Infrastructure Network Testing Lead

About Northern TrustAs a global leader in innovative wealth management, asset servicing, asset management and banking services, Northern Trust (Nasdaq: NTRS) is proud to guide the world’s most successful individuals, families, corporations and institutions. Since 1889, we have aligned our efforts with our three guiding Principles That Endure: Service, Expertise, and Integrity. Together, they reflect the three cornerstones of business conduct which we strive to instill in our employees, whom we call partners, and to provide to our clients and the communities we serve worldwide. With more than 135 years of financial experience and over 24,000 partners, we serve the world’s most sophisticated clients using leading technology and exceptional service. Network Testing Delivery LeadExperience10–14 years total IT experience, with 5+ years in Network testing delivery leadershipRole SummaryLead 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.Key ResponsibilitiesExecute 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 recommendationsCollaborate with engineering, CAB, and release teams for change readinessDrive automation and improve testing efficiency and coverageMaintain validation evidence, test reports, and quality metricsExperience 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'sSDAM & ITSM Regulatory documentation upkeepMandatory Technical SkillsNetwork Change Validation & TestingPerform 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 scenariosValidate functionality, performance, resilience, and security complianceConduct regression and post-change validation before production releaseEnsure all validations align with CAB approvals and change governanceDefect Management & Risk ControlIdentify, document, and track defects, risks, and validation gapsProvide clear go/no-go recommendations during release/bridge callsCoordinate with engineering teams for defect resolution and re-validationEnsure compliance with risk, audit, and governance requirementsTest Strategy & AutomationDevelop and maintain standardized testing frameworks and SOPsDrive automation of validation processes using scripts and toolsImprove test coverage across network technologies and environmentsEnhance efficiency and reduce manual testing effortsStakeholder & Governance EngagementCollaborate with Network Engineering, Operations, Release Management, and CABParticipate in bridge calls, change reviews, and governance forumsCommunicate validation results, risks, and readiness status clearlySupport release decision-making with quality insightsDocumentation & ReportingMaintain test plans, execution reports, and validation evidenceTrack 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 traceabilityGood-to-Have Technical SkillsKnowledge with SD-WAN (Silver Peak/Palo Alto), Zscaler, F5, Infoblox, Cloud (Azure/AWS)Experience in automation tools, scripting, and CI/CD validationKnowledge of risk frameworks, audit compliance, and governanceSoft & Leadership SkillsStrong delivery ownership and decision-makingExecutive-level communication and stakeholder managementRisk-based thinking and escalation judgmentAbility to manage cross-functional, geographically distributed teamsStructured problem-solving and incident leadershipSupport continuous improvement initiatives in testing and validation practicesMentor junior engineers on testing methodologies and toolsStay updated with emerging network technologies and testing strategiesCertifications (Preferred / Nice to Have)Certifications: CCNA/CCNP, ITIL (nice to have)ITIL, COBITSalary Range:$95,600 - 162,400 USDSalary range is a good faith estimate of base pay. Northern Trust provides a comprehensive benefits package including retirement benefits (401k and pension), health and welfare benefits (medical, dental, vision, spending accounts and disability), paid time off, parental and caregiver leave, life & accident insurance, and other voluntary and well-being benefits. Northern Trust also provides a discretionary bonus program that may include an equity component.Work AuthorizationApplicants must be authorized to work in the U.S. without the need for employment-based visa sponsorship now or in the future. Northern Trust will not sponsor applicants for U.S. work visa status for this opportunity (no sponsorship is available for H-1B, L-1, TN, O-1, E-3, H-1B1, F-1, J-1, OPT, CPT or any other employment-based visa). Working with UsAs a Northern Trust partner, you will be part of a flexible and collaborative work culture, which has a strong history of financial strength and stability. Movement within the organization is encouraged, senior leaders are accessible, and you can take pride in working for a company committed to an inclusive workplace and assisting the communities we serve.Philanthropy is deeply rooted in Northern Trust’s history and is an essential element of our culture. Employees around the world give their time and talent to work for the greater good of their communities. Reasonable Accommodation Northern Trust is committed to working with and providing adjustments to individuals with health conditions and disabilities. If you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the employment process, please email our HR Service Center at View email address on click.appcast.io, or alternatively you can discuss your individual requirements with the recruiter you are working with. SummaryLocation: Chicago, ILType: Full time