Protocol Validation Engineer

We are seeking an experienced Protocol Validation Engineer to design, execute, and drive test coverage across Layer 2/Layer 3 networking and advanced TSN/AVB feature sets for Ethernet switch and NIC silicon. This role spans the full product lifecycle — from early bring-up through pre-production sign-off — and requires close collaboration with firmware, hardware, and systems engineering teams to validate protocol conformance, performance, and interoperability.

Roles and Responsibilities:

• Design, build, and execute test plans covering Layer 2 switching (VLANs, MAC learning/forwarding, link aggregation), Layer 3 routing/IP forwarding, and advanced TSN/AVB features, from bring-up through pre-production sign-off.
• Configure and operate commercial network test equipment (e.g., Ixia/Keysight IxNetwork or equivalent) to emulate real-world, multi-device topologies and edge cases.
• Capture, analyze, and root-cause protocol-level issues using packet analysis tools (Wireshark) and structured debug methodology.
• Validate time synchronization, traffic scheduling/shaping, stream reservation, frame preemption, redundancy, and Data Center Bridging (DCB) features against IEEE/AVnu specifications.
• Distinguish DUT issues from test-tool limitations, and drive resolution with vendor support and internal firmware/hardware teams.
• Build and maintain test automation using scripting/REST APIs to scale coverage and reduce manual test cycles.
• Document test topologies, configurations, results, and defects clearly (Jira/Confluence) for cross-team visibility.
• Partner with firmware, hardware, and systems engineering teams throughout the product development lifecycle.

Required Qualifications:

• 10+ years of experience in network test, validation, or systems engineering, ideally on Ethernet switch or NIC silicon.
• Strong general networking foundation across Layer 2 Ethernet switching (VLANs, spanning tree, link aggregation, forwarding/filtering) and Layer 3/IP fundamentals (routing, ARP/ND, IP forwarding, QoS).
• Working knowledge of the AVB/TSN protocol suite — time synchronization, traffic shaping and scheduling, stream reservation, frame preemption, and redundancy — and how these map to real customer use cases (automotive, industrial, pro-AV).
• Hands-on experience with commercial network test platforms (Ixia/Keysight, Spirent, or similar) for protocol conformance and performance testing.
• Strong packet-level debugging skills using Wireshark and Linux-based test environments (linuxptp or equivalent PTP stacks a plus).
• Scripting/automation experience (Python) for test tooling and REST API-driven configuration.
• Excellent troubleshooting instincts and the judgment to isolate whether an issue sits in the DUT, the test tool, or the test methodology itself.
• Clear written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to document findings and drive discussions across firmware, hardware, and vendor teams.

Nice to Have:

• Experience with Data Center Bridging features (PFC, ETS, DCBX).
• Automotive Ethernet or industrial TSN profile experience.
• Pre-silicon emulation or FPGA-based validation experience.
• Familiarity with vendor REST/Python automation frameworks (e.g., RestPy or similar).

What You'll Get in Return:

• Technology Depth and Breadth Expansion: Unparalleled opportunities for technological growth that are hard to find in larger organizations.
• Career Growth: Significant opportunities to grow your career as the company expands.
• Pre-IPO Stock Options: Become a part of our success with pre-IPO stock options.
• Cutting-Edge Technology: Work with the latest advancements in networking and embedded systems.
• World-Class Team: Collaborate with highly skilled and passionate professionals.
• Competitive Base Salary: Receive a compensation package that reflects your expertise and contributions.
• Flexible Hours: Enjoy flexibility in your work schedule.