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.
Bachelor’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.
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.
Skills Required
- Bachelor's or Master's degree in Computer Science, Electronics, IT, or 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 switching (VLANs, VTP, STP, RSTP, MST, EtherChannel, LACP).
- Hands-on expertise with Layer 3 routing (IPv4, IPv6, ARP, DNS, DHCP, OSPF, EIGRP, BGP, VRF, Multicast).
- Experience with ACLs, QoS, AAA, RADIUS, TACACS+, high availability and redundancy features.
- Experience validating network security features (802.1X, MACsec, TrustSec, Port Security, DHCP Snooping, Dynamic ARP Inspection, IP 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.
- Troubleshooting experience using Wireshark, tcpdump, Ixia, Spirent, or other network protocol analyzers.
- Strong analytical, debugging, and end-to-end solution validation skills.
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
Cisco Compensation & Benefits Highlights
The following summarizes recurring compensation and benefits themes identified from responses generated by popular LLMs to common candidate questions about Cisco and has not been reviewed or approved by Cisco.
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Healthcare Strength — Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage, mental health support via an EAP, and access to on-site or virtual health centers indicate robust healthcare offerings. Wellness programs, fitness resources, and specialized services further reinforce coverage depth.
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Leave & Time Off Breadth — Generous PTO, a global minimum for paid parental leave, and unique programs like company-wide recharge days and paid volunteer time expand time-away options. Additional offerings such as Critical Time Off and adoption assistance add flexibility for life events.
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Equity Value & Accessibility — Restricted stock units and a discounted employee stock purchase plan are meaningful elements of total compensation. The prominence of equity can materially augment overall pay packages alongside salary and bonuses.
Cisco Insights
What We Do
Cisco (NASDAQ: CSCO) enables people to make powerful connections--whether in business, education, philanthropy, or creativity. Cisco hardware, software, and service offerings are used to create the Internet solutions that make networks possible--providing easy access to information anywhere, at any time. Cisco was founded in 1984 by a small group of computer scientists from Stanford University. Since the company's inception, Cisco engineers have been leaders in the development of Internet Protocol (IP)-based networking technologies. Today, with more than 71,000 employees worldwide, this tradition of innovation continues with industry-leading products and solutions in the company's core development areas of routing and switching, as well as in advanced technologies such as home networking, IP telephony, optical networking, security, storage area networking, and wireless technology. In addition to its products, Cisco provides a broad range of service offerings, including technical support and advanced services. Cisco sells its products and services, both directly through its own sales force as well as through its channel partners, to large enterprises, commercial businesses, service providers, and consumers.
