Lead, Software Development Test Engineering

Cisco

Define and drive test strategy for Cisco SDWAN controller features. Lead automation and validation efforts to ensure high-quality network solutions at Cisco.

Posted 4/25/2026full-timeRTP • North Carolina • 🇺🇸 United StatesSenior💰 $135,800 - $198,800 per yearWebsite

Tech Stack

Tools & technologies

AnsibleAWSAzureCloudDistributed SystemsGoogle Cloud PlatformLinuxPythonSDLCSeleniumVMware

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Define and drive test strategy and validation architecture for the SDWAN controller/Dashboard features
Focus on the tests validating Cisco SDWAN controller features like configuration, policy management, high availability multi-tenancy and UI/UX features
Design and evolve scalable test frameworks, test automation using Python/Restapi, and validation pipelines
Establish end-to-end test strategies covering functional, system, scale, application performance, resiliency, security and administration
Collaborate with engineering leaders, product management, hardware, and TAC teams to define quality goals, test scope, and execution strategies
Lead customer demos and technical presentations to showcase product capabilities and articulate solution value
Represent the test organization in cross-functional forums to influence release decisions, risk assessment, and quality metrics.

Requirements

What you’ll need

Bachelor’s degree in engineering (BSEE/MSEE/CS) or equivalent technical discipline
10-14 years of relevant experience in testing NMS products, SD-WAN controllers, and automation
Strong knowledge of the Software Development Life Cycle
Experience testing SD-WAN control and management planes
Proficient in automation using Python, Selenium, and REST API (6+ years)
Skilled in root cause analysis with advanced debugging, kernel logs, and system traces
Solid Linux fundamentals and virtualization experience (KVM, ESXi)
Experience with high availability/redundancy, Layer 2/3 security concepts such as IPSec, TLS, DTLS, PKI, and certificate management
Proficient with network traffic generators (Ixia, Spirent) and analyzers (Wireshark)
Familiar with modern configuration models including YANG, NETCONF, RESTCONF, and proficient with GIT for version control
Experience with major SD-WAN solutions such as Cisco Viptela/Meraki, VMware VeloCloud, Fortinet, and Palo Alto Prisma SD-WAN
Familiarity with cloud networking concepts and integration with SD-WAN platforms on AWS, Azure, and GCP
Knowledge of databases, DevOps tools, distributed systems architecture, and configuration management tools like Ansible
Experience working in Agile development environments and exposure to AI-based automation tools for SD-WAN controllers and applications
Strong analytical, problem-solving, and debugging skills; excellent verbal and written communication; proven ability to collaborate across teams and mentor talent.

Benefits

Comp & perks

Medical, dental and vision insurance
401(k) plan with a Cisco matching contribution
Paid parental leave
Short and long-term disability coverage
Basic life insurance
Paid time off (10 paid holidays, floating holiday, birthday off, year-end holiday shutdown, personal wellness days)
16 days of paid vacation time per full calendar year, accrued at a rate of 4.92 hours per pay period
Flexible vacation time off program for exempt employees
80 hours of sick time off provided on hire date and each January 1st thereafter
Up to 80 hours of unused sick time carried forward from one calendar year to the next
Optional 10 paid days per full calendar year to volunteer
Eligibility for annual bonuses and stock units

ATS Keywords

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Hard Skills & Tools

PythonREST APISeleniumroot cause analysisdebuggingLinuxvirtualizationnetwork traffic generatorsconfiguration modelsAgile development

Soft Skills

analytical skillsproblem-solvingcommunicationcollaborationmentoring