Firmware Test Development Engineer, Manufacturing

Join Afero and change the world, a gazillion connections at a time! Our vision is to make all the world's devices really smart and truly secure, through innovation and scale. Come make it happen.
Afero is the leading PaaS for IoT manufacturers and brands, enabling connected devices to be both smart and secure. Afero built its foundation on security, data privacy, simplicity and ease of use. Today, Afero technology powers millions of devices across more than 1,000 SKUs from 50+ manufacturers, including well known brands like Defiant, Hampton Bay and EcoSmart. Afero has more than 123 patents, one of the largest IoT patent portfolios globally, and was named an 2024 IoT Breakthrough Winner for IoT Security Platform of the Year . Afero is driven by a team of world-class executives and veterans in mobile, hardware, security, consumer and cloud, leveraging experience from Google, Apple, Microsoft, Amazon, Netflix, Disney, Roku and Danger. Afero provides a fantastic opportunity to explore and to expand your expertise while driving product innovation into exciting new ecosystems. To learn more, visit www.afero.io .
Why youll want to work with us For a small team, Afero engineers collectively do a little bit of everythingfrom cloud applications and infrastructure to mobile development on multiple platforms, to firmware on a wide range of devices, to board-level hardware design and implementation of secure wireless devices. If you enjoy deep dives into assorted technology stacks to understand end-to-end system workflows, can adapt past experiences to new solutions, and can communicate technical ideas effectively, Afero is a fantastic opportunity to explore and to expand your expertise.
Who we are The Afero Edge Device Innovation team designs and builds secure IOT hardware modules and associated test hardware while also working with product manufacturers to assist with their integration of Aferos technology into their products. As part of our work to expand the platform we create the factory programming infrastructure, create automated test harnesses, drive module development, assist in hardware diagnostics, and help in factory bringup of new products that contain our Afero IOT solution.
What were looking for Afero is looking for an experienced engineer with demonstrated experience developing and deploying a manufacturing programming and test system for embedded devices on the factory floor. This engineer would also need a strong background in designing, developing, and deploying test frameworks to validate device firmware in the lab.
We want people with passion to build best in class technology, who will drive the evolution and scale of Aferos platform. The range of disciplines and experience represented at Afero is broad and deep, and everyone on the team contributes meaningfully to our culture and our growth. Were looking for builders and problem solvers who will bring perspective and skills to support our success - people with enthusiasm for digging into complexity, creating solutions, and driving effectiveness in a collaborative environment. Key Responsibilities

• Manage and extend the existing python based Factory Programmer Systems to improve efficiency, add robustness, and support new chips
• Develop and extend the on-device C-based Factory Programming and Test Firmware as new features are needed or new chips need to be supported
• Develop firmware and low-level python code for our automated test harness platform working closely with the rest of the team serving the needs of the QA and Firmware teams
• Write documentation and user guides for python tools created
• Assist module manufacturers with programming failure analysis
• Work closely with hardware engineers on prototype bring-up and debugging, hardware and firmware bug tracking, and functional verification of internal hardware as well as partner hardware
• Work closely with firmware engineers to extend the firmware platform to support new hardware

Required Qualifications

• Demonstrated proficiency with embedded firmware (C/C++) and Python
• Demonstrated understanding of manufacturing yield analysis to assist in diagnosing and prioritizing issues
• Demonstrated strong hardware diagnostic skills; candidate knows when to use an oscilloscope and when to use a logic analyzer
• Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience in electrical engineering or computer engineering
• 6 years of relevant work experience manufacturing consumer or commercial products in a fast-paced environment
• Professional New Product Introduction (NPI) experience with consumer electronics, wireless devices, and/or low power embedded platforms
• Real world experience with embedded systems and Design for Manufacturability (DFM) and Test (DFT)
• Experience working with OEM/ODM partners
• Works in a self-directed manner with a thorough attention to detail
• This role is a hybrid position; candidates must be able to come into the Los Altos, CA office at least three days per week
• Candidates must be authorized to work for any employer in the U.S. or eligible for H-1B visa transfer

Preferred Skills and Experience:

• Experience with Public Key Infrastructure/Cryptography a huge plus
• Advanced degree in electrical engineering or computer engineering
• Experience with programming PLCs used for manufacturing
• Experience with rapid prototyping of proof of concepts by repurposing off the shelf products
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills - Mandarin fluency is a bonus!
• Experience travelling to work alongside our partners in their factories

The US base salary range for this full-time position is expected to be $175,000 - $205,000. Actual pay is determined by various factors, including work location, job-related skills and experience, relevant education, training or certifications, and other business and organizational needs. At Afero, it is not typical for an individual to be hired at or near the top end of the range for their role, and compensation decisions depend on each case's facts and circumstances. This range reflects base salary only; Afero also offers competitive benefits and equity compensation not included in these numbers. Afero is an equal opportunity employer. All applicants will be considered for employment regardless of race, color, national origin, religion, sex, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, veteran or disability status.