Software QA Engineer II (Full Time) - United States

Cisco; Richardson (TX); On-site; USD 112,000 - 181,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental and vision insurance

401(k) with Cisco matching

Paid parental leave

Short/long-term disability

Job summary

Cisco Systems, Inc. is seeking a QA / Automation Engineer to validate wireless platforms by writing test plans, developing automation in Python, and analyzing system behavior in lab environments.

This role offers hands-on exposure to real networking gear and AI-assisted tooling, with opportunities to collaborate across teams. Applicants should have a strong foundation in programming and networking concepts, with a Master’s or Bachelor’s degree as specified.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, or a related field.
• Bachelor’s degree with 2 years of work experience in QA/Automation or related area.
• Strong programming fundamentals, especially Python, and networking basics (TCP/IP, DHCP, DNS, routing).
• Experience validating wireless platforms and building test plans is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Write and execute test plans and test cases for wireless features and systems.
• Develop and maintain automation scripts using Python or similar languages.
• Analyze test results and identify issues, inconsistencies, or performance gaps.
• Reproduce customer and system issues in controlled lab environments.
• Assist in setting up and maintaining testbeds and lab environments (routers, switches, access points).
• Collaborate with development and platform teams to debug and resolve issues.
• Learn and apply AI‑assisted tools to improve testing efficiency and automation.

Skills

Python programming

Networking basics

Analytical skills

QA/testing

Automation scripting

Education

Master’s degree in CS/CE or related field

Bachelor’s degree with 2 years of work experience

Tools

Python scripting environments

Job description

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. Applications accepted until further notice.

Meet The Team

The Cisco Wireless team ensures the quality, reliability, and performance of next‑generation wireless products. We work closely with development, platform, and system teams to validate features, automate test coverage, and reproduce real‑world customer scenarios at scale. Our work directly impacts the experience of millions of users relying on Cisco wireless infrastructure.

Your Impact

As a QA / Automation Engineer, you will contribute to validating Cisco’s wireless platforms by writing test plans, developing automation, and analyzing system behavior. You will gain hands‑on experience with real networking environments, lab setups, and modern AI‑assisted development tools. This role is ideal for engineers who enjoy breaking systems, understanding how they work, and ensuring high‑quality product delivery.

In This Role, You Will:

• Write and execute test plans and test cases for wireless features and systems
• Develop and maintain automation scripts using Python or similar languages
• Analyze test results and identify issues, inconsistencies, or performance gaps
• Reproduce customer and system issues in controlled lab environments
• Assist in setting up and maintaining testbeds and lab environments (routers, switches, access points)
• Collaborate with development and platform teams to debug and resolve issues
• Learn and apply AI‑assisted tools (e.g., Copilot, Cursor) to improve testing efficiency and automation

Minimum Qualification:

• A Master’s degree with 0 years of work experience; or
• A Bachelor’s degree with 2 years of work experience.

Qualifying education and work experience should be in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Computer Information Systems, Network Engineering or a related field.

Strong programming fundamentals, preferably in Python or a similar scripting language, with a basic understanding of networking concepts such as TCP/IP, DHCP, DNS, and routing.

Strong analytical, debugging, and problem‑solving skills with a detail‑oriented approach to troubleshooting system behavior.

Curious and interested in AI‑enabled engineering practices, including using AI tools to improve productivity.

Preferred Qualification:

• Exposure to networking devices (routers, switches, access points) through coursework, labs, or internships
• Familiarity with setting up small network environments
• Basic understanding of wireless technologies (Wi‑Fi / 802.11)
• Certifications such as CCNA (or working toward it)

Why Cisco?

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.

Message to applicants applying to work in the U.S. and/or Canada:

Individual pay is determined by the candidate’s hiring location, market conditions, job‑related skillset, experience, qualifications, education, certifications, and/or training. The full salary range for certain locations is listed below. For locations not listed below, the recruiter can share more details about compensation for the role in your location during the hiring process.

U.S. employees are offered benefits, subject to Cisco’s plan eligibility rules, which include medical, dental and vision insurance, a 401(k) plan with a Cisco matching contribution, paid parental leave, short and long‑term disability coverage, and basic life insurance. Please see the Cisco careers site to discover more benefits and perks. Employees may be eligible to receive grants of Cisco restricted stock units, which vest following continued employment with Cisco for defined periods of time.

Paid Time Away and Benefits

• 10 paid holidays per full calendar year, plus 1 floating holiday for non‑exempt employees
• 1 paid day off for employee’s birthday
• paid year‑end holiday shutdown
• 4 paid days off for personal wellness determined by Cisco
• Non‑exempt employees receive 16 days of paid vacation time per full calendar year, accrued at rate of 4.92 hours per pay period for full‑time employees
• Exempt employees participate in Cisco’s flexible vacation time off program, which has no defined limit on how much vacation time eligible employees may use (subject to availability and some business limitations)
• 80 hours of sick time off provided on hire date and each January 1st thereafter, and up to 80 hours of unused sick time carried forward from one calendar year to the next
• Additional paid time away may be requested to deal with critical or emergency issues for family members
• Optional 10 paid days per full calendar year to volunteer

For non‑sales roles, employees are also eligible to earn annual bonuses subject to Cisco’s policies.

Employees on sales plans earn performance‑based incentive pay on top of their base salary, which is split between quota and non‑quota components, subject to the applicable Cisco plan.

For quota‑based incentive pay, Cisco typically pays as follows: .75% of incentive target for each 1% of revenue attainment up to 50% of quota; 1.5% of incentive target for each 1% of attainment between 50% and 75%; 1% of incentive target for each 1% of attainment between 75% and 100%; and Once performance exceeds 100% attainment, incentive rates are at or above 1% for each 1% of attainment with no cap on incentive compensation.

For non‑quota‑based sales performance elements such as strategic sales objectives, Cisco may pay 0% up to 125% of target.

Cisco sales plans do not have a minimum threshold of performance for sales incentive compensation to be paid.

Salary Ranges

New York City Metro Area: $125,700.00 - $203,100.00

Non‑Metro New York state & Washington state: $111,700.00 - $180,800.00

* For quota‑based sales roles on Cisco’s sales plan, the ranges provided in this posting include base pay and sales target incentive compensation combined.

** Employees in Illinois, whether exempt or non‑exempt, will participate in a unique time off program to meet local requirements.

Cisconians power the future. We make impact as a team, innovating fast and fearlessly to create meaningful solutions on a large scale. The depth and breadth of our technology doesn’t just benefit our customers – it also means limitless opportunities for us to experiment and learn. We understand the power each of our unique backgrounds bring when we work together. Because of that, we have a global network of thinkers, doers, experts, and curious creators who help one another do their life’s best work.