Hardware Validation Engineer (SDET) - Consumer Hardware Devices
Job Description
Job Description
Hardware Validation Engineer (SDET) – Consumer Hardware Devices
Location: Antioch, TN (Lab/Hybrid – onsite at hardware testing laboratory)
Job Type: 6-month contract-to-hire
About the Role
We are partnering with our client, a leader in consumer communications and accessibility technology, to find a skilled Hardware Validation Engineer (SDET). This is a high-impact hybrid role that combines Electrical Engineering expertise with advanced software test automation to own the full consumer hardware device farm and testing laboratory.
This position is ideal for an engineer who thrives at the intersection of hardware and software, enjoys building sophisticated test infrastructure, and wants to deliver quality that directly improves user experiences in real-world communications devices.
What You Will Do
- Own, design, and administer the consumer hardware device farm and testing laboratory (infrastructure, device inventory, test fixtures/jigs, bench instrumentation, network topology, and lab governance).
- Design, build, and maintain scalable automated test frameworks for hardware, firmware, and software validation (including harnesses, simulators, mocks, and Android-based tooling such as ADB, CTS/VTS, Espresso).
- Integrate device-level automated tests into CI/CD pipelines for continuous qualification.
- Lead engineering-level validation (functional, performance, reliability, stress, regression, and compliance) for new hardware platforms and firmware builds.
- Apply Electrical Engineering knowledge to validate at the signal/power/interface level using oscilloscopes, logic analyzers, spectrum analyzers, and multimeters.
- Engineer User Acceptance Testing (UAT) environments and support compliance efforts (FCC, CE, UL).
- Lead root cause analysis for hardware/firmware defects and collaborate on quality improvements.
- Author test plans, specifications, traceability matrices, and report on engineering quality KPIs.
What You Will Bring
- Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering (required). Coursework or experience in embedded systems, hardware design, or telecommunications strongly preferred.
- 4+ years of experience in SDET, QA Engineering, or hardware validation roles with ownership of test automation infrastructure.
- Hands-on experience managing a hardware device farm or testing lab, including fixtures, instrumentation, and inventory.
- Proficiency in programming/scripting for automation (Python, Java, Kotlin, Bash) and building test frameworks from scratch.
- Strong experience with Android OS, ADB, APK/SDK testing, and related instrumentation frameworks.
- Practical knowledge of hardware interfaces (I2C, SPI, GPIO, USB, RF) and network concepts (VoIP, TCP/IP).
- Experience with bench instrumentation and root cause analysis.
- Excellent communication skills and ability to work cross-functionally in a fast-paced environment.
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience with PSTN/VoIP-based consumer hardware or accessibility technology.
- Familiarity with FCC/CE/UL compliance processes.
- Background in regulated communications products or ITIL/ITSM frameworks.