We are seeking a seasoned Lead R&D Architect - Automation & QA with hands-on experience in software testing and automation, specializing in cloud-native architecture and telecommunications networks. This individual contributor role involves architecting and leading testing strategies for the Nokia product line. The ideal candidate will demonstrate technical leadership, sharp analytical skills, and a track record of designing and executing scalable, high-quality test and automation solutions for modern microservices-based environments.

You have:

A Bachelor's/Master's degree in Engineering or Equivalent and brings over 18 years of experience in software testing, including 12+ years in telecom networks, with a strong background in test architecture for cloud-native, microservices-based systems.Proficient in automation using Python, Go, Java, and C++, with hands-on expertise in Linux environments, Docker, Kubernetes, Helm, Envoy, CI/CD, and DevOps tools.Skilled in designing and executing tests for highly scalable, reliable, and resilient systems, with strong debugging, database testing, and observability domain knowledge.Demonstrated leadership in cross-functional teams, delivering under tight deadlines in agile environments, with strong analytical thinking and effective stakeholder communication.

It would be nice if you also had:

Prior experience in NMS/EMS testing & Familiarity with testing in the interoperability and observability domains, including database testing, gRPC services, and open-source integrations.Design and lead product-level testing strategies aligned with both technical requirements and business goals.Define software compatibility standards across Nokia product lines and ensure they are consistently implemented.Architect test systems and automation frameworks for microservices-based, cloud-native deployments, focusing on efficiency and scalability.Translate complex customer and system requirements into detailed, actionable test designs and test plans.Oversee the integration of software subsystems and lead full-system validation to ensure robust end-to-end functionality.Proactively identify and resolve testing gaps, support issues, and performance bottlenecks across the QA pipeline.Collaborate closely with customers, product managers, and development teams to align testing objectives with broader product strategies.Serve as a technical expert and mentor in testing methodologies, lead resolution of customer escalations, and maintain a strategic QA vision in fast-paced, agile environments.