Software Test Engineer (Wifi)

As a Software Test Engineer at Arista Networks, your key responsibilities include collaborating with software development and engineering teams to validate product performance, gathering technical requirements, creating comprehensive software test plans, and addressing escalated customer issues through effective troubleshooting and debugging. You will also be responsible for building and maintaining Wi-Fi labs to conduct end-to-end testing and ensure high-quality product deployment.

To qualify for the Software Test Engineer role at Arista Networks, you should have a Bachelor's or Master's degree in a relevant field such as Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, or IT, along with 5 to 15 years of experience in troubleshooting wired or wireless networks. You must possess hands-on experience with various Wi-Fi technologies, solid knowledge of networking fundamentals, and strong debugging skills. Familiarity with Linux systems, RESTful APIs, and SQL is also a plus.

Arista Networks is dedicated to fostering an inclusive and diverse workplace, providing ample opportunities for career growth for Software Test Engineers. You will have the chance to take ownership of key projects, collaborate closely with experienced professionals, and participate in continuous learning through training and workshops. Additionally, we encourage innovation and adaptability, which allows team members to hone their skills across various aspects of Wi-Fi technology.

Arista Networks promotes a vibrant company culture characterized by teamwork, innovation, and inclusivity. As a Software Test Engineer, you will work alongside a diverse group of talented professionals who are passionate about technology and collaboration. The company values creativity and different perspectives, creating an environment where ideas flourish, and employees feel empowered to contribute to the success of Arista's groundbreaking networking solutions.

At Arista Networks, a Software Test Engineer will have the opportunity to engage in complex Wi-Fi deployments as the company expands its campus portfolio. You will face diverse use case scenarios and have the chance to design solutions for various client needs. This role involves hands-on experience with maintaining Wi-Fi labs, interop testing, and managing customer escalations, making it an exciting avenue for professional growth and innovation.

When designing a Wi-Fi lab, focus on creating an environment that replicates real customer scenarios. Ensure to include various access points, clients with different Wi-Fi standards, and the ability to simulate different network loads and conditions. Document the lab setup and configurations meticulously to facilitate retest scenarios and share insights with your team.

Begin troubleshooting by gathering detailed information from the customer about the issue at hand. Next, try to reproduce the problem in your lab environment. Check configurations, firmware versions, and compatibility of devices. Utilize debugging tools and logs to identify the root cause, and coordinate with relevant teams to resolve the issue efficiently.

To ensure testing procedures align with customer requirements, maintain strong communication with product managers and developers from the onset. Actively participate in requirements gathering, and create testing documentation that reflects these needs. Additionally, continually seek feedback and validate with internal stakeholders throughout the testing process.

I am well-versed with Wi-Fi 5, Wi-Fi 6, and Wi-Fi 6E standards. Understanding these standards is crucial as they determine the capabilities of the devices being tested, such as bandwidth, latency, and overall performance. This knowledge influences my testing strategies, enabling me to validate features effectively against the specified standards.

For documenting and reporting results, I emphasize clarity and detail. I prepare structured test plans that outline objectives, methodologies, expected outcomes, and actual results. I use charts and graphs for visual representation where applicable. Additionally, I ensure to follow up with organized reports that include both success and failure cases, providing insightful analysis.

Certainly! My experience with creating test methodologies involves thorough analysis of user requirements, functional specifications, and previous testing experiences. I begin by identifying test elements, establish clear success criteria, and create a step-by-step approach for systematic testing. In addition, I always consider edge cases and real-world applicability to ensure comprehensive coverage.

In a previous instance, a customer faced severe connectivity issues across their deployed Wi-Fi network. I coordinated a comprehensive triage process by gathering data from the field and replicating the issue in our lab. After identifying underlying configuration problems and firmware discrepancies, we deployed a solution that resolved the issue, followed by regular updates to the customer for transparency.

Collaboration is integral to effective testing at Arista Networks. I engage with cross-functional teams, including development, product management, and technical support, to share insights and address issues. Regular collaborative reviews and brainstorming sessions foster innovation and ensure that we align on product expectations, ultimately leading to successful outcomes.

To stay current on advancements in Wi-Fi technology, I follow industry publications, attend webinars, and participate in networking forums. Additionally, I regularly engage with colleagues to share knowledge and insights. Continuous learning through certification courses also helps me to understand and implement the latest trends and technologies effectively.

Key performance indicators for measuring the success of Wi-Fi testing include throughput, latency, packet loss rates, and connection stability. I also consider user experience factors, such as the time taken for devices to connect and the reliability of the connection during various environmental conditions. Evaluating these metrics helps ensure our products meet or exceed performance expectations.