Protocol Validation Engineer (Exp 10+ Years)

Ethernovia's co-founders are serial technology entrepreneurs with multiple prior successful ventures together. We are well-funded and backed by some of the worlds’ leading technology investors, having secured $154M ($90+M Series-B and $64M Series-A) in total funding to date:

• Ethernovia Raises Over $90 Million Series B to Scale Leading-Edge Autonomy and Physical AI Networking Chips
• Ethernovia Raises $64 Million to Accelerate the Revolution of Vehicle Networks | Business Wire
• (financial backers include: Porsche SE, Qualcomm, AMD, Western Digital, Maverick Silicon, Socratic Partners, Conduit Capital, and CDIB-TEN Capital)

Join Ethernovia’s team to make a lasting impact on the future of packet processor-centric networking solutions to support the real-time sensor, Physical AI, and control data demands of software-defined autonomy across vehicles, robots and intelligent machines. Come share in our success with pre-IPO shares, competitive compensation, and great benefits while growing your knowledge and career with world class talent. We are looking for talented engineers and leaders who have an entrepreneurial spirit and want to drive cutting edge designs from concept to silicon to the future of mobility.

Protocol Validation Engineer (Experience: 10+ years only)

Job Summary

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.

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.