QA Manager, Engineering – IP Routing & Switching/ Network Protocols

Ciena; City of Edinburgh; On-site; GBP 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

A technology leader in high-speed connectivity is seeking a QA Manager in Edinburgh. This role involves providing technical leadership to a team of software engineers, ensuring high-quality delivery of networking solutions, and fostering continuous improvement. Candidates should have a minimum of 3 years in QA, a bachelor's degree in a related field, and strong understanding of network protocols alongside relevant tools like Jenkins and Docker.

Qualifications

• 3+ years in a software QA role, with leadership and project management abilities.
• Strong understanding of network protocols (OSPF, IS-IS, BGP, MPLS).
• Hands-on experience writing tests in Python or similar scripting languages.

Responsibilities

• Guide the team through test planning and automation.
• Recruit, mentor, and develop talent.
• Drive architectural and technical decisions.

Skills

Leadership

Project Management

Debugging Skills

Problem-Solving

Networking Protocols

Linux OS

Python

Continuous Improvement

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, IT, Electronics, Cybersecurity, or a related field

Tools

Jenkins

Git

Docker

Kubernetes

Atlassian Toolset

Job description

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.

Applicants must have the right to work in the UK. Visa sponsorship is not available.

How You Will Contribute

Since 1992, Ciena has been at the forefront of network innovation. Our mission is to build smarter, more agile, and more responsive networks—so every time someone places a call, streams content, or connects with a loved one, it's powered by Ciena technologies.

In this role as QA Manager – Routing IP , you’ll provide both technical leadership and managerial oversight to a team of software test engineers and developers. You’ll be instrumental in:

• Guiding the team through test planning, automation, execution, and quality assurance best practices.
• Recruiting, mentoring, and developing talent to scale team capability and performance.
• Reviewing product requirements and offering insight into development efforts, risks, and timelines.
• Driving architectural and technical decisions, including design/code reviews and test strategy.
• Managing multiple concurrent projects with a focus on timely, high-quality delivery.
• Collaborating with cross-functional teams, including software development, product management, QA, and technical support.
• Fostering a culture of continuous improvement in software engineering practices and product quality—particularly in performance, scalability, and flexibility.
• Ensuring effective coordination with global teams located across various geographies.

The Must Haves

• Experience : Minimum 3+ years in a software QA role, with strong leadership and project management abilities.
• Education : Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, IT, Electronics, Cybersecurity, or a related field.
• Technical Expertise :
  • Solid understanding of network protocols (OSPF, IS-IS, BGP, MPLS, LDP, DHCP, DNS, etc.).
  • Knowledge of Linux OS, containerization technologies (Docker), and Kubernetes.
  • Experience with networking hardware setup, test infrastructure, and triage processes.
  • Hands-on experience writing tests in Python or similar scripting languages.
  • Exposure to ISO9001/TL9000 quality standards.
  • Familiarity with REST APIs, cloud platforms, and web-based UI testing.
• Process & Tools :
  • Comfortable working with tools such as Jenkins, Git, Ansible, Robot Framework, and the Atlassian toolset.
  • Strong debugging, problem-solving, and root-cause analysis skills.

Assets

These skills and experiences will set you apart:

• Experience with cloud networking and virtualization technologies.
• Background in security or vulnerability testing.
• Contributions to open-source QA or network testing projects.
• Knowledge or practical use of AI/Machine Learning in QA processes.
• Ability to manage teams across multiple locations (local and remote).
  

Additional Info

We offer an exceptional opportunity to build deep networking expertise by working alongside industry leaders in a collaborative, innovation-driven environment. You'll contribute to critical network software for global customers, including prototype hardware bring-ups and service-enabling solutions.

Location : Our team is based in central Edinburgh, a short walk from Haymarket Station.

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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 anEqual 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.