Network Test Automation Engineer | Python | BGP | CI/CD | Datacenter Networking

Automation Engineer IV (Network Test Automation)📍 Location: Menlo Park CA💼 Job Type: Contract🕒 Experience: 5–8+ Years🎓 Education: Bachelor's Degree in Computer Science, Network Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or related fieldAbout the RoleOur Datacenter Product Introductions team is expanding its automation and CI/CD capabilities to support the rapid introduction of next-generation networking technologies. We are seeking an experienced Automation Engineer IV with a strong background in network test automation, Python development, and datacenter networking to help validate and automate large-scale network infrastructure solutions.This role will focus on building automated test coverage for technologies including BGP, Open/R, datacenter fabrics, switches, optics, and routing platforms, ensuring high-quality releases through robust CI/CD integration and network validation.Key ResponsibilitiesDesign, develop, and execute automated end-to-end network test cases covering:Control Plane validationData Plane validationPerformance testingStress & Soak testingDevelop automation using Python within an internal network test framework.Build, configure, and execute traffic-generation tests using Ixia/Keysight and similar platforms.Convert network qualification test plans into automated, repeatable test suites.Integrate automated tests into CI/CD release pipelines and release-gating workflows.Investigate test failures, differentiate automation flakiness from legitimate regressions, and drive issue resolution.Enhance and maintain automation frameworks, lab configurations, and network test tooling.Collaborate closely with infrastructure, routing, switching, and cross-functional engineering teams to expand test coverage and improve release quality.Required Qualifications5–8+ years of experience in:Software Test AutomationNetwork Test AutomationQA EngineeringStrong proficiency in Python scripting, debugging, and automation framework development.Hands-on expertise with networking fundamentals, including:BGPRouting & ForwardingLayer 2 / Layer 3 NetworkingControl Plane & Data Plane conceptsExperience working with traffic generation tools such as:IxiaKeysightSimilar network performance platformsStrong understanding of CI/CD pipelines and automated testing workflows.Experience working in Linux environments and source control systems (Git or equivalent).Preferred QualificationsExperience with:Open/RECMP / UCMPLarge-scale Datacenter Fabric architecturesExposure to network operating systems such as:Arista EOSOther vendor NOS platformsExperience qualifying:Network switchesOpticsNetworking hardware platformsFamiliarity with:Lab automationDevice provisioningScale testingPerformance benchmarkingInfrastructure validationIdeal CandidateYou are passionate about networking, automation, and large-scale infrastructure validation. You enjoy working at the intersection of software engineering and network engineering, building scalable automation solutions that improve quality, reliability, and deployment velocity for modern datacenter environments.SkillsPython | Network Automation | BGP | Routing & Switching | L2/L3 Networking | Open/R | ECMP | UCMP | Datacenter Networks | Network Validation | Test Automation | QA Engineering | CI/CD | Linux | Git | Ixia | Keysight | Traffic Generation | Arista EOS | Lab Automation | Performance Testing | Scale Testing | Control Plane | Data Plane | Network Hardware Validation Pay and BenefitsPay Range Minimum: $ 55 per hourPay Range Maximum: $ 65 per hourHCLTech is an equal opportunity employer, committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all applicants and employees regardless of race, religion, sex, color, age, national origin, pregnancy, sexual orientation, physical disability or genetic information, military or veteran status, or any other protected classification, in accordance with federal, state, and/or local law. Should any applicant have concerns about discrimination in the hiring process, they should provide a detailed report of those concerns to secure@hcltech.com for investigation.A candidate’s pay within the range will depend on their skills, experience, education, and other factors permitted by law. This role may also be eligible for performance-based bonuses subject to company policies. In addition, this role is eligible for the following benefits subject to company policies: medical, dental, vision, pharmacy, life, accidental death & dismemberment, and disability insurance; employee assistance program; 401(k) retirement plan; 10 days of paid time off per year (some positions are eligible for need-based leave with no designated number of leave days per year); and 10 paid holidays per yearHow You’ll GrowAt HCLTech, we offer continuous opportunities for you to find your spark and grow with us. We want you to be happy and satisfied with your role and to really learn what type of work sparks your brilliance the best. Throughout your time with us, we offer transparent communication with senior-level employees, learning and career development programs at every level, and opportunities to experiment in different roles or even pivot industries. We believe that you should be in control of your career with unlimited opportunities to find the role that fits you best.