Software QA Engineer

Job description

Please note this posting is to advertise potential job opportunities. This exact role may not be open today but could open in the near future. When you apply, a Cisco representative may contact you directly if a relevant position opens. Meet the TeamThe Catalyst 9000 team is responsible for delivering industry-leading enterprise switching solutions that power campus, branch, and data center networks worldwide. We focus on building highly reliable, secure, scalable, and intelligent networking platforms that enable customers to accelerate digital transformation while maintaining operational excellence. As part of the Quality Engineering organization, you will play a critical role in validating next-generation Catalyst switching platforms and software features. You will collaborate with engineering, product management, architecture, and customer support teams to ensure exceptional product quality through comprehensive testing, automation, and AI-assisted validation methodologies. Your ImpactDefine and drive test strategies for Catalyst 9000 switching platforms, ensuring comprehensive validation across functional, scale, performance, resiliency, interoperability, and security domains. Design, develop, and maintain scalable test automation frameworks using Python and modern automation technologies. Lead end-to-end validation of Layer 2, Layer 3, security, management, and platform software features. Develop automated test suites for feature validation, regression testing, system integration testing, upgrade testing, and customer deployment scenarios. Collaborate closely with software developers, architects, and product managers to understand feature requirements and define robust validation plans. Leverage AI-assisted development tools such as GitHub Copilot, Codex, Claude, and VS Code extensions to improve automation productivity, test coverage, and engineering efficiency. Build and enhance CI/CD-based validation pipelines to enable continuous testing and faster release cycles. Perform root-cause analysis of complex networking and software issues using protocol-level debugging and packet analysis tools. Drive quality metrics, risk assessments, defect prevention initiatives, and release readiness reviews. Mentor team members on networking technologies, automation best practices, troubleshooting techniques, and quality engineering methodologies. Partner with customer support and field teams to reproduce customer issues and validate software fixes. Minimum Qualifications and RequirementsBachelor’s or Master’s Degree in Computer Science, Electronics, Information Technology, or a related field. 1+ years of experience in Software QA, System Validation, or Network Testing. Strong experience testing enterprise switching and networking products. Hands-on expertise with:Layer 2 SwitchingVLANs, VTP, STP, RSTP, MSTEtherChannel, LACPLayer 3 RoutingIPv4 and IPv6ARP, DNS, DHCPOSPF, EIGRP, BGPVRF, MulticastACLs, QoSAAA, RADIUS, TACACS+High Availability and Redundancy features Experience validating network security features including:802.1XMACsecTrustSecPort SecurityDHCP SnoopingDynamic ARP InspectionIP Source Guard Strong automation experience using Python. Hands-on experience with REST APIs, NETCONF, RESTCONF, YANG, JSON, and YAML. Experience using automation and testing frameworks such as PyTest, Robot Framework, or equivalent. Strong Linux fundamentals including scripting, troubleshooting, and system administration. Experience with virtualization and container technologies such as VMware, KVM, Docker, or Kubernetes. Proficiency with Git and modern software development workflows. Strong troubleshooting experience using:WiresharktcpdumpIxiaSpirentNetwork protocol analyzers Strong analytical, debugging, and end-to-end solution validation skills. Excellent verbal and written 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.