Switch Test Engineer

Location: Richardson, TX
Employment Type: Full-Time, Permanent
Salary: $80,000 to $120,000 per year (base salary)
Industry: Telecommunications & Networking Solutions

International Training Requirement: This position requires approximately 1 2 months of international travel to Thailand for on-site training at established production facilities.

Note: No C2C (Corp-to-Corp) or 1099. No visa sponsorship. Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the United States for the duration of the assignment.

Position Overview:

We are seeking a Switch Test Engineer to support the testing and validation of optical modules within Ethernet switch platforms. This role will focus on establishing customer application test environments, configuring and commissioning network equipment, performing functional and interoperability testing, and troubleshooting technical issues.

The ideal candidate will have hands-on experience with Ethernet switches, optical transceivers, networking protocols, and system-level validation. This position also involves developing test procedures, coordinating with cross-functional engineering teams, and providing technical support to ensure product quality and testing consistency.

Key Responsibilities:

Switch & Optical Module Testing

• Set up and maintain test environments that simulate real-world customer applications.
• Perform functional, interoperability, stability, and performance testing of optical modules within Ethernet switch platforms.
• Execute link establishment, traffic transmission, extended operation, and abnormal-condition testing.
• Review test results, document findings, and coordinate technical requirements and results with customers.

Equipment Configuration & Software Management

• Install, configure, commission, and validate Ethernet switches, test instruments, and supporting equipment.
• Verify switch port configurations, test parameters, hardware versions, and software compatibility.
• Perform approved software, firmware, and test program updates.
• Maintain version records, configuration backups, and rollback procedures.

Troubleshooting & Failure Analysis

• Reproduce and investigate technical issues identified during testing.
• Analyze switch logs, optical module data, traffic test results, and other diagnostic information.
• Identify potential failure sources involving products, switch platforms, software versions, configurations, or connectivity accessories.
• Coordinate with engineering and other technical teams to implement corrective actions and verify resolutions through retesting.

Test Documentation & Process Improvement

• Develop and maintain standard operating procedures (SOPs), test instructions, equipment configuration guides, and troubleshooting documentation.
• Establish consistent testing procedures, operating standards, and acceptance criteria.
• Identify process risks and implement operational controls, including version management, configuration verification, and pre-test checks.
• Maintain accurate test records, reports, and issue-tracking documentation.

Equipment & Material Management

• Manage customer-provided switches, test equipment, samples, and related materials.
• Maintain equipment inventories, usage records, identification, and traceability.
• Monitor repair consumables, spare parts, and material availability to support testing schedules and operational requirements.

Training & Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Provide hands-on training, technical demonstrations, and coaching to personnel involved in testing activities.
• Verify operating competency and update training materials as procedures or technical requirements change.
• Collaborate with R&D, manufacturing, quality, process, and equipment engineering teams to resolve technical issues.
• Coordinate testing requirements, equipment resources, project schedules, and action items with internal and external stakeholders.

Required Qualifications:

• Associate degree or higher in Electronics, Electrical Engineering, Telecommunications, Computer Engineering, or a related technical discipline; equivalent practical experience may also be considered.
• At least 2 years of experience working with networking products, Ethernet switches, optical modules, or system validation.
• Working knowledge of Ethernet, TCP/IP, port speeds, Forward Error Correction (FEC), and basic VLAN concepts.
• Experience using Command Line Interface (CLI) tools to review network configurations, equipment status, and diagnostic logs.
• Hands-on ability to configure switch and optical module test environments and perform link, traffic, stability, and interoperability testing.
• Experience troubleshooting technical issues using switch logs, module data, diagnostic measurements, and component substitution.
• Familiarity with software and firmware updates, version control, configuration backups, validation, and rollback procedures.
• Ability to create technical documentation, develop SOPs, and provide hands-on training.
• Strong organizational, troubleshooting, documentation, and cross-functional communication skills.
• Ability to read technical documentation in English and communicate technical information through routine emails and discussions.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience with customer switch platform validation, Linux environments, or network troubleshooting.
• Familiarity with Python, Shell scripting, or automated network traffic testing.
• Experience with CMIS/SFF management interfaces, optical module firmware, or high-speed Ethernet product validation.