Senior Lead Networking Test Engineer (Austin)

The Senior Lead Networking Test Engineer will be responsible for defining, developing, and executing comprehensive test strategies for our cutting-edge data center network solutions. This role is a blend of hands-on technical expertise, strategic planning, and leadership. You will lead a small team of test engineers, mentor junior members, and collaborate closely with network architects, developers, and operations teams to deliver robust, high-performance, and scalable network solutions for our data centers. This position requires deep expertise in modern data center networking technologies, automation, and a passion for quality assurance.

Required Qualifications
• Education: Bachelor's or Master's degree in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, Network Engineering, or a related technical field.
• 8+ years of experience in network engineering, network operations, or network testing roles, with at least 3 years focused specifically on data center networking.
• 3+ years of experience in a lead or senior technical role, mentoring junior engineers or leading test initiatives.
• Expert-level understanding and hands-on experience with Layer 2 and Layer 3 networking protocols in large-scale data center environments (e.g., BGP, OSPF, ISIS, MPLS).
• Extensive experience with modern data center interconnect technologies (EVPN/VxLAN).
• Strong knowledge of high-performance networking, including RDMA over Converged Ethernet (RoCE) and associated congestion control mechanisms (PFC, ECN, DCQCN).
• Familiarity with network operating systems like SONiC (preferred), Cisco NX-OS, Arista EOS, and Juniper Junos.
• Proficiency in at least one scripting language (e.g., Python, Go) for test automation, API integration, and data processing.
• Experience with network automation tools (e.g., Ansible, Terraform, Netmiko, NAPALM).
• Experience building and maintaining test frameworks (e.g., Robot Framework, Pytest).
• Proven experience designing and executing various types of network tests: functional, performance (throughput, latency, jitter), scalability, reliability, and security.
• Expertise with network testing tools (e.g., IXIA, Spirent, Keysight, TRex, Ostinato, SmartBits).
• Strong packet analysis and troubleshooting skills using Wireshark, tcpdump, or similar tools.
• Strong proficiency in Linux/Unix operating systems.
• Understanding of virtualization (VMware, KVM) and containerization technologies (Docker, Kubernetes).
• Exceptional analytical and problem-solving skills with a meticulous attention to detail.
• Ability to isolate complex network issues spanning multiple layers and technologies.

Preferred Qualifications
• Experience with SDN controllers and orchestration platforms.
• Experience with ESXi
• Familiarity with cloud networking concepts (AWS, Azure, GCP).
• Knowledge of network security principles and testing.
• Relevant industry certifications (e.g., CCIE, JNCIE, CCNP Data Center, Linux Foundation Certified Engineer, Mellanox certifications).

• Lead the definition and development of holistic test strategies, test plans, and test cases for complex data center network solutions, including Layer 2/3, SDN, DCN, EVPN/VxLAN, and high-performance fabrics (e.g., RDMA/RoCE).
• Work closely with network architecture and engineering teams to understand design specifications and translate them into effective test methodologies.
• Identify key performance indicators (KPIs) and scalability metrics for network validation.
• Hands-on execution of complex network tests, including functional, performance, scalability, stability, and reliability testing.
• Analyze test results, identify defects, conduct root cause analysis, and work with development teams to resolve issues.
• Perform deep-dive packet analysis and network protocol debugging using tools like Wireshark, tcpdump, and network analyzers.
• Design, develop, and maintain advanced test automation frameworks and scripts (e.g., Python, Ansible, Terraform, Robot Framework) to accelerate testing cycles and improve efficiency.
• Evaluate, recommend, and integrate new testing tools and technologies into our CI/CD pipelines.
• Drive the adoption of best practices in test automation and continuous integration.
• Lead and mentor a small team of networking test engineers, providing technical guidance, code reviews, and fostering a culture of excellence and continuous improvement.
• Act as a technical subject matter expert for network testing within the organization.
• Drive innovation in test methodologies and processes.
• Collaborate cross-functionally with network architecture, development, operations, and product teams to ensure comprehensive test coverage and high-quality deliverables.
• Clearly communicate test progress, risks, and results to stakeholders at all levels.
• Contribute to documentation, runbooks, and operational guides.