Senior Firmware & Systems Test Engineer at unspun

We're looking for a hands-on, execution-driven Systems & Quality Engineer to own firmware validation, test case creation, and deep root-cause analysis for our Vega™ 3D weaving systems. Reporting to the Systems Integration & Test Engineering Manager, you'll be the person who makes sure new builds are trustworthy, machine downtime gets explained (and eliminated), and quality is something we can measure rather than hope for.
Why This Role Matters

This role has a direct impact on how well our machines run. You'll validate firmware before it ships, build out real test coverage and tooling, and dig into field failures until we know exactly what happened and how to prevent it. Better quality firmware means better uptime, less time fighting fires, and a team that can stay focused on building. The work you do here makes the whole company more efficient.
What You'll Do

• Issue investigation & RCA: Lead deep-dives on complex issues: triage logs, reproduce failures, and drive root cause across firmware, electro-mechanical, and integration boundaries.
• Firmware performance & quality metrics: Maintain a single source of truth for firmware performance and quality issues, and define and report metrics that give the team real visibility into firmware health & performance.
• Test case development: Write manual and automated test cases and define coverage targets across subsystems.
• Release validation: Run regression suites for Vega™ software/firmware releases, document sign-off criteria, and block releases that don't pass.
• Integrated systems testing: Own dedicated testing for complex robotic and electromechanical systems, moving us beyond ad-hoc spot checks to consistent, structured coverage.
• Log & diagnostic tooling: Build or drive the tools that make log investigation faster and surface failures that currently slip through undetected.

Who You Are

You've worked on real, physical systems and supported them through failures, builds, and the messy realities of integration - and you probably have a few war stories about issues that went sideways. You're rigorous and structured: you design experiments, document what you find, and follow a problem from root cause to durable fix. You care deeply about quality, and you're energized by building the test infrastructure and processes that let a complex electromechanical system run reliably.
What Makes You a Great Fit?

• Embedded systems, robotics, or electromechanical product background
• Strong validation experience: test planning, test execution, and release sign-off
• Requirements-definition experience
• Scripting ability in Python or similar
• A structured, RCA-driven approach to debugging complex, cross-disciplinary failures
• Excellent communication across firmware, mechanical, and integration teams

Bonus Points

• Experience validating firmware for microcontrollers or real-time embedded systems
• Experience building log/diagnostic or automated test infrastructure
• Background in manufacturing, industrial automation, or other uptime-critical environments
• Experience transitioning systems from R&D to production

Benefits

The salary range for this role is $150,000 - $200,000 USD annually, plus 0.07% - 0.11% equity.

Benefits include:

• Self-regulated vacation policy
• Comprehensive health/dental/vision insurance
• Company sponsored 401k and FSA/HSA
• Monthly wellness or education grant up to $150
• Pre-tax commuter benefits
• Incentive stock options

unspun's compensation philosophy centers on transparency, fairness, and alignment with our company values. We aim to offer competitive pay that reflects both market standards and individual contributions, fostering an environment where employees feel valued and motivated. Our holistic approach ensures that compensation decisions are consistent and justifiable across all levels to attract and retain top talent, support employee growth, and maintain a positive organizational culture.

This is a fully onsite role, based at our microfactory in Emeryville, CA.

Department Hardware Role Systems Integration & Test Engineer Locations Emeryville, CA Yearly salary $150,000 - $200,000 Employment type Full-time