Protocol Validation Engineer

Job Title

Protocol Validation Engineer

Role Summary

Lead validation of Ethernet switch and NIC silicon across Layer 2/Layer 3 and TSN/AVB feature sets. The role covers the full product lifecycle from early bring-up through pre-production sign-off and requires close collaboration with firmware, hardware, and systems teams.

Experience Level

Senior — 10+ years of relevant network test, validation, or systems engineering experience.

Responsibilities

Validate protocol conformance, performance, and interoperability for Ethernet devices and features. Typical duties include:

• Design, build, and execute test plans for Layer 2 switching (VLANs, MAC learning/forwarding, link aggregation), Layer 3/IP forwarding, and TSN/AVB features from bring-up to pre-production sign-off.
• Configure and operate commercial network test equipment (Ixia/Keysight, Spirent, or equivalent) to emulate multi-device topologies and edge cases.
• Capture and analyze packet-level traces using Wireshark and other tools; perform structured root-cause analysis.
• Validate time synchronization, traffic scheduling/shaping, stream reservation, frame preemption, redundancy, and DCB features against standards.
• Differentiate DUT issues from test-tool limitations and coordinate resolution with vendors and internal firmware/hardware teams.
• Build and maintain automated test frameworks and scripts (REST APIs, Python) to scale coverage.
• Document test topologies, configurations, results, and defects in tracking and knowledge systems for cross-team visibility.
• Partner with firmware, hardware, and systems engineering throughout development cycles.

Requirements

Must-have technical skills and experience:

• 10+ years in network test, validation, or systems engineering, preferably on Ethernet switch or NIC silicon.
• Strong Layer 2 switching knowledge (VLANs, STP, link aggregation, MAC learning/forwarding) and Layer 3/IP fundamentals (routing, ARP/ND, IP forwarding, QoS).
• Working knowledge of AVB/TSN concepts: time synchronization, traffic shaping/scheduling, stream reservation, frame preemption, redundancy.
• Hands-on experience with commercial network test platforms (Ixia/Keysight, Spirent, or similar) for protocol conformance and performance testing.
• Packet-level debugging skills with Wireshark and Linux-based test environments (experience with linuxptp or other PTP stacks is a plus).
• Scripting and automation skills (Python) for test tooling and REST API-driven configuration.
• Strong troubleshooting judgment to identify whether issues originate in DUT, test tools, or test methodology.
• Clear written and verbal communication for cross-team documentation and coordination.

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).

Education Requirements

Not specified.

About the Company

Company: Ethernovia

Develops advanced automotive communication semiconductors and systems, focusing on digital SoC design and verification for networking, video, DSP and related IP. Startup-stage employer offering pre-IPO stock options and benefits.