Software Quality Assurance Manager – IEEE 802.15.4 / Zigbee / OpenThread

Job Title

Software Quality Assurance Manager – IEEE 802.15.4 / Zigbee / OpenThread

Role Summary

Lead and build a Software Quality Assurance team in Hyderabad responsible for validation and release readiness of IEEE 802.15.4-based connectivity solutions (Zigbee and Thread/OpenThread) on Silicon Labs wireless SoCs. Collaborate with firmware, embedded software, applications, product, and global engineering teams to ensure interoperability, automation, and product quality.

Primary focus areas include protocol validation, automation, interoperability testing, certification readiness, and measurable quality metrics for Matter over Thread and related ecosystems.

Experience Level

Senior — typically 12+ years overall experience in embedded software, wireless connectivity, networking, or related engineering fields, with substantial experience in IEEE 802.15.4-based technologies; 2+ years managing a small engineering/SQA team (approximately 5–8 members).

Responsibilities

Drive quality engineering and team leadership for low-power mesh networking products. Key responsibilities:

• Build, lead, and mentor a Hyderabad SQA team focused on IEEE 802.15.4, Zigbee, and Thread/OpenThread.
• Define and execute validation strategy for protocol stacks, firmware, and system integration.
• Ensure coverage for functionality, security, interoperability, performance, reliability, stress, and regression testing.
• Design and scale automation frameworks, reduce manual test backlog, and maintain reusable test infrastructure and labs.
• Plan and run interoperability and ecosystem validation with third-party devices and certification programs.
• Collaborate with development, product, program management, and global engineering teams on priorities, schedules, and defect resolution.
• Establish and report quality metrics, risks, release readiness, and mitigation plans to leadership.
• Promote continuous improvement in QA methodologies, tools, and engineering productivity, including responsible use of Gen AI-assisted tools.

Requirements

Must-have skills and experience:

• Proven experience building and managing SQA, software development in test, or embedded wireless validation teams; strong people management (hiring, mentoring, performance, resource planning).
• Technical depth in IEEE 802.15.4 and hands-on experience testing, validating, debugging, or developing Zigbee or Thread/OpenThread solutions (deep in one, working knowledge of the other).
• Understanding of low-power mesh networking: network formation, routing, security, commissioning, scale and long-duration behavior.
• Experience validating embedded software/firmware on MCU/SoC platforms and system-level debugging across host, stack, radio, and application layers.
• Experience with interoperability or certification-oriented validation involving multiple vendors/devices.
• Familiarity with CI/CD, automated regression systems, and test infrastructure; proficiency in Python for test automation and debugging.
• Working knowledge of C/C++ and embedded debugging; experience with Git and issue/project tracking tools (e.g., Jira).
• Strong communication, stakeholder management, and leadership skills; ability to work flexibly across time zones supporting teams in the USA and Europe.

Nice-to-have:

• Experience with Silicon Labs EFR platforms, Simplicity Studio, Gecko SDK, or comparable wireless SDKs.
• Experience with Zigbee/Thread/Matter certification programs, protocol analyzers (Wireshark), RF capture tools, and scalable automated testbeds or device farms.
• Familiarity with coexistence issues (Bluetooth LE, Wi‑Fi) and demonstrated application of GenAI tools to engineering productivity.

Education Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Electronics/Communication Engineering, Computer Science, or a related discipline preferred; equivalent relevant education or practical experience accepted.

About the Company

Company: Silicon Labs

Headquarters: Austin, Texas, USA

Silicon Labs is a leading innovator in low-power wireless connectivity, creating embedded technology that connects devices to improve lives. With a focus on advanced edge connectivity applications, the company provides device makers with cutting-edge solutions and support. Headquartered in Austin, Texas, Silicon Labs operates in over 16 countries, serving markets such as smart home, industrial IoT, and smart cities.