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Head of Test and Quality

Somo AI • San Francisco, California, United States

onsitefull-time

Salary: USD 150,000 - 210,000 / year

Posted Oct 31, 2026Apply by Apr 29, 2027

**Role & seniority: ** Head of Test & Quality Engineering (hands-on leadership; not purely QA management)

**Stack/tools: ** Python, TypeScript, C/C++; embedded/IoT testing; hardware-in-the-loop; automated test rigs for flashing/provisioning/calibration/production testing; lab instruments (oscilloscopes, logic analyzers, programmable power supplies); CI/CD integration

  • Interfaces/tech: microcontrollers/firmware; UART, CAN, SPI, I²C, USB, GPIO, Ethernet, Wi‑Fi, RF

  • Top 3 responsibilities:

    • Define and implement quality strategy (validation plans, release criteria, production pass/fail).

    • Design and build automated test systems and hardware-in-the-loop environments (fixtures, flashing, end-of-line test rigs).

    • Drive test coverage and reliability via regression/endurance/fault-injection/power-cycle tests; perform cross-domain root-cause analysis and improve yield/traceability.

  • Must-have skills:

    • Significant experience testing embedded systems / connected hardware / IoT and production testing.

    • Hands-on ability to design automated test equipment/fixtures and set up HIL and manufacturing-line bring-up.

    • Strong programming for test automation (Python/TS/C/C++ or similar) and debugging across HW/SW/firmware boundaries.

    • Familiarity with common embedded interfaces and lab instrumentation.

    • Experience integrating automated tests into CI/CD and release workflows.

    • Technical leadership with good judgment and co

Full Description

We’re looking for a hands-on Head of Test & Quality Engineering to own quality across our hardware, firmware, software, and manufacturing processes. This is not a traditional software QA management role. You’ll set our quality strategy while remaining directly involved - designing automated test systems, writing tests, building hardware-in-the-loop environments, and developing flashing and end-of-line test rigs. You’ll partner closely with engineering and manufacturing teams and build the quality function as we grow.

WHAT YOU’LL DO

  • Design automated test systems for connected hardware products.

  • Build hardware-in-the-loop environments, physical fixtures, and automated flashing, provisioning, calibration, and end-of-line test rigs.

  • Create reusable test tools and help hardware and firmware engineers improve testability and automated coverage.

  • Define validation plans, release criteria, and production pass/fail requirements.

  • Develop regression, endurance, fault-injection, power-cycle, and reliability tests.

  • Lead root-cause analysis across hardware, firmware, networking, and software.

  • Support manufacturing-line bring-up and improve yield, traceability, and failure detection.

  • Turn production and field failures into permanent regression coverage.

  • Establish quality metrics, communicate product readiness, and grow the test and quality engineering team.

WHAT WE’RE LOOKING FOR

  • Significant experience testing embedded systems, electronics, IoT devices, or connected hardware.

  • Hands-on experience designing automated test equipment and physical fixtures.

  • Experience with hardware-in-the-loop, reliability, and production testing.

  • Strong programming skills in Python, TypeScript, C, C++, or a similar language.

  • Experience with microcontrollers, embedded firmware, and interfaces such as UART, CAN, SPI, I²C, USB, GPIO, Ethernet, Wi-Fi, or RF.

  • Confidence using oscilloscopes, logic analyzers, programmable power supplies, and other lab equipment.

  • Strong debugging skills across hardware and software boundaries.

  • Experience integrating automated tests into CI/CD and release workflows.

  • Technical leadership experience with excellent judgment and communication skills.

NICE TO HAVE

  • Experience taking connected hardware into volume manufacturing.

  • PCB or mechanical design experience for test fixtures.

  • Experience with environmental, longevity, or fault-injection testing.

  • Familiarity with design for test, manufacturing yield, secure provisioning, regulatory testing, or contract manufacturers.

Automated Test SystemsCC++CI/CD IntegrationEmbedded FirmwareEmbedded Systems TestingHardware-in-the-Loop TestingManufacturing Yield ImprovementMicrocontrollersProduction TestingPythonReliability TestingRoot-Cause AnalysisTechnical LeadershipTest Fixture DesignTypeScript

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