Senior Network QA Engineer

Scope of Responsibilities & Position Expectations

We are seeking a Senior/Lead QA Engineer with in-depth expertise in Layer 2 and Layer 3 switching technologies to lead the validation of enterprise and carrier-grade networking products. This role requires a blend of technical depth and strategic thinking. The candidate will own the QA strategy, guide a team of engineers, collaborate with cross-functional stakeholders, and ensure world-class quality and reliability of switching solutions.

Key Responsibilities

• Define QA strategy, scope, and processes for Layer 2/Layer 3 switching features.
• Lead a team of QA engineers in test planning, execution, automation, and defect tracking.
• Mentor junior engineers and provide technical guidance in debugging and protocol analysis.
• Validate advanced Layer 2 features: VLANs (802.1Q/802.1ad), STP/RSTP/MSTP, LLDP, LACP, IGMP snooping, storm control, QoS.
• Validate advanced Layer 3 features: IPv4/IPv6 forwarding, routing protocols (OSPF, BGP, RIP, IS-IS), VRRP, ECMP, multicast (IGMP, PIM). Drive scalability, convergence, high availability, and failover testing under stress conditions.
• Utilize industry-standard traffic generators (Ixia, Spirent) and packet analyzers (Wireshark, tcpdump) for benchmarking and troubleshooting.
• Collaborate with chipset vendors, product management, and development teams to resolve complex issues and optimize features.
• Provide detailed test reports, release readiness assessments, and risk analysis to stakeholders.
• Champion continuous improvement in QA methodologies, tools, and infrastructure.
• Own automation development (Python, Pytest) and integrate with CI/CD pipelines (Jenkin).

Required Skills & Experience

• 5+ years of experience in networking QA.
• Strong understanding of Ethernet switching and IP routing protocols (L2/L3).
• Proven expertise in traffic generation and analysis tools (Ixia, Spirent, Wireshark).
• Familiarity with Linux networking stack, FRRouting/Quagga, and virtualization labs (EVE-NG/GNS3).
• Experience in large-scale test planning, regression automation, and release validation.
• Excellent debugging skills across data plane, control plane, and management plane.
• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Computer Science, Electronics, or related field.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in cloud-managed networks.
• Exposure to Netconf/REST APIs, SNMP, and telemetry frameworks.
• Certifications: CCNP/CCIE, JNCIP/JNCIE, or equivalent advanced networking certs.
• Prior experience in leading QA strategy for enterprise/campus/carrier switching.

Soft Skills

• Strong leadership and mentoring ability.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management.
• Proactive in identifying risks and driving closure across teams.
• Passion for quality, reliability, and customer-focused testing.