QA Developer (Platform/Firmware)

About Tantalus Systems (TSX: GRID)

Tantalus is a technology company dedicated to helping utilities modernize their distribution grids by harnessing the power of data across all their devices and systems deployed throughout the entire distribution grid – from the substation to the EV charger located behind the meter. We offer smart grid solutions across multiple levels: intelligent connected devices, communications networks, data management, enterprise applications and analytics. Learn more at http://www.tantalus.com/.

Come join us if you’re interested in being part of an entrepreneurial team, solving complex technical problems and delivering innovative solutions that will directly impact the electrification of everything and the decarbonization of our society.

We have operations throughout the United States and Canada with offices in Burnaby (British Columbia, Canada), Raleigh (North Carolina, USA), and Norwalk (Connecticut, USA).

This position offers a competitive salary plus variable compensation based on performance targets and business objectives.  Tantalus also offers generous benefits, including medical, dental and vision plans, healthcare and dependent care flexible spending accounts and paid time off.

The Opportunity:
Tantalus is seeking a talented and motivated QA Developer to join our Platform Quality Assurance team. Reporting to the Team Lead, Product Test, this role is responsible for validating the embedded firmware, platform software, and communications infrastructure that power Tantalus’ smart grid solutions.

As part of a highly collaborative Agile development team, you will work closely with developers, product owners, and fellow QA professionals to ensure the quality, reliability, scalability, and performance of our endpoint devices, communications networks, and supporting platforms. You will contribute to both manual and automated testing efforts while helping to drive continuous improvements in test automation, test infrastructure, and overall product quality.

This role is ideal for someone who enjoys working across hardware, firmware, networking, and software layers, has a passion for uncovering complex defects, and thrives in solving challenging technical problems.

Location of Position:
This is a hybrid position based in our Burnaby, BC office. Regular access to hardware devices, development systems, and lab environments is required.

Specifically, the QA Developer will:

• Contribute to the design, planning, and validation of new platform and firmware features.
• Design, develop, execute, and maintain manual and automated test cases for embedded systems and communications platforms.
• Develop and maintain automated tests using PERL/Python and related automation frameworks.
• Collaborate with developers, product owners, and system architects to define acceptance criteria, test strategies, and validation plans.
• Guide development teams in improving product testability and overall quality practices.
• Create and maintain test plans, test procedures, and traceability between requirements and test coverage.
• Develop and manage test environments, test data, and supporting infrastructure for automated and system-level testing.
• Execute integration, system, regression, and performance testing across hardware, firmware, and software components.
• Validate wireless and wired communication technologies, networking functionality, and distributed system behavior.
• Analyze logs, network traces, device telemetry, and system data to identify and troubleshoot issues.
• Run automated regression suites, investigate failures, and collaborate with development teams to resolve defects.
• Track, document, and communicate defects with clear reproduction steps and supporting analysis.
• Participate in field trials and validation activities for new product and firmware releases.
• Support and improve CI/CD pipelines, test frameworks, and automated verification environments.
• Apply software quality assurance best practices throughout all phases of the Software Development Lifecycle (SDLC).
• Research, evaluate, and implement new testing tools, methodologies, and AI-assisted quality engineering practices to improve testing effectiveness and efficiency.

What You Bring
Education and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a related technical discipline.
• 4+ years of experience in software, firmware, or system testing within the technology industry.
• Experience testing embedded systems and firmware-based products.
• Strong experience working in Linux environments and using command-line tools.
• Proficiency in Python and Bash scripting for automation and test development.
• Experience troubleshooting complex issues across hardware, firmware, software, and networked systems.
• Understanding of Agile development methodologies and experience working within Scrum teams.
• Experience with test automation frameworks, automated test execution, reporting, and debugging.
• Familiarity with CI/CD tools such as Jenkins, GitLab CI, or similar platforms.
• Experience with source control systems such as Git.
• Working knowledge of Oracle databases, SQL queries, and data analysis techniques.
• Experience using Jira, Confluence, and test management tools.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience working with communication protocols, networking technologies, or RFbased systems.
  
• Experience validating Industrial IoT, telecommunications, utility, or smart grid technologies.
  
• Experience with performance, scalability, and reliability testing.
  
• Familiarity with C/C++ and Perl.
  
• Experience working with hardware test environments and electronic devices.
  
• Knowledge of automated testing frameworks such as Selenium, JUnit, TestNG, or similar technologies.
  
• Experience leveraging AI-powered tools to improve software testing and quality engineering processes.
  
  

Personal Attributes Required

• Highly curious, motivated, and self-directed with a strong desire to learn.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent troubleshooting abilities and attention to detail.
• Methodical and thorough approach to quality assurance and defect investigation.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work independently while collaborating effectively within cross-functional teams.
• Passion for continuous improvement and delivering high-quality products.
• Comfortable working in complex technical environments involving hardware, firmware, 
  software, and networking technologies.
  

If you possess some of the key skills and experiences outlined in the job posting and are genuinely interested in the position, we invite you to take a chance and submit your application. We value diverse perspectives, unique skills, and believe in the power of potential over specific qualifications.

Tantalus is committed to employment equity and building a diverse workforce. We welcome and encourage Indigenous applicants, people of colour, all genders, 2SLGBTQ+ and persons with disabilities to apply.  Accommodations are available on request for candidates taking part in all aspects of the selection process. For a confidential inquiry, simply email us at [email protected].