Senior Patch Research Engineer
On-sitePune, Maharashtra, India
Job Summary
Research, author, and maintain patch metadata for third-party Windows applications across a broad software catalog by identifying new releases, security updates, and version changes from vendor sources, changelogs, and advisories. Map vendor releases to structured schemas including version strings, download URLs, detection logic, and installation parameters while tracking End-of-Life dates. Document and validate silent installation parameters for diverse installer types, verify correct msiexec.exe flags and NSIS switches, and determine accurate reboot behavior. Research and validate Windows registry keys and file-based detection paths, then manually test patch installation in sandbox environments to verify detection logic post-install. This role supports the Patch Management product team at Qualys, a leading provider of cloud-based security and compliance solutions.
Required Qualifications
- 4-5 years of experience in Windows systems administration, patch management, or software packaging
- Strong understanding of Windows OS internals — registry structure, file system, user vs. system installation scopes, environment variables, and PATH management
- Hands-on experience with Windows patching tools (WSUS, SCCM/ConfigMgr, Ivanti, Qualys, Chocolatey, or equivalent)
- Experience with manual patch installation — running MSI/EXE installers, using msiexec.exe with switches, repackaging software
- Solid understanding of installer technologies: MSI/WiX, NSIS, InnoSetup, Squirrel, and their silent install mechanisms
- Familiarity with the Windows registry and the ability to trace installation artifacts to their registry keys
Desired Qualifications
- Experience building or maintaining a software patch catalog (Adaptiva, Chocolatey, ManageEngine, or similar)
- Experience with Windows Installer (MSI) internals — product codes, upgrade codes, component tables
- Knowledge of ARM64 Windows platform nuances and multi-architecture software distribution
- Good understanding of Windows Update infrastructure (WUA, WSUS, CBS/SFC)
- Scripting experience in Python or PowerShell
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