Sr Engineer, Firmware Quality Assurance

Job description

At Landis+Gyr, we're helping shape the future of energy—making it more intelligent, resilient, and sustainable. As a global energy technology leader, we're accelerating the energy evolution through purposeful innovation and trusted partnerships. Trusted by more than 2,000 utilities worldwide, our intelligent solutions connect devices, data, and decisions across the grid, helping customers modernize infrastructure, optimize operations, and deliver energy that is more reliable, resilient, accessible, safe, and sustainable. Behind every solution is a team of approximately 3,300 employees across more than 40 countries who are passionate about solving complex challenges, driving innovation, and making a meaningful impact for our utility customers and the communities they serve. Join Team Green and help shape the future of intelligent energy. Job Summary: As a Senior Engineer, Firmware Quality Assurance you will be responsible for verifying metering and network products as part of the Landis+Gyr utility solutions to an international audience! This is a challenging and exciting position where you will conduct and lead testing activities on software and firmware projects within the Communications Device Delivery department. Responsibilities include leading the design, execution and management of test plans, scripts and cases, set up, configuration and implementation of test environments, and the identification and management of issues for each development project. Mentoring and training new team members. A solid understanding of quality assurance, quality control, and agile development processes in information systems development is required. Handles complicated R&D hardware, firmware, software, and completes solutions projects as part of a cross-functional team. Collaborates with Product Management, Project management and other R&D teams in design, development, and validation of complete Smart Grid solutions. Collaborates with SMEs and business partners on component and system design. Key Responsibilities: Technical / Core: • Design, execute, and document manual test cases for firmware features spanning embedded Linux user space and kernel space. • Validate wireless communication subsystems, including RF, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and related device configurations. • Test and verify networking protocol behavior, including IPv4, IPv6, ICMP, DHCPv6, TCP/IP, UDP, PPP, and Ethernet. • Evaluate Layer 2 switching and Layer 3 routing functionality to ensure correctness, stability, and performance. • Automate manual firmware test cases using Python, Bash, or Robot Framework and integrate them into nightly regression and CI/CD pipelines. • Build and configure hardware and software test environments from scratch, perform manual validation, and automate them for continuous regression coverage. • Maintain and enhance automation frameworks to ensure scalability, reliability, and maintainability across multiple product lines. • Identify, document, and track defects with clear reproduction steps and detailed root-cause analysis. • Monitor nightly build and regression results, triage failures, and provide actionable reports to engineering teams. • Collaborate closely with firmware engineers to review requirements, validate new features, and provide timely feedback throughout the development lifecycle. • Support and guide junior QA engineers by sharing best practices, technical knowledge, and testing methodologies. • Perform testing and validation of electrical metering products operating in residential and commercial environments • Review and comment on technical specifications. • Perform complex testing tasks requiring analysis, planning, scheduling, and testing, to ensure the developed software meets the design specifications and/or customer requirements. • Exercise leadership by recommending best practices and testing strategies to the engineering organization to meet quality goals, including the development of standards, procedures, policies and guidelines related to the Firmware Quality Assurance testing areas. • Serve as a resource for and extend the technological expertise of the QA team by researching, designing and implementing state-of-the-art testing practices and tools. • Assist all levels of firmware engineers, and project managers with design, testing, prototype building, test data set creation, and other activities related to testing. • Use established policies and procedures to complete work assignments. Work assignments are varied and of high scope and complexity. May be required to use specialized computer applications to perform duties. • Design and develop test plans, test scripts and test cases. • Design and coordinate the implementation of FW QA test environments. • Design and develop test data to be used during the testing of various test projects. • Perform detailed review of requirements documents and work with customers to refine the requirements such that they are both singular and testable. • Design and recommend test strategies and write test plans based on a comprehensive understanding of product architecture. • Write and run complex