Firmware Development Tester, Austin Tx

About the Role

You are a passionate and technically proficient Software or Hardware Development Engineer with a strong interest in system firmware testing, hardware validation, and system-level reliability. You will be responsible for testing and validating system firmware across the IBM Power Systems portfolio, ranging from entry-level servers to high-end enterprise systems with advanced Reliability, Availability, and Serviceability (RAS) capabilities. You will collaborate with global development teams, OpenPOWER partners, and the OpenBMC community to validate firmware functionality, drive product quality, and deliver an exceptional customer experience.

Key Responsibilities

• Hands-on Hardware Validation: Install, configure, and test IBM Power Systems hardware, including processor and system-level validation and characterization.
• Firmware Testing: Test and validate system firmware features across the IBM Power Systems portfolio, ensuring functionality, performance, stability, and quality.
• RAS Validation: Validate advanced Reliability, Availability, and Serviceability (RAS) features to enhance system resilience and availability.
• Test Strategy and Execution: Develop and execute comprehensive test plans, test cases, and procedures to ensure thorough firmware feature validation.
• Test Automation: Design, develop, and automate test suites as part of the Agile development process to improve test efficiency, coverage, and productivity.
• Failure Analysis and Debugging: Analyze test failures, troubleshoot complex hardware and firmware issues, drive root cause analysis, and collaborate with development teams to resolve defects.
• Requirements and Design Collaboration: Work closely with firmware architects and development teams to understand requirements, review designs, and define effective validation strategies.
• Open-Source Collaboration: Work with OpenPOWER partners and the OpenBMC community on firmware testing, validation, integration, and support.
• AI and Emerging Technologies: Install, configure, and validate AI Large Language Models (LLMs) and explore opportunities to leverage AI in software testing and development workflows.
• Cross-Team Collaboration: Partner with geographically distributed development, test, and support teams to drive quality across product lines.
• Continuous Improvement and Innovation: Champion continuous improvement, introduce innovative testing approaches, and enhance development and verification processes to deliver a better customer experience.
• Code and Knowledge Contribution: Contribute to internal and external code repositories and document test methodologies, technical findings, and best practices.

Requirements & Tech Stack

• Basic understanding of client-server architecture and networking concepts.
• Fundamental knowledge of application development, programming, and databases.
• Understanding of software architecture, APIs, servers, and application design principles.
• Familiarity with Agile software development methodologies.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, communication, and teamwork skills.
• Good understanding of software testing concepts and the Software Testing Life Cycle (STLC).
• Basic programming or scripting knowledge, preferably Python.
• Curiosity, creativity, willingness to learn, and a customer-focused mindset.

Qualifications

Preferred Education: Bachelor's Degree

Preferred Technical And Professional Experience:

• Basic understanding of computer systems architecture and operating system concepts.
• Familiarity with Linux operating systems and command-line operations.
• Exposure to Python or other scripting languages.
• Basic understanding of functional testing, system testing, and test automation concepts.
• Familiarity with automation frameworks or hands-on academic/project experience in test automation.
• Basic knowledge of Git, Gerrit, or other source-code management tools.
• Exposure to firmware, embedded systems, or hardware-software integration concepts.
• Familiarity with open-source software development and collaboration tools.
• Basic understanding of mechanical and electrical engineering concepts is beneficial, particularly when working with hardware products.
• Academic projects, internships, coursework, or personal projects demonstrating relevant technical skills are desirable.