Firmware Automation Test Manager

Job Description:

At Nextpower, we are leading in the energy transition, providing the most comprehensive portfolio of intelligent solar tracker and control software solutions for solar power plants, as well as strategic services to capture the full value of solar power plants for our customers. Our talented worldwide teams are transforming PV plant performance every day with smart technology, data monitoring and analysis services.

As a company driving the clean energy transition, sustainability is not just a word. It's a core part of our business and our operations. Our sustainability efforts are based on five cornerstones: People, Community, Environment, Innovation, and Integrity. We are creative, collaborative, passionate and problem-solvers from diverse backgrounds, driven by our shared mission to provide smart solar and software solutions for our customers and to mitigate climate change for future generations. Make your mark with Nextpower.

The Firmware Automation Test Manager will be based in Hyderabad. In this position, you will report to the Senior Embedded Test Manager. You will lead the firmware test automation function, manage automation engineers, define the automation strategy and roadmap, and oversee development and execution of scalable automated validation for NCU, SPC and other embedded controller platforms. The role focuses on improving product quality, regression efficiency and release confidence through software automation, hardware-in-the-loop testing, SFT integration, CI/CD, test instrumentation and failure analysis across interfaces such as Zigbee, Bluetooth, RS232, RS485, Ethernet and Modbus.

We are looking for someone who demonstrates:

• Team Leadership and technical mentoring
• Passionate drive to innovate, automate and simplify
• Integrity, accountability and ownership
• Automation Strategy, Architecture & Planning
• Strong customer and product-quality focus
• Collaborative cross-functional teamwork
• Continuous improvement and measurable delivery

Here is a glimpse of what you’ll do…

• Own the firmware automation roadmap and prioritize automation based on release risk, regression value, manual effort and business needs.
• Lead, mentor and manage a small team of automation engineers, including work allocation, technical coaching, performance development and career growth.
• Architect and develop reusable automation solutions using LabVIEW, TestStand, Python and appropriate hardware-control interfaces for embedded controller validation.
• Design and automate hardware-dependent scenarios using programmable power supplies, relays, Arduino or equivalent controllers, SFT stations and lab instrumentation.
• Drive automation execution for firmware releases, perform failure analysis, classify script/product/environment issues, and improve framework stability and pass rate.
• Partner with Firmware, Hardware, NPI/Manufacturing and Product teams to debug complex SFT and system issues and improve testability, production readiness and product quality.
• Integrate automated validation with CI/CD, establish reporting and coverage metrics, conduct technical reviews and continuously improve automation standards, architecture and reuse.

Here is some of what you’ll need (required)…

• Bachelor’s degree in Electronics, Electrical, Computer Science or equivalent discipline with 8- 12yrs years of relevant embedded validation/automation experience and 3+ years of technical lead experience.
• Demonstrated experience leading or mentoring automation engineers and driving technical execution across multiple projects or product releases.
• Strong hands-on experience with LabVIEW and TestStand; working knowledge of Python-based test automation is highly desirable.
• Experience automating hardware-dependent embedded test scenarios using lab instruments, programmable power supplies, relays, serial interfaces or microcontroller-based control solutions.
• Strong knowledge of embedded controllers, firmware architecture, SFT/system functional testing, hardware-software integration and failure analysis.
• Familiarity with communication protocols such as RS232/485, Ethernet, Zigbee, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi and Modbus.
• Experience with automation framework architecture, reusable libraries, test reporting, source control and CI/CD pipelines such as Azure DevOps or Jenkins.
• Strong problem-solving and root-cause analysis skills with the ability to collaborate effectively with Firmware, Hardware, NPI/Manufacturing and cross-functional teams.
• Ability to define automation KPIs such as coverage, stability/pass rate, execution efficiency, defect detection and reduction of manual dependency.
• Ability to manage automation activities across the complete SDLC while balancing architecture, delivery commitments, team development and continuous improvement.

Nextpower is an Equal Opportunity Employer and employment selection decisions are based on merit, qualifications, and abilities. Nextpower does not discriminate in employment opportunities or practices on the basis of: age, race, religion, color, sex, national origin, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, veteran status, disability, pregnancy status or any other status protected by law.

Nextpower provides reasonable accommodation so that qualified applicants with a disability may participate in the selection process. Please advise us of any accommodations you request in order to express interest in a position by e-mailing: [email protected]. Please state your request for assistance in your message. Only reasonable accommodation requests related to applying for a specific position within NX will be reviewed at the e-mail address. Thank you for considering a career with Nextpower.

At Nextpower, we are driving the global energy transition with an integrated clean energy technology platform that combines intelligent structural, electrical, and digital solutions for utility-scale power plants. Our comprehensive portfolio enables faster project delivery, higher performance, and greater reliability, helping our customers capture the full value of solar power. Our talented worldwide teams are redefining how solar power plants are designed, built, and operated every day with smart technology, data-driven insights, and advanced automation. Together, we’re building the foundation for the world’s next generation of clean energy infrastructure.