Manual Test Engineer (Network, File System and Mounting & Access Point Testing)

Gazelle Global; England; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading technology firm in England is seeking a Manual Test Engineer responsible for planning and executing tests across enterprise LAN networks and file systems. The ideal candidate should have 3–7 years of experience in manual testing, strong exposure to network and file system testing, and the ability to obtain UK SC clearance. Responsibilities include executing end-to-end testing and validating QoS, while ensuring compliance with ITIL processes.

Qualifications

• 3–7 years in manual testing with strong network and file system testing exposure.
• Solid understanding of TCP/IP, DHCP, DNS, and routing protocols.
• Hands-on experience with EFS and share permissions on Windows & Linux.

Responsibilities

• Execute end‑to‑end LAN connectivity tests and validate QoS.
• Test redundancy and failover mechanisms for network systems.
• Validate file share availability and permissions across user groups.

Skills

Network testing

File system testing

TCP/IP understanding

Wireless AP testing

Test management tools (Azure DevOps, JIRA)

Analytical skills

Troubleshooting skills

Tools

Wireshark

tcpdump

Job description

The Manual Test Engineer is responsible for planning and executing tests across enterprise LAN networks, file systems (including EFS), and mounting/access point scenarios to ensure secure, reliable, and performant end‑user and application experiences. The role collaborates with network engineering, EUC, platform, and security teams to validate changes, diagnose issues, and document outcomes across on‑prem and cloud-connected environments.

Your responsibilities

LAN Network Testing

• Execute end‑to‑end LAN connectivity tests: VLAN segmentation, IP addressing, DHCP leasing, DNS resolution, routing behavior, and switch port configurations.
• Validate QoS/traffic shaping, ACLs, and firewall rules affecting application reachability.
• Test redundancy and failover (e.g., dual links, LAG, spanning tree behavior, HA pairs).
• Perform latency, jitter, throughput, and packet loss validation for critical apps (monitor via ping/traceroute, iperf/ttcp—if allowed—and switch/router counters).
• Conduct pre‑ and post‑change verification for network maintenance windows and produce test evidence.
• Validate file share availability, permissions, and access control (NTFS/ACLs, POSIX permissions) across user groups and service accounts.
• Test EFS (Encrypted File System) behavior:
• Access behaviors for encrypted vs. non‑encrypted files across users and devices.
• Backup/restore of encrypted data and recovery workflows.
• Validate SMB/NFS share access, file locking, path lengths, special characters, and concurrency.
• Test file system quotas, version history (if applicable), offline files/caching, and antivirus/EDR interactions.
• Perform data integrity checks: hashing, corruption scenarios, and file copy/move behavior across networks.
• Validate mounting of network shares (Windows: drive mapping/UNC paths; Linux/macOS: mount for NFS/SMB).
• Test wireless access point connectivity and roaming: SSID availability, authentication (WPA2/WPA3/802.1X), captive portal, and RADIUS/certificate flows.
• Evaluate performance across 2.4 GHz vs 5 GHz bands, channel utilization, and AP load scenarios.
• Verify ZTP/AP provisioning behavior (if in scope) and controller‑based policy application.
• Test device profile differences (laptop, VDI/thin client, rugged devices) and guest vs corporate SSIDs.
• Create test plans, test cases, and test data aligned with change requests and release plans.
• Execute functional, regression, smoke, and integration tests; log defects with full reproduction steps and evidence.
• Participate in Go/No-Go and UAT cycles; provide structured status reporting (daily/weekly).
• Ensure compliance with change management/ITIL processes and maintain audit‑ready documentation.

Key Skills & Qualifications

Technical Skills

• 3–7 years in manual testing with strong network and file system testing exposure.
• Solid understanding of TCP/IP, DHCP, DNS, NAT, routing, VLANs, ACLs, and 802.1X.
• Hands‑on experience with SMB/NFS, NTFS/ACLs, EFS, and share permissions (Windows & Linux).
• Familiarity with wireless AP testing (SSID, encryption standards, roaming) and network tools (e.g., ping, traceroute, Wireshark/tcpdump, netstat).
• Proficiency with test management and defect tracking (Azure DevOps, JIRA, ALM).
• Ability to analyze system, network, and security logs (Event Viewer, syslog, controller logs).

Soft Skills

• Strong analytical and troubleshooting mindset with meticulous documentation.
• Clear communication with cross‑functional teams (network, EUC, security, platform).
• Ability to operate under change windows and navigate production‑grade testing safely.

SC Clearance Eligibility

Candidates must be eligible for UK SC clearance, which generally requires:

• Minimum 5 years of continuous UK residency
• Clean criminal and financial/credit records
• Ability to meet all UK government vetting requirements

Active SC clearance is preferred but not essential.