Senior Engineer, Solutions Automation

About company: Calix provides the cloud, software platforms, systems and services required for communications service providers to simplify their businesses, excite their subscribers and grow their value. Calix is leading a service provider transformation to deliver a differentiated subscriber experience around the Smart Home and Business, while monetizing their network using Role-based Cloud Services, Telemetry, Analytics, Automation, and the deployment of Software Driven Adaptive networks.

Company Culture: At Calix, we pride ourselves on fostering a culture of continuous improvement, diversity, and inclusion. Our better, better, never best philosophy drives us to constantly evolve and attract the best and brightest talent. We have a longstanding commitment to flexible work-from-home culture, allowing us to hire top talent regardless of location. Our team members are encouraged to share their ideas and contribute to our collective success, creating an open and collaborative environment.

We are seeking an experienced Senior EngineerSolutions Automation with 5+ years of experience in software test automation (especially in NMS and networking domains), expertise in networking and fibre optics technology, and is proficient with modern GUI test automation frameworks (Robot Framework, PYART, Playwright, or similar AI-driven tools). You will execute complex test automation projects, mentor junior engineers, and champion process and technology improvements to enhance product quality and team efficiency.

Key Responsibilities

• Test Automation Leadership: Design, develop, and automate end-to-end solution test cases for a complex NMS GUI application (SMx), ensuring comprehensive coverage of networking and fiber-optic features.
• Framework Development: Leverage frameworks like Robot Framework, PYART, Playwright (or equivalent) to build robust, maintainable automated test suites for GUI and API testing. Evaluate and incorporate innovative, AI-based GUI testing tools to improve efficiency and reliability.
• Project Ownership: Drive the test automation project lifecycle from planning test strategies and environments to execution and results analysis. Ensure timely deliverables and alignment of test plans with product requirements and release timelines.
• Mentorship & Team Collaboration: Mentor and guide junior automation engineers. Conduct code reviews, provide technical guidance, and foster best practices in the team. Collaborate closely with developers, product managers, and other QA teams to clarify requirements and triage issues.
• Quality Improvement: Continuously analyse testing processes and outcomes to identify gaps. Propose and implement improvements in methodologies, tools, and frameworks to enhance test coverage, efficiency, and reliability. Champion quality initiatives, such as CI/CD test integration, advanced metrics, and smarter test data management.
• Domain Expertise Application: Utilise deep knowledge of networking protocols and fiber optics to create realistic test scenarios (e.g. simulating network topologies, simulating customer use cases with network management system) and to troubleshoot complex issues related to network management and optical communication within the product.
  
  

Required Qualifications

• Experience: 5+ years of hands-on experience in software test automation and quality assurance, with significant focus on network management systems (NMS) or similar complex enterprise applications. Progressively responsible roles in test automation (lead or architect level) are expected.
• Domain Expertise: Strong background in the networking domain solid understanding of L2/L3 networking protocol concepts(OSPF, BGP, ISIS, VLAN, VRF), protocols (Ethernet, TCP/IP, SNMP, etc.), and network devices. Experience with fibre optics technology and telecom networks (e.g. knowledge of optical fiber communication, GPON, XGSPON or other optical network systems) is highly valued. This domain knowledge is crucial for designing relevant test scenarios in an SMx environment.
• Test Automation Skills: Advanced proficiency in developing automated tests for GUI and APIs. Expertise with Robot Framework (keyword-driven testing), Playwright or similar web UI testing tools, and PYART (or comparable Python-based automation frameworks). Able to create custom test libraries and harnesses, and integrate test suites into continuous integration pipelines.
• Programming: Strong coding/scripting skills in Python (preferred) or similar languages (to develop automation scripts and frameworks. Ability to work with version control (Git, bitbucket) and familiar with CI/CD tools to run automated tests.
• Education: Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Electronics/Telecommunications, or related field (or equivalent experience). A Master's degree or relevant certifications in software testing or networking (e.g. ISTQB, CCNA, CCNP) is a plus.
  
  

Preferred Qualifications (Nice To Have)

• Telecom Industry Experience: Work experience with telecommunications or networking companies, especially in roles testing network management software or OSS/BSS systems. Familiarity with NMS/EMS products (such as Calix AXOS SMx, Cisco Prime, etc.) or telecom service provisioning is an advantage.
• Additional Automation Tools: Familiarity with other test automation and QA tools, such as Selenium, Cypress, or AI-driven testing platforms (for example, tools with self-healing tests or visual validation). Experience with performance testing tools or frameworks (for simulating load on NMS/network elements) would be a bonus.
• CI/CD and DevOps: Experience integrating automated tests in CI/CD pipelines (Jenkins, GitLab CI) and using containerised test environments (Docker, Kubernetes) for scalable test execution.
• Analytics & Reporting: Experience in using analytics to track quality metrics (test coverage, defect rates) and in creating dashboards or reports to communicate test results and product quality.
• Certifications: Relevant professional certifications, e.g. in networking (Cisco, Juniper), or testing (ISTQB Advanced Test Manager), demonstrating continuous learning and expertise.
  
  

Desired Soft Skills

• Communication: Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal. Capable of explaining complex technical concepts in simple terms to stakeholders, and documenting test plans, designs, and results clearly.
• Problem-Solving: Analytical mindset with exceptional problem-solving and debugging skills. Able to quickly diagnose issues in complex systems (network + software) and guide the team in implementing solutions.
• Innovation & Proactiveness: A proactive approach to work, with a habit of staying updated on latest technologies. Eager to experiment with new tools or techniques (such as AI/ML in testing) that could improve test effectiveness. Brings a continuous improvement mindset to the team's processes and the product's quality.
• Collaboration: Team player who works well in cross-functional settings. Collaborates effectively with development, product management, and operations teams to ensure quality goals are aligned with business objectives. Adaptable and comfortable working in a hybrid work environment, coordinating with global teams if required.
  
  

Location: India (Flexible hybrid work model - work from Bangalore office for 20 days in a quarter)