Engineer II, System validation Test - Insight QA

ABOUT THE ROLE

We are looking for an Engineer II in System Validation Testing with 3 to 5 years of experience to join our cloud network management quality engineering team. The role focuses on hands-on testing of a cloud-hosted platform used to onboard, configure, monitor and manage networking devices such as access points, switches and routers.

The engineer will work with senior QA engineers, developers and product teams to understand requirements, design and execute tests, automate repeatable workflows, investigate failures and contribute to reliable releases across the device, network, cloud, API and web or mobile application layers.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

CLOUD NETWORK MANAGEMENT TESTING

· Understand feature requirements and expected customer workflows for cloud-managed access points, switches and routers.

· Test device onboarding, discovery, provisioning, configuration and removal workflows.

· Validate device-to-cloud communication, cloud-to-device operations and configuration synchronization.

· Test device status, statistics, alerts, notifications and basic remote-management workflows.

· Validate firmware upgrade, reconnect, recovery and factory-reset scenarios under guidance.

· Execute tests across common LAN, WAN, Wi-Fi and multi-device network setups.

TEST PLANNING AND EXECUTION

· Review user stories, acceptance criteria and functional specifications with the QA team.

· Create and maintain clear test scenarios and test cases covering positive, negative, boundary and recovery conditions.

· Prepare test data and configure required devices, accounts, subscriptions and environments.

· Execute functional, integration, system, regression, compatibility and end-to-end tests.

· Record results accurately, report coverage gaps and escalate blockers early.

· Retest resolved defects and run focused regression for impacted workflows.

API CLOUD AND DATA VALIDATION

· Test REST APIs using tools such as Postman and automation libraries.

· Validate request and response data, status codes, authentication, authorization and error handling.

· Verify consistency across APIs, backend services, database records and user interfaces.

· Test asynchronous operations, events and notifications with support from senior engineers.

· Use AWS logs, dashboards and application telemetry to investigate test failures.

· Perform smoke and regression validation in QA and staging environments.

NETWORKING AND TROUBLESHOOTING

· Apply networking fundamentals including TCP/IP, IPv4 and IPv6, DHCP, DNS, ARP, ICMP, HTTP and HTTPS, VLANs, routing, switching, NAT, LAN, WAN and Wi-Fi.

· Use ping, traceroute, nslookup or dig, iperf, browser developer tools and device or cloud logs during troubleshooting.

· Capture and perform basic analysis of network traffic using Wireshark or tcpdump.

· Isolate whether a failure is related to the device, network, cloud service, API, backend or application layer, and involve the appropriate team.

TEST AUTOMATION

· Develop and maintain Python-based automation for APIs, device workflows and regression scenarios.

· Create or update UI automation using Playwright, Selenium or an equivalent framework.

· Follow existing framework standards and build reusable, readable and maintainable test components.

· Analyze automation failures, distinguish product defects from script or environment issues and fix tests within assigned scope.

· Run automated suites through CI/CD pipelines and report failures with supporting evidence.

· Identify stable, repetitive manual scenarios suitable for automation.

DEFECT MANAGEMENT AND TEAM COLLABORATION

· Log clear defects with reproducible steps, expected and actual behavior, logs, screenshots, API traces and packet captures when applicable.

· Participate in defect triage, daily stand-ups, sprint planning and test-status discussions.

· Collaborate with software, cloud, firmware, networking and mobile teams to reproduce and resolve issues.

· Track assigned defects through retest and closure and communicate risks or delays promptly.

· Maintain test cases, automation and technical notes in the agreed repositories and tools.

RELEASE AND PRODUCTION SUPPORT

· Support release regression, production smoke testing and post-deployment validation as assigned.

· Verify critical customer workflows after deployments and provide accurate test status to the QA lead.

· Assist with reproducing customer-reported or production issues in controlled environments.

· Contribute new regression tests for escaped defects and recurring failure patterns.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

· 3 to 5 years of software QA or system validation experience.

· Hands-on experience in functional, integration, regression and end-to-end testing.

· Working knowledge of TCP/IP and core networking concepts.

· Experience testing REST APIs and interpreting JSON request and response data.

· Programming or test-automation experience using Python.

· Exposure to UI automation using Playwright, Selenium or an equivalent tool.

· Ability to analyze logs, reproduce issues and write clear defect reports.

· Experience using Git and working with CI/CD test execution.

· Good written and verbal communication skills and the ability to work in a cross-functional team.

· Bachelor's degree in computer science, Information Technology, Electronics, Telecommunications or a related discipline, or equivalent practical experience.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

· Experience testing cloud-managed networking or network management platforms.

· Hands-on exposure to access points, switches, routers or Wi-Fi test environments.

· Familiarity with AWS services, microservices, Docker or Kubernetes.

· Experience with Wireshark, tcpdump and basic packet analysis.

· Exposure to mobile application testing, performance testing or API security testing.

· Awareness of Wi-Fi 5, Wi-Fi 6, Wi-Fi 6E or Wi-Fi 7 concepts.

· Responsible use of AI-assisted engineering tools such as ChatGPT, Claude or GitHub Copilot for test design, automation, debugging or log analysis.

Company Statement/Values:  

At NETGEAR, we are on a mission to unleash the full potential of connectivity with intelligent solutions that delight and protect. We turn ideas into innovative networking products that connect people, power businesses, and advance the way we live.  

We're a performance-driven, talented and connected team that's committed to delivering world-class products for our customers. As a company, we value our employees as the most essential building blocks of our success. And as teammates, we commit to taking our work to the Next Gear by living our values: we Dare to Transform the future, Connect and Delight our customers, Communicate Courageously with each other and collaborate to Win It Together. You’ll find our values woven through our processes, present in our decisions, and celebrated throughout our culture. 

We strive to attract top talent and create a great workplace where people feel engaged, inspired, challenged, proud and respected. If you are creative, forward-thinking, passionate about technology and are looking for a rewarding career to make an impact, then you've got what it takes to succeed at NETGEAR. Join our network and help us shape the future of connectivity. 

NETGEAR hires based on merit. All qualified applicants will receive equal consideration for employment. All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.