> Markdown version of [/jobs/ext/4326564-infrastructure-network-testing-lead](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/jobs/ext/4326564-infrastructure-network-testing-lead). Every page supports `.md` or `Accept: text/markdown`. Links point to the HTML versions so they work for humans too. Agent guide: [/agents.md](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/agents.md).

---

# Infrastructure Network Testing Lead

- **Company:** Northern Trust
- **Location:** Chicago, IL, United States
- **Experience:** Expert
- **Salary:** $95,600.0 - $162,400.0
- **Contract:** Permanent contract
- **Skills:** Microsoft Excel, Agile Methodology, Amazon Web Services, Confluence, JIRA, Microsoft Azure, Software Bug Management, Cloud Computing, Control Objectives for Information and Related Technology (COBIT), Code Coverage, Software Quality, Network Security, Routing, Network Service, Microsoft PowerPoint, Scrum Methodology, Release Management, Zero Trust Network Access, Microsoft SharePoint, Software Deployment, Strategies of Testing, Wide Area Networks, Scripting, Load Balancing, Test Scripts, Firewalls (Computer Science), Information Technology, Servicenow
- **Published:** October 28, 2026
- **Apply:** https://www.dice.com/job-detail/e60c5b4c-0313-4ba9-96fd-6c6515dbe79c

## About the Role

10-14 years total IT experience, with 5+ years in Network testing delivery leadership, * Knowledge with SD-WAN (Silver Peak/Palo Alto), Zscaler, F5, Infoblox, Cloud (Azure/AWS)

 * Experience in automation tools, scripting, and CI/CD validation
 * Knowledge of risk frameworks, audit compliance, and governance

Soft & Leadership Skills

 * Strong delivery ownership and decision-making
 * Executive-level communication and stakeholder management
 * Risk-based thinking and escalation judgment
 * Ability to manage cross-functional, geographically distributed teams
 * Structured problem-solving and incident leadership
 * Support continuous improvement initiatives in testing and validation practices
 * Mentor junior engineers on testing methodologies and tools
 * Stay updated with emerging network technologies and testing strategies

Certifications (Preferred / Nice to Have)

 * Certifications: CCNA/CCNP, ITIL (nice to have)ITIL, COBIT

## Description

Lead Software Quality Engineer - Network responsible for validating enterprise network changes across LAN/WAN, security, and cloud platforms. Ensures changes meet functional, performance, and compliance requirements prior to production release. Partners with engineering and operations teams to enable high-quality, low-risk deployments., * Execute validation of network changes (routing, switching, firewall, SD-WAN, load balancers)

 * Responsible for independent validation, testing, and quality assurance of enterprise network changes across LAN/WAN, security, and cloud platforms.
 * Ensures all network changes meet functional, performance, security, and compliance requirements prior to production deployment.
 * Collaborates with Network Engineering, Operations, CAB, and Risk teams to deliver high-quality, low-risk releases. Acts as a quality gate to reduce incidents and improve deployment success through structured testing and automation.
 * Accountable to deliver estimate efforts, track and address failed changes incidents and identify do better opportunities.
 * Accountable to drive quality efficiencies and effectiveness using automated solutions for Network and Security changes, testing life cycle and change process optimization.
 * Design and run test plans, test cases, and validation scenarios.
 * Identify defects, risks, and provide go/no-go recommendations
 * Collaborate with engineering, CAB, and release teams for change readiness
 * Drive automation and improve testing efficiency and coverage
 * Maintain validation evidence, test reports, and quality metrics
 * Experience on Excel, PowerPoint, SharePoint, Service Now , ITIL Service Management Concepts and Tools HP,BMC Remedy, ServiceNow(Incident, Problem, Change, Release)
 * Familiarity of Agile Methodology Scrum/Kanban and project management tools like Azure and Jira.
 * Flexibility to work on weekend's

 * SDAM & ITSM Regulatory documentation upkeep

Mandatory Technical Skills

 * Network Change Validation & Testing
 + Perform end-to-end validation of network changes (Switching, Routing, Firewall, SD-WAN, Zscaler, Load Balancers)
 + Design and execute detailed test plans, test cases, and validation scenarios
 + Validate functionality, performance, resilience, and security compliance
 + Conduct regression and post-change validation before production release
 + Ensure all validations align with CAB approvals and change governance
 * Defect Management & Risk Control
 + Identify, document, and track defects, risks, and validation gaps
 + Provide clear go/no-go recommendations during release/bridge calls
 + Coordinate with engineering teams for defect resolution and re-validation
 + Ensure compliance with risk, audit, and governance requirements

 * Test Strategy & Automation
 + Develop and maintain standardized testing frameworks and SOPs
 + Drive automation of validation processes using scripts and tools
 + Improve test coverage across network technologies and environments
 + Enhance efficiency and reduce manual testing efforts
 * Stakeholder & Governance Engagement
 + Collaborate with Network Engineering, Operations, Release Management, and CAB
 + Participate in bridge calls, change reviews, and governance forums
 + Communicate validation results, risks, and readiness status clearly
 + Support release decision-making with quality insights
 * Documentation & Reporting
 + Maintain test plans, execution reports, and validation evidence
 + Track and publish quality metrics (defect leakage, incident reduction, automation coverage)
 + Create and maintain knowledge base articles (ServiceNow / Confluence)
 + Ensure audit readiness with proper documentation and traceability