QA Automation Lead (Network OS)

About the project

We’re working on a new network OS covering core networking functionality such as routing, firewalling, network interfaces, VPNs and tunneling, configuration, and upgrades. The project is currently entering the QA automation stage. The first step is a PoC focused on adapting an established automated test suite from a similar networking product to the new platform and defining the scope for broader automated coverage.

About the role

We’re building a new QA team for the product and are looking for a hands-on QA Automation Lead to start it from the ground up. During the PoC, you’ll work closely with the lead of the existing QA team, get to know the product and the current test suite, build the initial tests, identify gaps and technical challenges, and help estimate the scope, timeline, and team needed for full automated coverage. Once the PoC is approved, you’ll lead the new QA team and stay technically involved. We’re looking for someone who can define the testing approach and implement it alongside the team.

What you’ll do

• Build automated test coverage for a network OS.
• Review and adapt an existing automated test suite for the new platform.
• Build new automated tests where needed.
• Test routing, firewalling, network interfaces, VPNs and tunneling, configuration, upgrades, and regressions.
• Identify coverage gaps and decide where existing tests can be reused and where new ones are needed.
• Help estimate the scope and timeline for broader automated coverage.
• Help shape and grow the new QA team.

What we’re looking for

1. QA Automation
   • Experience building and maintaining automated test suites.
   • Hands-on test automation experience.
2. Networking & Systems
   • Networking knowledge, including routing, network stacks, firewalls, VPNs, tunneling, interfaces, and related protocols.
   • Hands-on experience with Unix-like systems.
3. Leadership & Ownership
   • Experience leading QA engineers or owning QA for a complex technical product.
   • Ability to understand complex systems, define a practical testing approach, and turn it into working tests.
   • Ability to take an ambiguous starting point, build a working PoC, and turn the findings into a realistic engineering plan.

What you can expect

• A hands-on role where you can influence the testing approach from the early PoC stage.
• An opportunity to help build a new QA team and shape its testing processes.
• Close collaboration with the lead of the existing QA team during the initial stage.
• A technically complex product focused on networking and system-level testing.

Position Details

• Remote, full-time.
• Initial 3-month B2B contract, with the possibility of extension.
• Working hours: CET. You can be based in another time zone as long as you’re comfortable working with CET hours.
• Languages: English at B2+ level is required; Russian is strongly preferred.