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Principal QA Analyst

Main locations: 

Ville Saint-Laurent, Quebec, CA

Job Type:  Full-time
Workplace type:  Hybrid
Offer number:  5158

EXFO develops smarter test, monitoring and analytics solutions for the global communications industry. We are trusted advisers to fixed and mobile network operators, hyper-scalers and leaders in the manufacturing, development and research sector. They count on us to deliver superior visibility and insights into network performance, service reliability and user experience. Building on over 35 years of innovation, EXFO’s unique blend of equipment, software and services enable faster, more confident transformations related to 5G, cloud-native and fiber optic networks.

Since our beginnings in 1985, diversity has been one of EXFO's core values, fostering an inclusive corporate culture. We welcome people with a wide range of skills and experience into a culture that values innovative ideas, teamwork, and a customer- and market-focused approach. We seek the active contribution of everyone, with respect for the individual, the environment and the community. This is how we fulfill our purpose: to ensure the connected world meets the highest expectations, to bring together people, communities and businesses.

About Us
We are a leading telecom company at the forefront of innovation, delivering software solutions that power global connectivity. Our focus is on building a fiber monitoring solution deployed worldwide in major telecom accounts, ensuring the performance and reliability of critical fiber networks.

Our solution combines a cloud-based server platform with multiple client devices (RTUs) responsible for OTDR acquisition and transmitting measurement results for advanced analysis.

About the Role
We are seeking an experienced and proactive Principal Quality Analyst (QA) to take ownership of the quality assurance process for our client-side solution (RTU devices). In this role, you will ensure that RTU acquisitions, communications with the server, and data integrity meet the highest standards.

As a senior member of the QA team, you will not only design, execute, and automate test cases but also provide leadership in developing a comprehensive end-to-end (E2E) testing strategy in collaboration with QA colleagues working on the server side. You will also act as a primary point of contact for analyzing customer tickets, reproducing issues, and identifying root causes before handing them over to software developers when applicable.

Key Responsibilities
- Lead QA efforts for the RTU client-side solution, ensuring test coverage from acquisition through to server-side analysis.
- Define and implement a comprehensive E2E testing strategy in collaboration with server-side QA team members.
- Coordinate test data management and test environment setup/synchronization between RTU and server QA teams to enable reliable E2E validation.
- Act as the primary point of contact for analyzing customer tickets, reproducing reported issues, and providing detailed diagnostic input to developers.
- Design, develop, and maintain automated and manual test cases for client-side software and firmware.
- Validate OTDR acquisition results, data transmission, synchronization, and error handling across client-server communication.
- Lead test campaign planning and execution using QA Touch, ensuring structured test management.
- Act as a mentor and provide technical guidance to QA colleagues on best practices and automation.
- Contribute to the evolution of CI/CD pipelines with advanced automation strategies.
- Participate in design and code reviews to ensure testability and robust architecture.
- Monitor and report on key quality metrics, providing clear visibility to stakeholders.
- Drive continuous improvement in QA methodologies, tools, and processes.

Required Qualifications
- 5+ years of experience in software/firmware quality assurance, with at least 2 years in a senior or lead role.
- Proven experience designing and executing E2E testing strategies in client/server or distributed systems.
- Strong understanding of embedded systems, hardware/software integrations, and networked devices.
- Hands-on experience with BDD testing using Gherkin and Cucumber.
- Familiarity with automation frameworks (e.g., Python, Robot Framework, or similar).
- Experience with network protocols, data validation, and troubleshooting.
- Proficiency in Linux-based environments.
- Strong analytical, leadership, and problem-solving skills.
- Excellent collaboration and communication skills, with experience working across multi-disciplinary teams.

Nice to Have
- Experience with OTDR, optical fiber testing, or telecom systems.
- Exposure to Docker, Kubernetes, or cloud-native environments.
- Familiarity with monitoring tools and system performance testing.
- Knowledge of version control systems (e.g., Git).
- Experience with agile methodologies (Scrum, SAFe).
- Understanding of Selenium for test automation.

What We Offer
- Competitive salary and comprehensive benefits.
- Flexible work hours and remote work options.
- A collaborative and inclusive team culture.
- Opportunities for leadership, continuous learning, and career growth.

Must Have
- Bachelor’s degree in software engineering, computer science, telecommunications, or equivalent.
- Bilingual (French and English, oral and written).
- Legally authorized to work in Canada.

EXFO is an equal opportunity employer

Diversity is an asset that has made EXFO strong since its inception because it enriches us. For more information about diversity and inclusion at EXFO, read our DEI Statement.

For positions located in Quebec, the language requirement is French. However, in the context where the incumbent evolves in an international work environment and where the activities take place mainly outside Quebec, we favor bilingualism as a linguistic requirement.

Do you have questions about this career opportunity or our hiring process? Contact us at careers@exfo.com or, if you are applying for a job located in Mexico, at mexico-careers@exfo.com.

Thank you for your interest in EXFO!

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