manual and automation test cases/scripts/suites. Write bug reports and verify bug fixes and troubleshoot applications. • Review and test user documentation. • Analyze designs and develop tools to improve the testing effort. • Design and implement test frameworks, including database testing and automation. • Lead and recommend improvements to any automation environments. • Trouble shoot FW, Hardware, and System interface issues. • Lead in component and/or solution design, development, documentation, and validation. Reporting and Communication: • Provide FW QA test progress reports as appropriate to management. • Participate in product design meetings, release planning and scheduling. • Communicate with the product team on product issues and work with minimal supervision. • Interact and communicate effectively with other members of the organization. • Coordinate with the Product Owners/System Engineers to take appropriate actions to ensure product/Firmware behavior matches requirements. Planning: • Provide scope, resource and time estimates for various projects presented to the FW QA department for testing or analysis. • Review defect reports and validate the severity and priority of each defect, along with the development and product management team. • Evaluate functionality and usability of the product, and make sure volume, stress, etc. testing is accounted for. General Mgmt.: • Manage the daily activities of a FW project QA team, including some supervisory responsibility and mentoring of other team members. Act as technical authority in areas of specialty on assigned projects. • Manage the various resources available in the FW QA laboratory to ensure all testing needs are met with the smallest amount of conflict. • Manage User Stories, Tasks, Issues and Defects • Provide project leadership by effectively managing QA initiatives during each scrum sprint. Plan, schedule, and execute assignments to sprint milestones. Deliver on aggressive goals and commitments. Handle changing priorities during sprint and release phases with minimum supervision. • Ensure the test environment(s) are adequate for the testing of each development project, and make additions or modifications to the test lab as necessary to ensure that all tests are valid. • Ensure the test team works closely with both developers and customers to test all aspects of each product. • Provide QA and testing support when working with internal and external customers as needed. • Work on agile development teams, collaborating with multiple cross-discipline architecture teams to develop hardware and software components as part of L+G Smart Grid solutions. • Participate in recruitment, development and mentoring of junior engineers. • Lead functional area-specific continuous improvement initiatives. • Lead in innovative technology and solutions development and/or validation. Company Values: • Supports and adheres to Company’s core values. • Performs other duties or responsibilities as assigned or required. • Supports and adheres to Company’s Code of Conduct and Ethics Policy. • Represents Company in a positive, professional manner when working with both internal and external customers. Education and Experience: Requires a Bachelor's degree in Engineering or related field. Experience: • Hands-on experience testing embedded Linux systems in both user space and kernel space. • Proven experience testing wireless communication protocols, including RF, Wi-Fi, and/or Bluetooth. • Strong knowledge of networking protocols, including IPv4, IPv6, ICMP, DHCPv6, TCP/IP, UDP, Ethernet, and PPP. • Familiarity with Layer 2 switching and Layer 3 routing protocol testing. • Strong scripting and automation skills using Python and/or Bash. • Experience using Robot Framework for structured test automation. • Experience integrating automated tests into CI/CD pipelines and nightly regression systems. • Ability to work independently, manage multiple priorities, and deliver high-quality results with minimal supervision. • Strong communication, collaboration, and problem-solving skills. • Proficiency in C and/or C++ for understanding, troubleshooting, and debugging firmware-level code. • Experience using network analysis and troubleshooting tools such as Wireshark, iPerf, and tcpdump. • Experience with test management and defect tracking tools such as Jira, TestRail, or equivalent platforms. • Experience with version control systems such as Git. • Strong commitment to quality, ownership, and continuous improvement. • Experience working with electrical metering products and test environments involving residential service voltages (120/240 VAC). • Familiarity with electrical safety practices, safe handling procedures, and the use of electrical test equipment such as multimeters, oscilloscopes, and power supplies. Required: • Thorough knowledge of Quality Assurance processes. • Knowledge of each phase of the Software Development Lifecycle. • Strong understanding of SQA, testing methodologies, metrics and processes. • Experience with hardware and/or network technologies • Experience with Linux/Unix set up and configuration • Experience with testing embedded systems • Ability to define problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions. • Ability to interpret an extensive variety of technical instructions in mathematical or diagram form and deal with several abstract and concrete variables. • Use of proper scientific methodology is required (Define hypothesis, test hypothesis using reproducible experimental practices, peer review and reporting). • Ability to derive boundary cases and equivalence classes from a software/firmware specification and quickly produce a minimum test data set. • A clear understanding of risk-based testing and assessment is required. Also mandatory is the ability to debug and reproduce software/firmware problems, to write functional, stress, integration, white box, etc. tests to cover specified business rules and standards. • Ability to provide feedback at software/firmware design reviews from a QA perspective is required, and includes an assessment of the testability, scalability, usability, and maintainability of the proposed design. • Ability to convey information concisely and clearly to all levels of personnel. • Ability to communicate with users in non-technical terms both verbally and in writing. • Ability to read and interpret technical documents, procedure manuals, schematics, data books, handbooks, etc. • Ability to write routine reports and correspondence. • Ability to speak effectively before groups of customers or employees of the organization. • Exceptional interpersonal and leadership skills. • Ability to debug Hardware setup issues • Ability to utilize standard computer applications proficiently as they are related to software/firmware development and testing. Such programs may include, but are not limited to: MS Office suite, Visual Studio, and various editions of Windows and Linux environments. • Working Knowledge of UNIX and Linux system administration. • Working knowledge of NMS protocols such as SNMP, NTP servers, IP Tunneling, IPv6, Network Security • Proficiency with development processes, tools, and related frameworks. • Proficiency with relevant development and/or validation methodologies. • Deep knowledge of AMI and Smart Grid Systems and Solutions • Experience with utility AMI/AMR systems and meter-to-network communication technologies. • Knowledge of RF mesh networking and field communication systems. • Experience with network emulation, traffic generation, and performance testing. • Familiarity with Linux kernel debugging and performance analysis tools. • Experience working in laboratory environments involving energized electrical equipment. Highly Preferred: • Experience with the following technologies (in order of preference): Networking Testing (including protocol analysis and load testing), Shell Scripting, Hardware Design and Troubleshooting • Programming experience with Python, Java and/or other programming languages, including automation scripting. • Test tool, test automation, or production-level programming experience with at least 2 of the following (in order of preference): ANSI C/C++, C#, Python, Java, Assembly • Experience with mesh networks and RF communication. Working Conditions: • Working Conditions: Typical indoor office environment with the majority of time spent sitting and working on a computer using keyboard, mouse, and monitor. Occasional use of other devices such as: phone, copier/printer/fax, etc. • Driving Status: Occasional Driving may be required • Physical Requirements: Typical office setting. Required to stand; walk; crouch; or handle objects. Lift and/or move up to 10 pounds. Ability to sit and view computer screen for long periods of time. The ability to see, hear, & speak in English. Reasonable accommodations provided for individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. • Personal Protection Equipment/Other OHSA Safety Requirements: Ensure the continued efforts and assist in achieving annual goals of health, safety, and environmental policies. Must be current with available OSHA/Safety Training provided by the Company. If required, must be able to work while wearing safety equipment such as hard hats, work boats, gloves, hearing protection, and others. • Experience with electrical metering products operating at 120/240 VAC and familiarity with electrical safety practices are highly desirable. Disclaimer: The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this classification. They are not intended to be construed as a complete list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of personnel classified as such. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran. As a part of the Landis+Gyr 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. Pay is in the range of $100,600- $127,225 per year. The actual base salary offered depends on a variety of factors, which may include, as applicable, the qualifications of the individual applicant for the position, years of relevant experience, specific and unique skills, level of education attained, and certifications or other professional licenses held. All candidates are encouraged to apply. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran. We're committed to shaping a better future for everyone. Join Team Green and be part of what's next in energy. #TeamGreen