Test Engineer - Firmware & Systems

Career Opportunity

GeoSpectrum is growing and has a new career opportunity for an experienced Test Engineer - Firmware & Systems!

Help us raise the bar on reliability for our embedded and hardware integrated products. If you enjoy getting to the root of hard problems where hardware, firmware, and real-world operating conditions collide, then this role will feel like home.

In this hands-on role, you’ll partner closely with firmware and systems engineers to define how quality is designed, validated, and maintained across the full development lifecycle. Rather than inheriting a fully mature QA organization, you’ll help build practical test processes and tooling from the ground up such as test methodology, automation strategy, lab/test infrastructure, and integration with CI/CD workflows, so teams can ship with confidence.

About Us

GeoSpectrum Technologies was founded in 1994 by friends who wanted to work together and build a collaborative workplace where employees take pride in contributing to cutting‑edge technology from concept to delivery. Based in Dartmouth, Nova Scotia, we design and manufacture state‑of‑the‑art underwater acoustic components, transducers, and end‑to‑end systems for maritime surveillance and exploration. Serving clients across ocean science, defence, and oil and gas industries, we are known for our innovation and for delivering reliable, customized solutions that exceed customer expectations. Over three decades, our core values have shaped a supportive and creative environment that emphasizes employee engagement, technical excellence, and strong customer relationships.

To learn more about who we are and what it’s like to work at GeoSpectrum, we invite you to watch our company video by visiting www.geospectrum.ca.

Responsibilities

Shape the quality vision by partnering with firmware and systems engineers to define and implement a scalable QA strategy for embedded and hardware-integrated products.

Build practical QA foundations, including test planning, architecture, tooling, reporting, and release readiness criteria.

Put complex systems to the test by designing smart verification approaches across functional, integration, regression, endurance, and fault‑injection testing.

Develop and maintain test automation, scripts, utilities, and CI jobs to drive, observe, and validate firmware behaviour.

Enable reliable testing even when hardware is limited by building test harnesses, mocks, simulators, and emulators.

Validate the details of low-level digital interfaces and protocols, helping teams define clear, measurable acceptance criteria.

Track and report test execution, defects, and coverage, maintaining clear traceability to requirements.

Lead failure analysis and root cause investigations, translating findings into actionable engineering improvements.

Produce clear test documentation and reports that reflect coverage, assumptions, and system risks.

Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or a related field; or Computer Science with hands‑on experience in embedded or firmware‑centric systems.

Minimum 5 years experience testing firmware, embedded systems, or hardware-integrated software; including building or significantly shaping a QA process, test framework, or validation strategy in an early or evolving environment.

Demonstrated ability to develop and deliver thorough test procedures, automation, and formal test reports for complex systems, including integration, regression, endurance, and edge‑case testing.

Strong experience in Linux environments, including command-line tools and system-level diagnostics.

Experience developing test tools, scripts, and automation, with the ability to read and reason about firmware and system‑level code.

Experience with source control systems (Git / GitHub / Bitbucket / SVN) and modern engineering practices.

Experience with Jira and Xray (or similar tools) for defect tracking, test management, and test-to-requirement traceability.

Strong understanding of low‑level communication protocols and system constraints, with the ability to debug across hardware, firmware, and software.

Proven ability to collaborate effectively and communicate test results as clear, actionable, and technically grounded feedback.

Physical Requirements

Ability to work safely in a lab environment, including occasional lifting of test equipment (up to 25 lbs) and working at a bench for extended periods.

Security Requirements

All candidates must be eligible to apply for and maintain Canadian Controlled Goods and Canadian Government Security Clearances.

Total Rewards

We recognize that our people are our most valuable asset. Our Total Rewards package is designed to support your wellbeing, growth, and long term success. It includes a competitive base salary, comprehensive health and wellness benefits, paid time off, opportunities for professional development, and programs that recognize and reward your contributions.

We offer:

Competitive salary based on experience

Work-life balance with core hours

Paid time off

Employee-family assistance program

Group plan benefits

Virtual healthcare

RRSP matching

Corporate discounts and perks

Career development opportunities

Professional development and training

Monthly activities led by Social Committee

Employee driven wellness and activity initiatives

Free on-site parking

Professional Development 

GeoSpectrum is committed to creating an environment where colleagues can thrive both professionally and personally, while advancing cutting edge underwater acoustic technology. You’ll engage in regular development and performance discussions with your manager, have access to an online learning platform, and benefit from mentoring programs designed to strengthen your skills and open doors to new opportunities in your field.

We foster a collaborative and inclusive workplace where diverse perspectives are valued, opportunities for growth are equitable, and every colleague can reach their full potential. At GeoSpectrum Technologies, we hire and develop talented individuals who drive innovation.

Accommodation

GeoSpectrum Technologies is committed to employment equity and building a diverse workforce where every employee can bring their best self to work. We encourage applicants from all qualified individuals, including underrepresented individuals who identify as African Nova Scotian, racially visible, Indigenous persons, LGBTQIA2S+, persons with disabilities, and women. GeoSpectrum will accommodate applicants' disability-related needs, up to the point of undue hardship, throughout all stages of the recruitment and selection process.  If you are a member of an equity group, we encourage you to self-identify on either your application form, covering letter, or resume.

Apply Today

While we sincerely thank all applicants for taking the time to apply, only those chosen for an interview will be contacted.

If you require a disability-related accommodation in order to participate in the recruitment process, please contact the recruitment team by email at
[email protected].