Software QA Engineer : Network Testing L2/L3, Automation | AI-Assisted Validation | 6-9 Years

Job description

Meet the Team Our team is responsible for ensuring the quality, reliability, scalability, and security of next-generation networking solutions across enterprise, cloud, and AI-driven infrastructures. We build comprehensive validation frameworks, automation platforms, and intelligent test systems that enable rapid innovation while maintaining the highest quality standards. As part of a highly collaborative engineering organization, you will work closely with development, product management, DevOps, customer support, and architecture teams to validate cutting-edge networking technologies and accelerate product delivery through automation and AI-powered workflows. Your Impact • Define and drive test strategies for enterprise networking products, ensuring comprehensive coverage across functional, scale, performance, resiliency, security, and interoperability testing. • Design, develop, and maintain scalable test automation frameworks using Python and modern automation technologies. • Lead end-to-end validation of Layer 2, Layer 3, routing, switching, security, SD-WAN, and cloud networking features. • Develop automated test suites for feature validation, regression testing, system integration testing, and customer deployment scenarios. • Collaborate closely with software developers, architects, and product managers to understand requirements and translate them into effective validation strategies. • Leverage AI-assisted development tools such as GitHub Copilot, Codex, Claude, and VS Code extensions to improve productivity, automation quality, and test coverage. • Build and optimize CI/CD-based testing pipelines to enable continuous validation and faster release cycles. • Perform root-cause analysis of complex software and networking issues using protocol-level debugging and packet analysis tools. • Drive quality metrics, risk assessment, defect prevention initiatives, and release readiness reviews. • Mentor junior engineers in automation best practices, network troubleshooting, and quality engineering methodologies. • Participate in customer escalations, reproducing field issues and validating fixes before release. Minimum Qualifications and Requirements • Bachelor's or Master's Degree in Computer Science, Electronics, Information Technology, or related field. • 8+ years of experience in Software QA, Network Testing, or System Validation. • Strong understanding of Layer 2 and Layer 3 networking protocols and technologies. • Hands-on testing experience with:TCP/IP, IPv6VLANs, STP, EtherChannelARP, DNS, DHCPNAT, ACLs, FirewallQoS, NetFlowGRE, IPsec VPNsOSPF, BGP, EIGRPAAA, RADIUS, TACACS+High Availability and Redundancy protocols • Strong experience in developing test automation using Python. • Hands-on experience with REST APIs, JSON, YAML, and API-based validation frameworks. • Experience using automation and testing frameworks such as PyTest, Robot Framework, Unittest, or similar. • Strong Linux fundamentals including shell scripting and troubleshooting. • Experience with virtualization technologies such as KVM, VMware ESXi, Docker, or Kubernetes. Preferred qualification • Proficiency with Git and modern software development workflows. • Strong debugging skills using tools such as:WiresharktcpdumpIxiaSpirentNetwork protocol analyzers • Experience creating automated regression and system-level validation suites. • Excellent problem-solving, analytical, and communication skills. Why Cisco?  At Cisco, we’re revolutionizing how data and infrastructure connect and protect organizations in the AI era – and beyond. We’ve been innovating fearlessly for 40 years to create solutions that power how humans and technology work together across the physical and digital worlds. These solutions provide customers with unparalleled security, visibility, and insights across the entire digital footprint. Fueled by the depth and breadth of our technology, we experiment and create meaningful solutions. Add to that our worldwide network of doers and experts, and you’ll see that the opportunities to grow and build are limitless. We work as a team, collaborating with empathy to make really big things happen on a global scale. Because our solutions are everywhere, our impact is everywhere.  We are Cisco, and our power starts with you.  Disclaimer To ensure that we hire the best talent in the right way, we follow a strict hiring process and recently, Cisco has been made aware of fraudulent recruiters claiming to be from the company. Please be advised that any communication from Cisco about careers will: • be in direct response to an application you have submitted through the company career site • begin with screening or an interview • originate from a Cisco email address, and • be conducted across email, phone, or WebEx   Cisco will never make a job offer without conducting an interview process or ask you for money in any way. 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