TECHNICAL LEAD - Embedded C

Happiest Minds Technologies; Bengaluru; On-site; INR 4,200,000 - 7,000,000; Full time

Job summary

Happiest Minds Technologies is seeking an experienced networking protocol developer to own L2/L3 features, primarily in C on Linux platforms, across Cisco IOS, IOS-XE, NX-OS and SONiC NOS environments.

You will design, implement and optimize multi-threaded, socket-based networking components, mentor junior engineers, and collaborate with QA, support, and cross-functional teams to validate and refine software designs.

Qualifications

• 8 to 11 years of hands-on experience in L2/L3 protocol development.
• Strong programming skills in C, OS within Linux environments (Mandatory).
• Experience with networking protocols such as VLAN, STP, RSTP, MSTP, VXLAN, LLDP, LAG; and BGP/OSPF/RIP/EIGRP/IGMP/PIM/MPLS/GRE/IPSec.
• Proficiency in Multi-threading and Socket Programming.
• Excellent knowledge of data structures and memory management.
• Experience with Cisco operating systems – IOS, IOS-XE, NX-OS; strong software architecture and modular design for networking systems.
• Experience with SONiC Network Operating System (NOS).
• Knowledge of programmable packet pipelines (e.g., P4).
• Familiarity with DevOps tools and CI/CD pipelines for network software.
• Exposure to open networking and white-box switch ecosystems.

Responsibilities

• Design and development of L2/L3 network protocol features and enhancements.
• Own and drive the implementation of new networking functionalities in C on Linux platforms (C, Linux kernels mandatory).
• Debug and fix issues in existing protocol implementations and improve software stability.
• Architect and optimize multi-threaded and socket-based communication systems.
• Work with cross-functional teams to integrate features into existing systems (Cisco OS and SONiC NOS).
• Provide technical mentorship to junior engineers and contribute to design/code reviews.
• Collaborate with QA and support teams for validation, testing, and issue resolution.
• Document software design, architecture, and troubleshooting guides.

Skills

C programming

Linux environments

Multi-threading

Socket programming

Data structures

Memory management

Networking protocols

BGP

OSPF

VXLAN

Tools

Cisco IOS

SONiC NOS

P4

CI/CD pipelines

Job description

We are seeking experienced professionals to take on the role focused on L2/L3 networking protocol development. The ideal candidate will have deep expertise in C programming, Linux environments, and protocol-level software design. This role involves leading design, development, debugging, and optimization of networking features across multiple platforms including Cisco IOS, IOS-XE, NX-OS, and open networking systems like SONiC.

Key Responsibilities

• Design and development of L2/L3 network protocol features and enhancements.
• Own and drive the implementation of new networking functionalities in C on Linux platforms. (C, Linux kernels are mandatory)
• Debug and fix issues in existing protocol implementations and improve software stability.
• Architect and optimize multi-threaded and socket-based communication systems.
• Work closely with cross-functional teams to integrate features into existing systems (Cisco OS and SONiC NOS).
• Provide technical mentorship to junior engineers and contribute to design/code reviews.
• Collaborate with QA and support teams for validation, testing, and issue resolution.
• Document software design, architecture, and troubleshooting guides.

Skills and Qualifications:

• 8 to 11 years of hands-on experience in L2/L3 protocol development.
• Strong programming skills in C, OS within Linux environments(Mandatory)
• Experience with networking protocols such as:
• Layer 2: VLAN, STP, RSTP, MSTP, VXLAN, LLDP, LAG
• Layer 3: BGP, OSPF, RIP, EIGRP, IGMP, PIM, MPLS, GRE, IPSec
• Proficiency in Multi-threading and Socket Programming.
• Excellent knowledge of data structures and memory management.
• Experience with Cisco operating systems ? IOS, IOS-XE, NX-OS.Strong understanding of software architecture and modular design for networking systems.
• Experience with SONiC Network Operating System (NOS).
• Knowledge of programmable packet pipelines (e.g., P4).
• Familiarity with DevOps tools and CI/CD pipelines for network software.
• Exposure to open networking and white-box switch ecosystems.