Wireless Firmware Validation Engineer

As a Wireless Firmware Validation Engineer on the Firmware team, you will own the performance validation, optimization, and debugging of our TCU (Telematics Control Unit). Managing a complex architecture that integrates third-party hardware with our autonomous vehicle platform, you will analyze diagnostics and log outputs across cellular networks, 4G/5G modems, internal software layers, Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth. You will not only reactively troubleshoot complex field issues but also proactively design, facilitate, and evaluate advanced testing campaigns-utilizing industry-standard network emulation tools like the Keysight UXM-to identify cellular edge cases and vulnerabilities before they impact operations.

Your work will directly safeguard the safety, reliability, and scaling of the Zoox autonomous fleet. Robust, low-latency connectivity is fundamental to autonomous vehicle deployment, powering essential real-time cloud services, fleet management pipelines, and teleoperation capabilities. By ensuring our vehicles maintain seamless, high-performance connections under the most demanding real-world conditions, you will bridge the gap between cutting-edge hardware, cloud infrastructure, and test systems to enable Zoox to deliver the future of autonomous mobility.

You will leverage your substantial prior expertise in connectivity software and protocols (cellular modem cross-layers, Wi-Fi MAC/PHY) to provide critical insights and feedback, guaranteeing that our systems are rigorously tested and hardened for operational deployment.

In this role, you will:

• Test Architecture & Strategy: Define component integration plans (from initial hardware bring-up to advanced functions), then design, develop, and execute comprehensive test plans spanning early development through large-scale operational fleet deployment.

• Advanced Testing Campaigns: Proactively design and facilitate advanced testing campaigns utilizing industry-standard network emulation tools (e.g., Keysight UXM) to identify cellular edge cases, performance bottlenecks, and vulnerabilities.

• Deep Debugging: Dig into challenging log reviews and cross-functional system integration mysteries to identify root causes. Propose solutions balancing long-term architectural goals with near-term operational needs.

• Interface Validation: Ensure all interfaces are well-architected, documented, and rigorously validated-notably between RF-baseband, baseband-protocol stack (AP), and AP to host.

• Automation & Frameworks: Develop and enhance log frameworks and automation scripts to analyze wireless communication behavior at scale.

• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Review (and if necessary adjust or author) the Software, Firmware, and integration design specifications and requirements for Zoox’s

Qualifications

• B.S. or M.S. degree in Electrical Engineering, Telecommunications, Computer Science, or a similar discipline with 10+ years of industry experience in wireless validation or embedded systems test engineering.

• Validation Expertise: Deep expertise in developing 3GPP cellular (4G-LTE, 5G-NR), Wi-Fi, and Satellite feature test plans, as well as debugging protocol layers (MAC, L1, RF, FW).

• Protocol Knowledge: Extensive expertise in LTE/5G Protocol Stacks (NAS, PDCP, RRC, RLC, MAC, PHY) and interpreting 3GPP specifications.

• Network Analysis Tools: Exceptional ability to use cellular network analysis tools (e.g., QXDM, Shannon Tools, Wireshark) to capture, parse, and analyze complex cross-layer wireless behaviors.

• Emulation & Lab Tools: Proven hands-on experience with industry-standard network emulators (e.g., Keysight UXM, Rohde & Schwarz CMW500/CMX500) for baseband testing and hardware bring-up.

• Programming/Automation: Strong proficiency in Python or Shell scripting for building and maintaining automated test frameworks.

Bonus Qualifications

• Familiarity with other wireless technologies (Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, BLE).

• Experience testing software within an embedded Linux or Yocto Project environment.

• Prior experience in the autonomous vehicle, telematics, or IoT space, where connectivity directly impacts physical safety and fleet operations.

• A proven track record of driving continuous improvements, mentoring fellow engineers, and promoting best validation practices across organizations.