QA Lead Engineer - Routing & Switching testing + Python Automation

As the global leader in high-speed connectivity, Ciena is committed to a people-first approach. Our teams enjoy a culture focused on prioritizing a flexible work environment that empowers individual growth, well-being, and belonging. We’re a technology company that leads with our humanity—driving our business priorities alongside meaningful social, community, and societal impact.

Since 1992,
Ciena has been driven by a relentless pursuit of network innovation. We believe in building networks that are smarter, more agile, and more responsive every day. Whether it’s picking up the phone, streaming video, or texting someone—you’re interacting with the world through Ciena technologies
. Ciena makes your social, entertainment, and business existence real.

As a Software QA Engineer in our UK-based engineering team, you’ll directly support the testing and development of the Service Aware Operating System (SAOS)—a critical platform in our Packet Products portfolio
, which includes a wide range of access and aggregation network solutions.

In this role, you will:

• Participate in requirement reviews and help define detailed specifications for new networking features.

• Design and execute test plans to validate software quality across performance, conformance, and regression.

• Log, track, and reproduce bugs using real-world scenarios and collaborate with developers for resolution.

• Automate QA testing using Python, contributing to continuous lifecycle regression testing.

• Work cross-functionally with engineers in development, test, and design teams to ensure seamless feature delivery.

• Be mentored and supported as you grow in your role, gaining hands‑on experience with cutting‑edge technologies and emerging prototype hardware.

To succeed in this role, you must bring:

• A degree in Computer Science, IT, Electronics, Cyber Security or related fields (MCA, M.Tech.,
  
  B.Tech.).

• A clear understanding of all stages of the Software Development Lifecycle (SDLC).

• Hands‑on experience with:

  • Python (object‑oriented or pytest)

  • Linux OS (ideally Debian)

  • Networking protocols such as OSPF, IS‑IS, BGP and services like DHCP, DNS

  • Test planning and execution

• Basic knowledge of network hardware setup
  , troubleshooting
  , and QA processes
  .

• A valid permanent work permit in the UK and current UK residency.

• Strong analytical, communication, and problem‑solving skills.

• A collaborative, tenacious, and detail‑oriented mindset.

These qualifications or experiences would be considered valuable additions:

• Familiarity with cloud networking
  , network virtualization
  , or open‑source project contributions
  .

• Experience using the Atlassian toolset – Jira, Confluence, Bitbucket.

• Exposure to C++ or other scripting languages beyond Python.

• Understanding of AI/ML technologies and their application in QA processes.

• Practical experience with Ixia
  , Spirent
  , or other network testing tools.

• Ability to work independently and within agile, cross‑functional teams
  .

• A passion for innovation and problem investigation
  , particularly in networking environments.

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At Ciena, we are committed to building and fostering an environment in which our employees feel respected, valued, and heard. Ciena values the diversity of its workforce and respects its employees as individuals. We do not tolerate any form of discrimination.

Ciena is an Equal Opportunity Employer, including disability and protected veteran status.

If contacted in relation to a job opportunity, please advise Ciena of any accommodation measures you may require.