Apprentice – Firmware Test, Protocol & Networking

From Itron's job posting

Itron is innovating new ways for utilities and cities to manage energy and water. We create a more resourceful world to protect essential resources for today and tomorrow. Join us.

Position Summary (Must have graduated recently or graduated in 2025):

We are looking for a motivated and enthusiastic Apprentice Engineer to join our Firmware Test, Protocol, and Networking team in Bangalore. This opportunity is ideal for recent graduates who are passionate about embedded systems, communication protocols, and networking technologies and are eager to build a career in the technology industry serving Utilities and Energy customers.

As an Apprentice Engineer, you will work alongside experienced professionals to validate embedded firmware, test communication protocols, support network feature verification, and contribute to real-world smart metering product development initiatives. You will gain hands-on experience in firmware testing, protocol analysis, test automation, debugging, and system integration while working in a collaborative and agile environment.

We value individuals who demonstrate a customer-centric mindset, accountability, authenticity, agility, collaboration, and innovation while supporting the development of high-quality solutions for Utilities and Energy customers.

Duties & Responsibilities

• Assist in firmware validation, verification, and regression testing activities across smart metering product initiatives.
• Execute test cases to validate embedded firmware functionality, communication protocols, and networking features.
• Participate actively in agile ceremonies including sprint planning, daily stand-ups, retrospectives, and team reviews.
• Analyze protocol logs, packet captures, and device communication traces to identify issues and support troubleshooting activities.
• Assist in developing, executing, and maintaining automated test scripts to improve testing efficiency and product quality.
• Support defect investigation, root cause analysis, debugging, and issue resolution activities in collaboration with senior engineers.
• Document test results, defects, verification reports, and technical findings accurately and consistently.
• Participate in lab setup, device configuration, network setup, and maintenance of test environments.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to deliver reliable and customer-focused solutions that meet business and product requirements.
• Demonstrate accountability for assigned tasks and ensure timely completion of deliverables while maintaining high-quality standards.
• Contribute innovative ideas that improve testing processes, product reliability, automation coverage, and team effectiveness.
• Apply a customer-centric approach while supporting firmware, protocol, and networking solutions for the Utilities and Energy industry.

Education Required

• Bachelor's Degree in Electronics Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Telecommunications, Instrumentation Engineering, Information Technology, Computer Science, or a related field.
• Must have graduated recently or be graduating in 2025.
• No active backlogs at the time of application.

Eligibility Requirements

• No prior full-time work experience.
• No prior apprenticeship experience.
• Work Model: This role follows a hybrid work model. Team members may be required to attend the office based on business needs, team collaboration requirements, and the office attendance cadence established by their manager.

Technical Skills

• Basic understanding of embedded systems and firmware testing concepts.
• Basic understanding of Linux operating systems and command-line environments.
• Knowledge of networking fundamentals including OSI Model, TCP/IP, IPv4, and IPv6.
• Familiarity with communication protocols and packet analysis tools such as Wireshark.
• Basic programming knowledge in Python, C, or C++.
• Understanding of software testing methodologies, defect tracking, and validation processes.
• Ability to analyze protocol logs, network traffic, and communication traces.
• Strong analytical, troubleshooting, and problem-solving skills.

Professional Skills

• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to work effectively in a collaborative and cross-functional team environment.
• Demonstrated accountability, learning agility, and willingness to take ownership of assigned responsibilities.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to product quality.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and adapt to changing business needs.
• Customer-focused mindset with a passion for delivering reliable technology solutions.
• Innovative thinking and eagerness to learn new technologies, tools, and processes.

Preferred Skills & Experience

• Exposure to embedded systems, networking, or firmware-related projects through academic coursework, internships, or personal projects.
• Familiarity with firmware validation, protocol testing, or network testing activities.
• Understanding of communication protocols used in connected and IoT devices.
• Experience using packet capture and traffic analysis tools such as Wireshark.
• Exposure to test automation frameworks and scripting languages.
• Familiarity with Agile development and testing methodologies.
• Knowledge of source control systems such as Git.
• Demonstrated ability to collaborate effectively with diverse technical teams.
• Passion for technology, innovation, and continuous learning.
• Interest in developing smart metering and connected solutions that support Utilities and Energy customers.

Itron is committed to building an inclusive and diverse workforce and providing an authentic workplace experience for all employees. If you are excited about this role but your past experiences don't perfectly align with every requirement, we encourage you to apply anyway. In the end, you may be just who we are looking for!

The successful candidate's starting wage will be determined based on permissible, non-discriminatory factors such as skills and experience.

Text from Itron's official job posting, formatted by HireSetu. The employer's own page is the final word on details.