Principal Software Engineer - Dataplane Software (VPP)

Calix; United States; Remote; USD 159,000 - 311,000; Full time

Job summary

An innovative company is seeking a Principal Software Engineer to lead the development of advanced network solutions. This remote role involves designing high-performance software for carrier access switching products, leveraging cutting-edge technologies like DPDK and VPP. You will collaborate with cross-functional teams to implement networking protocols and enhance system reliability. The ideal candidate will possess extensive experience in C/C++ programming, networking technologies, and Linux internals. Join a dynamic team where your expertise will significantly impact the future of internet infrastructure!

Qualifications

• 14+ years of relevant experience in networking and software development.
• Proven expertise in C and C++ for systems-level software.
• Strong understanding of data path concepts and packet processing.

Responsibilities

• Design and maintain network systems software for high-performance environments.
• Optimize network data processing using DPDK and VPP.
• Mentor junior engineers and participate in design/code reviews.

Skills

C Programming

C++ Programming

Networking Protocols

DPDK

VPP

Firewall Solutions

Linux Kernel Internals

Packet Processing

Multi-threading

Analytical Skills

Education

Bachelor's Degree in Computer Science

Master's Degree in Electronics and Communication Engineering

Tools

Linux

ODP (OpenDataPlane)

Marvel Octeon

Job description

Calix is seeking a Principal Software Engineer to join our dynamic team and contribute to the development of cutting-edge network solutions and Security solutions for Calix high-end carrier access switching products for Internet infrastructure. If you're well-versed in networking technologies, DPDK (Data Plane Development Kit), VPP (Vector Packet Processing), Switch Dataplane, NAT, Firewall (stateful and stateless), DPI, IPSec, and ODP (Open DataPlane), we want to hear from you.

Responsibilities & Duties:

1. Design, develop, and maintain network systems software and Security software for high-performance and low-latency environments.
2. Optimize network data processing by leveraging DPDK and VPP.
3. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to define and implement networking protocols (L2, L3, MPLS, NAT, tunnelling - VPN, IPSec, GRE, VxLAN etc) and features.
4. Develop and maintain software libraries, applications, and tools related to network systems and network security systems.
5. Expertise in Linux kernel internals, debugging, troubleshooting, with strong knowledge of networking and protocols. Good knowledge of different data plane architectures like OpenDP, DPDK, Openflow, VPP, etc. and processor architectures like MIPS, ARM, and x86, including their software dependencies in Linux.
6. Ensure the reliability and scalability of network solutions.
7. Draft high-level and detailed design documentation for new features and capabilities.
8. Propose and implement tools to accelerate software system development and debugging environments.
9. Participate in design/code reviews, architecture discussions, and drive continuous software development process improvements.
10. Propose and implement built-in diagnostics and test scripts to enhance reliability and supportability.
11. Work with product management and solutions engineering to write software functional specifications and integration documents.
12. Support in fixing issues arising from customer sites.
13. Analyze system scalability, interworking issues, and perform root cause analysis of system issues.
14. Mentor junior engineers within the team.
15. Stay updated on the latest technologies within our product area.
16. Demonstrate a deep sense of product ownership with a strong focus on customer satisfaction.

Qualifications:

1. 14+ years of relevant experience in the specified areas.
2. Bachelor's or master's degree in computer science, Electronics and Communication Engineering, or a related field.
3. Proven expertise in C and C++ programming for systems-level software development.
4. Strong understanding of Data Path concepts, packet processing models, Firewall solutions including IPSec and VPN.
5. Extensive experience with networking technologies and protocols (L2, L3, MPLS, NAT, VPN, IPSec, DPI, etc.).
6. Experience with IPSec, Firewall solutions (stateless, stateful, DPI, open source), VPN, and NAT.
7. Knowledge of Packet Buffer Management, Mempools, Poll Mode Drivers, Flow and Session Management.
8. Experience with VPP plugin architecture and adding new plugins.
9. Understanding of Cache Utilization mechanisms for instruction and data caches.
10. Deep knowledge of Linux OS internals, including kernel-level programming.
11. Excellent programming skills in C, C++, data structures, algorithms, and design concepts.
12. Understanding of multi-threading, IPC, sockets, memory management, and OS-level concepts.
13. Familiarity with ODP (OpenDataPlane) is a plus.
14. Experience with programmable packet pipelines is an added advantage.
15. Experience working with Marvel Octeon or similar NPU, SAI abstraction is beneficial.
16. Strong analytical, problem-solving, and hands-on development skills, with the ability to work collaboratively in a fast-paced environment.
17. Excellent communication and multitasking skills.

Location:

• This is a remote-based position located in the United States or Canada.

#LI-Remote

Compensation varies based on location within the United States, influenced by skills, experience, and education.

For more information on benefits, click here.

The salary range for the U.S. is:

San Francisco Bay Area Only:

182,900.00 - 310,500.00 USD Annual

All Other Locations:

159,000.00 - 270,000.00 USD Annual