suppliers and vendors in assessing applications, and conducting internal audits.
Types of firmware test engineer
Updated January 8, 2025











