QA Engineer-L2/L3 Networking

Role Overview: As a Senior/Lead QA Engineer specializing in Layer 2 and Layer 3 switching technologies, your role will involve leading the validation of enterprise and carrier-grade networking products. You will be responsible for defining the QA strategy, guiding a team of engineers, collaborating with cross-functional stakeholders, and ensuring top-notch quality and reliability of switching solutions. Key Responsibilities: - Define the 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 such as VLANs (802.1Q/802.1ad), STP/RSTP/MSTP, LLDP, LACP, IGMP snooping, storm control, QoS. - Validate advanced Layer 3 features including IPv4/IPv6 forwarding, routing protocols (OSPF, BGP, RIP, IS-IS), VRRP, ECMP, multicast (IGMP, PIM), and 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 using Python, Pytest, and integrate with CI/CD pipelines (Jenkins). Qualifications Required: - 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). - Strong hands-on experience in network automation using Python/Pytest. - 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 a related field. Soft Skills: - Strong leadership and mentoring ability. - Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills. - Proactive in identifying risks and driving closure across teams. - Passion for quality, reliability, and customer-focused testing.,