Open Source Networking Software Engineer - ToR Switch / SmartNIC / DPU

Canonical Group - Charlotte, NC

Full-time - Mid Level

Remote - Charlotte, NC

Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services

About the position

The Open Source Networking Software Engineer role focuses on developing and optimizing open source networking software for data center environments. The position involves collaboration with networking silicon providers and contributions to various open source projects, aiming to deliver a comprehensive networking stack that integrates the latest innovations for enterprise customers. The engineer will engage with the broader open-source community and work on software-defined networking solutions, ensuring high-quality, secure, and well-documented software delivery.

Responsibilities

• Work with advanced operating systems and network application technologies.
• Participate upstream and deliver the Ubuntu SoNIC or DENT stacks.
• Collaborate with public clouds and network silicon providers.
• Design and implement software-defined networking experiences for data centers.
• Write high-quality, well-designed, fast, secure, and well-documented software.
• Debug issues and produce high-quality fixes.
• Collaborate proactively with a globally distributed organization.
• Contribute to technical documentation to enhance its quality.
• Display technical leadership internally and in open source communities.
• Influence open-source projects and communities.

Requirements

• Exceptional academic track record with an undergraduate degree in Computer Science or STEM.
• Knowledge of networking architecture, design, and protocols.
• Understanding of Linux networking from kernel to user space.
• Fluency in C/C++ and at least one of Rust, Python, or Golang.
• Professional written and spoken English.
• Experience with Linux.
• Excellent interpersonal skills, curiosity, flexibility, and accountability.
• Passion, thoughtfulness, and self-motivation.
• Excellent communication and presentation skills.
• Result-oriented with a personal drive to meet commitments.
• Ability to travel twice a year for company events up to two weeks each.

Nice-to-haves

• Familiarity with existing open source networking technologies: SONIC / SAI, DENT, kernel (e.g. eBPF, AF_XDP), DPDK, Switchdev, OVN, Open vSwitch.
• Familiarity with data path hardware acceleration protocols and interfaces, such as RDMA, RoCE, iWARP, NVMe, SR-IOV.
• Computer architecture knowledge of x86, ARM, and RISC-V.
• Experience in complex IP network engineering and implementation.
• Experience with virtualization technologies, e.g., QEMU, KVM, etc.
• Previous contribution to open source projects and community involvement.
• Performance engineering and security experience.

Benefits

• Performance-driven annual bonus.
• Personal learning and development budget of USD 2,000 per year.
• Annual compensation review.
• Recognition rewards.
• Annual holiday leave.
• Maternity and paternity leave.
• Employee Assistance Programme.
• Opportunity to travel to new locations to meet colleagues.
• Priority Pass and travel upgrades for long haul company events.