Test Principal Engineer- Networking background is a must

SonicWall; Milpitas (CA); On-site; USD 180,000 - 240,000; Full time

Job summary

SonicWall Milpitas, CA is seeking a Test Principal Engineer with a strong networking background to lead advanced troubleshooting and testing of enterprise networking and security products. You will act as SME for escalations, design robust test environments, and drive resolution for high-impact customer issues, leveraging SSL, HA, and state synchronization expertise.

The role requires 7–10+ years in networking, deep protocol knowledge, and excellent communication.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, or related field.
• 7–10+ years in networking, network security, QA, or related engineering discipline.
• Experience supporting enterprise networking environments and managing escalations.
• Strong problem solving, communication, and time management skills.

Responsibilities

• Serve as SME for escalated issues from SonicWall Enterprise customers.
• Lead troubleshooting using Wireshark, Netmon, and other diagnostics.
• Act as technical focal point for high-impact incidents and drive resolution.
• Design and maintain test environments to reproduce customer issues.
• Define test strategies and validation plans for networking and security products.
• Collaborate with Engineering, Support, QA, and Product teams to root cause issues.
• Work under high pressure while managing multiple priorities.

Skills

SME knowledge

L2-L7 networking

TCP/IP fundamentals

problem solving

communication

crisis management

remote escalation handling

Education

Bachelor's degree in CS/EE or related

Tools

Wireshark

Netmon

IXIA

Spirent

Cisco/Juniper devices

Job description

Test Principal Engineer- Networking background is a must

Milpitas, California, United States

For more than 30 years, SonicWall has delivered a partner-first unified cybersecurity portfolio that helps SMBs, MSPs, and IT teams consolidate network security, endpoint security, security service edge (SSE), and threat response across hybrid environments. By bringing connected technology, real-time threat intelligence, automation, and expert services together, SonicWall helps organizations simplify security operations, achieve better security outcomes, and lower total cost of ownership. Backed by a global ecosystem of more than 17,000 partners, SonicWall delivers enterprise-grade protection built for SMB and mid-market realities.

SonicWALL is looking for talented individuals who want to work in cutting-edge technology with a dynamic, fast-growing company. If you have what it takes to thrive in this fast-paced environment and you meet the minimum requirements for this position, please get in touch with us. We'd love to hear from you!

Must possess excellent problem-solving and communication skills. In addition, the individual must be flexible, dependable, and have excellent time management skills. A strong understanding of L2-L7 networking protocols, with major emphasis on SSL, HA (High Availability), State Sync, Network Cluster, and major Operating Systems such as UNIX, Linux, and all Microsoft Windows operating systems is needed.

Key Responsibilities

• Serve as a subject matter expert (SME) for escalated issues from SonicWall Enterprise customers.
• Lead troubleshooting efforts for complex customer issues using tools such as Wireshark, Netmon, and other network diagnostic utilities.
• Act as the technical focal point for high-impact customer incidents and drive issues to resolution.
• Design, build, and maintain test environments to reproduce customer-reported issues.
• Define test strategies, methodologies, and validation plans for networking and security products.
• Collaborate closely with Engineering, Support, QA, and Product teams to identify root causes and implement solutions.
• Work effectively in a high-pressure, interruption-driven environment while managing multiple priorities.

Required Technical Skills

• Strong understanding of Ethernet, TCP/IP, and networking fundamentals.
• Expertise in SSL testing, system testing, and functional validation.
• Hands-on experience with Layer 2 and Layer 3 networking technologies.
• Experience testing switching protocols, including:
  • STP
  • RSTP
  • MSTP
  • PVST+
• Experience testing routing protocols, including:
  • OSPF
  • IS-IS
  • BGP
• Proficiency with network test equipment such as IXIA and Spirent.
• Hands-on experience configuring and troubleshooting Cisco and Juniper switches and routers.
• Working knowledge of LAN/WAN networking architectures and implementation methodologies.
• Strong understanding of network security technologies, including:
  • Firewalls
  • IPS
  • IDS
  • Vulnerability Protection

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with multicast technologies such as PIM-SM, IGMP, MLD, and MSDP.
• Experience with MPLS technologies, including RSVP, LDP, and Traffic Engineering.
• Prior experience as an Escalation Engineer or Technical Support Engineer supporting enterprise networking environments.
• Proven ability to recreate and resolve customer issues remotely.
• Strong analytical, troubleshooting, and root-cause analysis skills.
• Experience working directly with enterprise customers and managing critical escalations.
• Excellent presentation and communication skills.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, or a related field (or equivalent experience).
• 7-10+ years of experience in networking, network security, technical support, QA, or a related engineering discipline.
• Proven crisis management and customer-facing problem-resolution experience.
• Ability to configure, analyze, and troubleshoot medium- to large-scale network environments.
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage priorities and customer commitments effectively.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, especially in remote and cross-functional environments.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently while contributing to a collaborative team culture.
• Self-motivated with a strong sense of ownership and a "can-do" attitude.

#LI-Milpitas

SonicWall is an equal opportunity employer.

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