QA Principal Engineer - IP Routing & Python Automation (Edinburgh, UK)

Ciena; City of Edinburgh; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading connectivity solutions provider based in Edinburgh is seeking a Principal Engineer. The role involves providing technical leadership, mentoring a team of software test engineers, and collaborating on new networking products. Ideal candidates should have a strong educational background in Computer Science or related fields, extensive knowledge of networking technologies, and proficiency in Python. The company promotes a flexible work environment that values individual growth and well-being.

Qualifications

• Master’s OR Bachelor’s degree in related field.
• Proficiency in test automation and QA tools.
• Knowledge of network routers/switches and routing protocols.

Responsibilities

• Provide technical leadership and managerial guidance.
• Recruit, mentor, and grow team capabilities.
• Define comprehensive test plans to ensure product quality.

Skills

Technical leadership

Software test engineering

Mentoring

Collaboration with engineering teams

Analytical problem-solving

Networking knowledge

Knowledge of routing protocols

Python proficiency

Linux OS knowledge

Experience with CI/CD tools

Education

Master’s OR Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, IT, Electronics, Cyber Security

Tools

Linux

Kubernetes

Atlassian tools

Git

Jenkins

Robot Framework

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.

How You Will Contribute
Since 1992, Ciena has been driven by a relentless pursuit of network innovation. We believe in a network that grows smarter, more agile, and more responsive every day. This means that when you digitally interact in your world - picking up the phone, streaming video, texting a friend or loved one – your interactions are being enabled by Ciena technologies. Ciena makes your social / entertainment / business existence REAL. As Principal Engineer your will -

• Provide technical leadership and managerial guidance to a team of software test engineers and developers.
• Recruit, mentor, and grow team capabilities while fostering individual talent.
• Participate in requirements reviews and contribute to detailed specifications for new networking products.
• Define comprehensive test plans and test cases to ensure product quality before release.
• Collaborate with cross-functional engineering teams to ensure features meet quality standards.
• Influence architecture decisions, conduct design/code reviews, and contribute to technology strategy.
• Track and manage product defects, ensuring timely resolution.
• Manage multiple concurrent projects, delivering features on time.
• Promote continuous improvement in engineering practices, focusing on performance, scalability, availability, and flexibility.
• Work closely with product management, QA, and technical support teams.

The Must-Haves

• Master’s OR Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, IT, Electronics, Cyber Security, or related field.
• Define test plans and test cases to ensure quality before releasing new features.
• Collaborate with cross-functional engineering teams to ensure feature quality.
• Record and track product defects.
• Knowledge of network routers/switches, routing protocols (OSPF, IS-IS, BGP, MPLS, LDP, etc.), and services (DHCP, DNS, etc.).
• Proficiency in Python or similar scripting, test automation, and QA tools.
• Strong knowledge of Linux OS; experience with containers/Kubernetes is a plus.
• Ability to set up, troubleshoot, and manage networking hardware and protocols.
• Familiarity with cloud networks, virtualization, REST APIs, and web UIs.
• Experience with Atlassian tools, Ansible, Jenkins, Git, Robot Framework (preferred).
• Strong analytical/problem-solving skills with defect tracking experience.
• Good understanding of ISO9001/TL9000; security/vulnerability testing is a plus.
• Ability to work with global teams across multiple locations.
• Understanding of computer hardware architecture and operating system architecture.
• Participate in requirements review and contribute to detailed specifications for new networking product features.

Assets

• Open-source project contributions.
• Familiarity with containers, Kubernetes, and CI/CD tools like Atlassian, Ansible, Jenkins, Git, Robot Framework.
• Understanding of computer hardware and OS architecture.
• Experience with REST-based web services, cloud platforms, and web UIs.
• Knowledge of AI/ML applications in QA lifecycle.
• Experience with security and vulnerability testing.
• Knowledge of ISO9001/TL9000 standards.
• Inquisitive and conscientious approach to problem investigation.

Additional info

• We can offer you an unparalleled opportunity to gain in-depth networking knowledge, working alongside a diverse and industry leading team of network engineers, building components to support customer network services and our own network infrastructure, including bring-ups on new emerging prototype hardware. You must be currently based in the UK and hold a valid permanent work permit for the country.
  
• Location: The team are located in the heart of Edinburgh, just a few minutes’ 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.