
Head of Test and Quality
Somo AI • San Francisco, California, United States
Salary: USD 150,000 - 210,000 / year
**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
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Interfaces/tech: microcontrollers/firmware; UART, CAN, SPI, I²C, USB, GPIO, Ethernet, Wi‑Fi, RF
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Top 3 responsibilities:
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Define and implement quality strategy (validation plans, release criteria, production pass/fail).
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Design and build automated test systems and hardware-in-the-loop environments (fixtures, flashing, end-of-line test rigs).
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Drive test coverage and reliability via regression/endurance/fault-injection/power-cycle tests; perform cross-domain root-cause analysis and improve yield/traceability.
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Must-have skills:
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Significant experience testing embedded systems / connected hardware / IoT and production testing.
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Hands-on ability to design automated test equipment/fixtures and set up HIL and manufacturing-line bring-up.
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Strong programming for test automation (Python/TS/C/C++ or similar) and debugging across HW/SW/firmware boundaries.
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Familiarity with common embedded interfaces and lab instrumentation.
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Experience integrating automated tests into CI/CD and release workflows.
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Technical leadership with good judgment and co
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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
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Design automated test systems for connected hardware products.
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Build hardware-in-the-loop environments, physical fixtures, and automated flashing, provisioning, calibration, and end-of-line test rigs.
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Create reusable test tools and help hardware and firmware engineers improve testability and automated coverage.
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Define validation plans, release criteria, and production pass/fail requirements.
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Develop regression, endurance, fault-injection, power-cycle, and reliability tests.
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Lead root-cause analysis across hardware, firmware, networking, and software.
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Support manufacturing-line bring-up and improve yield, traceability, and failure detection.
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Turn production and field failures into permanent regression coverage.
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Establish quality metrics, communicate product readiness, and grow the test and quality engineering team.
WHAT WE’RE LOOKING FOR
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Significant experience testing embedded systems, electronics, IoT devices, or connected hardware.
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Hands-on experience designing automated test equipment and physical fixtures.
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Experience with hardware-in-the-loop, reliability, and production testing.
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Strong programming skills in Python, TypeScript, C, C++, or a similar language.
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Experience with microcontrollers, embedded firmware, and interfaces such as UART, CAN, SPI, I²C, USB, GPIO, Ethernet, Wi-Fi, or RF.
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Confidence using oscilloscopes, logic analyzers, programmable power supplies, and other lab equipment.
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Strong debugging skills across hardware and software boundaries.
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Experience integrating automated tests into CI/CD and release workflows.
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Technical leadership experience with excellent judgment and communication skills.
NICE TO HAVE
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Experience taking connected hardware into volume manufacturing.
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PCB or mechanical design experience for test fixtures.
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Experience with environmental, longevity, or fault-injection testing.
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Familiarity with design for test, manufacturing yield, secure provisioning, regulatory testing, or contract manufacturers.