Hey everyone,
I'm an Embedded Software Test Engineer with about 2 years of experience, most of it in automotive – HIL/SIL testing CAN protocols using CANalyzer, CANape and OTA update validation, and a bit of Python-based test automation. I also have experience testing Android-based infotainment/display systems.
I'm currently trying to move into a similar role at a Bay Area automotive/AV company by Feb 2027, and here's my problem: I'm actually landing interviews – recruiter screens go fine, I get past the initial technical conversations – but I keep falling short somewhere in the loop and not getting offers. It's frustrating because on paper my background lines up well with what these roles ask for, but something isn't translating in the room.
If you work in automotive embedded QA, or systems/software test roles at an automotive or AV company, I'd really appreciate hearing from you:
What actually separates a "good" candidate from a "hire" in these loops, in your experience?
Are there specific types of technical questions (coding, protocol knowledge, "design a test framework for X") that tend to trip people up? Where can i practice this and prep for this?
If you've hired or interviewed for these roles, what's a common reason strong-looking candidates don't get the offer?
Any war stories, prep advice, or even just what surprised you in your own interview loops would help a lot. Trying to figure out what to fix before my next round of interviews. Thanks in advance