Principal/Staff Network Test Engineer

Job Title : Principal / Staff Network Test Engineer
Location : Bengaluru, Karnataka, India
Experience : 12 - 14 Years

About the Role :

We are seeking a highly experienced and technically profound Principal/Staff Network Test Engineer to join our core engineering team. In this senior leadership role, you will drive the quality assurance of our next-generation networking products, with a particular focus on high-performance, low-latency environments including Cisco NxOS and Exablaze 3550 platforms.

You will leverage your extensive expertise in network protocols, advanced test automation, and architectural insights to define and implement robust testing strategies, mentor junior engineers, and significantly contribute to the overall product quality and release readiness.

Key Responsibilities :

Strategic Test Leadership & Architecture :

- Define and drive the overall test strategy, architecture, and roadmap for complex networking products, with a deep understanding of high-performance environments like Exablaze 3550 and enterprise-grade platforms like Cisco NxOS.

- Lead the design and implementation of highly scalable, reliable, and efficient test automation frameworks and infrastructure.

- Architect comprehensive test plans and methodologies that encompass functional, performance, scalability, reliability, and security testing for L2/L3, multicast, and other advanced network services.

- Collaborate closely with product management, development, and architecture teams to influence design for testability and ensure alignment with business objectives.

Deep Technical Expertise & Execution :

- Serve as a subject matter expert in network protocols, including an in-depth understanding and hands-on testing experience with L2 (VLAN, LACP, vPC, Spanning Tree Protocol (STP), VXLAN, EVPN) and L3 (Unicast routing - OSPF, BGP, Layer-3 virtualization) protocols.

- Possess extensive experience in testing Multicast Routing in complex network topologies.

- Design and execute advanced test scenarios for high-speed GigaEthernet (10/25/40/100 Gbps) interfaces, ensuring performance and stability.

- Proficiently test and validate Access Control Lists (ACL) and Quality of Service (QoS) configurations and their impact on network traffic.

- Leverage XML for complex configuration parsing, test data generation, and reporting.

Advanced Test Automation & Development :

- Drive the design, development, and continuous enhancement of sophisticated test automation frameworks using Python.

- Architect and implement automated test suites using Pytest, Robot Framework, and other relevant tools, ensuring high coverage and reusability.

- Develop complex scripts for automated environment provisioning, test data management, and comprehensive results analysis.

- Champion best practices in code quality, testability, and maintainability within the test automation team.

Platform Specific Expertise :

- Mandatory hands-on testing experience with Cisco NxOS based devices.

- Significant hands-on testing experience with Exablaze 3550 series switches.

- Deep understanding of their architecture, features, and specific testing considerations.

Containerization & Linux Proficiency :

- Extensive experience with Container technologies, particularly Docker, for setting up test environments, isolating dependencies, and ensuring consistent test execution.

- Expert-level proficiency in Linux OS for complex system configuration, network troubleshooting, and scripting.

Mentorship & Collaboration :

- Mentor and guide junior and mid-level engineers, fostering a culture of technical excellence and continuous learning.

- Lead technical discussions, present test strategies, and articulate complex issues to both technical and non-technical audiences.

- Collaborate effectively across multiple teams and stakeholders to achieve common goals.

Required Skills & Qualifications :

Experience : 12-14 years of progressive experience in network testing, with a strong focus on L2/L3 protocols and advanced test automation.

Platform Specific Expertise (Mandatory) :

- Demonstrable expertise and hands-on testing experience with Cisco NxOS based networking devices.

- Proven experience in testing and validating Exablaze 3550 series switches.

Networking Expertise (Deep & Broad) :

- In-depth understanding and extensive hands-on experience in testing Network L2, L3 protocols, and features (e.g., VLAN, LACP, vPC, STP, OSPF, BGP, Multicast Routing).

- Strong expertise in Layer-3 virtualization, VXLAN, and EVPN (Ethernet VPN).

- Expertise in testing high-speed GigaEthernet (10/25/40/100 Gbps) interfaces and related performance metrics.

- Proficient in testing Access Control Lists (ACL) and Quality of Service (QoS).

Programming & Automation (Expert-level) :

- Exceptional Python coding skills with extensive experience in designing, building, and enhancing complex test automation frameworks.

- Mastery of Pytest, Robot Framework, and other industry-standard test automation tools.

Operating Systems & Virtualization :

- Expert-level proficiency in Linux OS.

- Strong experience with Container technologies (Docker).

Technical Acumen :

- Experience with XML for configuration, data parsing, or test reporting.

Desirable Skills (Good to Have) :

- Prior experience in testing FPGA-based switches.

- Experience in Smart NIC testing.

- Experience in Merchant ASIC testing.

- Knowledge of network security testing methodologies.

- Contributions to open-source network testing tools or frameworks.

Education : Bachelor's or Master's degree in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, Telecommunications, or a related technical field.