Sr Hardware Validation & Automation Engineer

Digi International•Boston, MA

8d•$95,000 - $149,000•Hybrid

About The Position

We are seeking a Sr Hardware Validation & Automation Engineer to lead validation and verification activities for SmartSense IoT sensors, gateways, and connected monitoring devices. This role involves executing various testing phases (EVT, DVT, PVT), performing system-level validation, and investigating failures using hardware debugging tools. The engineer will also design, build, and maintain automated test frameworks and HIL test systems, utilizing Python, Docker, and CI/CD pipelines. Additionally, this position requires providing technical leadership to the test engineering team, collaborating with cross-functional teams, and ensuring validation processes meet regulatory requirements. Documentation of validation strategies and test results is also a key responsibility.

Requirements

Bachelor's or Master's degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Computer Science, or a related field.
5+ years of experience testing embedded systems, hardware platforms, or IoT devices.
Strong hands-on hardware validation skills: schematic reading, PCB bring-up, and hardware debugging and measurement tools.
Solid experience designing and maintaining automated test environments and validation pipelines.
Proficiency in Python-based testing frameworks, including pytest, and experience with Docker and containerized test environments.
Experience with CI/CD integration for automated testing pipelines.
Experience developing hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) or automated device test systems.
Experience testing integrated systems across hardware, firmware, and software — including IoT device connectivity, telemetry, and device-to-cloud communication.
Experience supporting EVT/DVT/PVT development cycles and working closely with contract manufacturers.
Strong analytical mindset with the ability to investigate complex system failures across multiple engineering layers.
Clear communicator who can translate technical findings for cross-functional teams.
Based in the Greater Boston area for hybrid onsite work.
Must have valid work authorization in the United States at the time of application.

Nice To Haves

Experience validating wireless communication technologies such as BLE, Zigbee, LTE, Wi-Fi, or similar protocols.
Experience in regulated or compliance-driven environments requiring validation documentation and traceability.
Experience analyzing device telemetry using platforms such as Snowflake, Domo, Datadog, or similar tools.
Familiarity with schematic capture tools such as Altium, and experience reviewing PCB layouts for testability.
Familiarity with RF layout considerations and wireless certification processes.
Experience with Digi XBee modules or mesh networking technologies.
Experience in healthcare, food safety, life sciences, or other regulated industries.

Responsibilities

Lead validation and verification activities for SmartSense IoT sensors, gateways, and connected monitoring devices across EVT, DVT, and PVT development phases.
Execute smoke testing, regression testing, and system-level validation covering hardware platforms, firmware functionality, and system software behavior.
Validate wireless connectivity technologies including BLE, Zigbee, LTE, Wi-Fi, GPS, and other IoT communication protocols.
Perform device validation under real-world operating conditions: stress testing, soak testing, field testing, environmental testing, and long-term reliability testing.
Investigate failures using hardware debugging tools (oscilloscopes, logic analyzers, power analyzers), device logs, telemetry data, and data analysis; drive root cause analysis across hardware, firmware, and system layers.
Review hardware designs and schematics produced by contract manufacturers, identifying potential validation risks and testability concerns early in the design cycle.
Collaborate with contract manufacturers to support hardware validation, manufacturing test readiness, and system-level troubleshooting.
Design, build, and maintain automated test frameworks and validation pipelines that test device behavior, connectivity, telemetry workflows, and system integrations.
Develop hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) test systems and automated device test rigs that enable scalable, repeatable validation.
Build and maintain automated environments using Python (pytest), Docker, and CI/CD pipelines to integrate validation into engineering workflows.
Own the automation strategy and roadmap, driving continuous improvement in test coverage, execution speed, and infrastructure reliability.
Apply BDD testing approaches and structured validation methodologies to ensure comprehensive and traceable test coverage.
Provide technical direction and structured guidance to the extended test engineering team, enabling more independent and effective execution.
Work closely with hardware, firmware, software, and product teams to reproduce issues, verify fixes, and continuously improve system reliability.
Ensure validation processes meet regulated and compliance-driven environment requirements, including traceability, documentation, and audit readiness.
Document validation strategies, test results, hardware architecture insights, and design decisions to support scalable development practices.