QC Technician - PCBA Firmware Flashing and Functional Test

Atoms•San Francisco, CA

2d•$40 - $60•Onsite

About The Position

The QC Technician is the final quality check for electronics before they reach the field. This hands-on, bench-based role on the hardware production team flashes firmware onto circuit boards, runs functional tests, and ensures each board is correctly programmed, traceable, and working. The technician works closely with hardware and firmware engineers, follows documented procedures, and flags issues before products reach a vehicle. The role is based onsite at Atoms’ San Francisco office, with office-based teams working onsite five days a week. The base starting rate is $40.00–$60.00 per hour; actual compensation may vary based on experience, skills, and qualifications.

Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent.
At least 3 years of hands-on experience in electronics manufacturing, testing, quality control, or a similar bench role.
Comfort handling PCBs and small components using ESD-safe practices.
Basic ability to use a multimeter and bench power supply.
Comfort using a Linux computer, running programs or scripts from instructions, using the command line at an intermediate level, and accurately entering data in spreadsheets or tracking tools.
Ability to follow written procedures exactly and recognize when something does not match them.
Clear written and verbal communication for logging results and reporting failures.
Reliability, consistency, and comfort with repetitive, high-volume work.

Nice To Haves

Technical certificate or associate degree in electronics or a related field.
Background in automotive, robotics, or heavy equipment electronics.
IPC-A-610 or IPC J-STD-001 certification, or working knowledge of PCB workmanship standards.
Experience flashing microcontrollers such as STM32, ESP32, or NXP using tools such as ST-Link, J-Link, or OpenOCD.
Familiarity with Linux and running Python or shell scripts.
Experience with oscilloscopes, logic analyzers, or serial terminals such as UART or CAN.
Basic soldering and rework skills.
Experience with test fixtures, bed-of-nails testers, or production test stations.

Responsibilities

Flash bootloaders, firmware, and configuration files onto PCBs and modules using programming fixtures, JTAG/SWD debuggers, USB/serial tools, and in-house scripts.
Verify that each board has the correct firmware version and configuration for its build order, and run batch flashing efficiently with a very low error rate.
Perform functional and power-on tests after flashing, following test procedures and checklists.
Visually inspect boards for physical defects, including damaged components, solder issues, bent pins, and connector damage.
Use multimeters, power supplies, and basic test equipment to check voltages and continuity.
Separate passing and failing units, clearly tag failures for engineering review, and write failure reports documenting symptoms, steps taken, and photos where useful.
Log serial numbers, firmware versions, test results, and failures in tracking systems or spreadsheets; label boards and maintain accurate inventory of programmed, tested, and failed units.
Perform first-level troubleshooting of failed flashes and tests, including reseating connections, checking cables, retrying, and swapping fixtures; escalate recurring or unexplained failures to hardware and firmware engineers with actionable details.
Follow ESD-safe handling practices and keep the bench, fixtures, and tools clean, calibrated, and organized.
Suggest improvements to procedures, fixtures, and scripts to reduce cycle time or errors.
Keep work instructions and checklists current as firmware and hardware change, and support new product introductions and engineering builds when needed.

Benefits

Medical, dental, and vision insurance, with multiple plans including HSA options.
Company-paid short- and long-term life and disability insurance.
Voluntary accident, critical illness, and hospital indemnity insurance.
Optional supplemental life insurance for employees, spouses, and children.
Pet insurance discount through Fetch.
401(k).
Health Savings Account (HSA).
Flexible Spending Accounts for healthcare, dependent care, and commuting.
Paid vacation time, accrued at 1 hour for every 26 hours worked.
Eight paid holidays per year.
Paid sick time.
Paid bereavement leave.
Paid parental leave.