SDN Engineer, Product Software

Equinix, Inc.; Dallas (TX); On-site; USD 121,000 - 181,000; Full time

Job summary

Equinix is seeking a highly skilled engineer to advance AI Inference Networking within a globally distributed development team. You will contribute to open-source software, engage with standards bodies like CNCF, and document product features while prioritizing effective collaboration with stakeholders.

The role emphasizes strong network engineering chops, hands-on programming in Go/Python/C/C++, and a DevOps oriented mindset to improve CI/CD and system reliability across a large, interconnected

Qualifications

• 5+ years designing and building highly redundant SDN network infrastructure with L4/L7 proxying and HTTP stacks.
• Experience securing transport methods (SSH, TLS, IPSEC, WireGuard) and IAM; VPCs and connectivity like IaaS peering/VPN.
• Strong understanding of OSI model and delivering resilient network services.
• Hands-on with APIs and building network automation dashboards/monitoring.
• Go, Python, C/C++, Rust programming.
• DevOps mindset; improve CI/CD with GitHub Actions and DORA metrics.

Responsibilities

• Work in a globally distributed development team on AI Inference open-source software.
• Cultivate Equinix’s open-source presence with CNCF, Linux Foundation, etc.
• Provide LOE for product backlog and help define schedule.
• Evaluate new technologies to meet roadmap goals.
• Recommend technologies for product features and platform.
• Advocate for best design and development practices.
• Prioritize tasks and handle ad-hoc requests.

Skills

Go

Python

C/C++

Rust

DevOps

Tools

HAProxy

Envoy

NGINX

GitHub Actions

Job description

Who are we?

Equinix is the world’s digital infrastructure company®, shortening the path to connectivity to enable the innovations that enrich our work, life and planet.

A place where tech thinkers and future builders turn bold ideas into breakthrough experiences, we welcome your unique perspective.Help us challenge assumptions, uncover bias, and remove barriers—because progress starts with fresh ideas. You’ll find belonging, purpose, and a team that welcomes you—because when you feel valued, you’re empowered to do your best work.

Job Summary

Do you want to write the next chapter in AI Inference Networking? Are you passionate & familiar with the developer communities and contributing to open-source software? Then we are looking for you!

Equinix is embarking on a transformation of our service portfolio. We envision a new way to globally connect the world. If you are ready for a new challenge, then come join our team and let’s revolutionize AI Inference Networking. We are seeking the right person, with the right mindset and skillset to tap into the open-source community to fuel this journey.

We believe that a healthy, open ecosystem is critical to the future of AI Inference Networking technology. The Equinix Interconnections Business Unit is looking for highly motivated engineers to take Equinix’s engagement in AI Inference Networking to the next level.

Equinix is the world’s biggest digital infrastructure company. Digital leaders harness our trusted platform to bring together and interconnect the foundational infrastructure that powers their success.

With our global footprint of 220+ data centers, situated close to clouds and networks for optimal Hybrid Multi-Cloud architectures, we currently serve 10,000 customers, including the largest cloud providers, Fortune 500 enterprises and Global 2000 companies.

Our culture is at the heart of our success, and it is our authentic, humble, gritty people who build “The Magic of Equinix”. We share a real passion for winning and put the customer at the center of everything we do. We are big on innovation and constantly look for ways to bring technology to better serve the evolving needs of our customers and benefit society in an increasingly digital world.

Responsibilities

• Work in a globally distributed development team on AI Inference open-source software
• Cultivate Equinix’s open-source presence and reputation in open-source organizations, standards bodies and more like Cloud Native Computing Foundation (CNCF), Linux Foundation, etc. Interact with stakeholder(s) to understand and document the product features
• Provides a level of effort (LOE) for the product backlog. Work with technical project managers and product management teams to define a schedule
• Assist in the analysis & evaluation of new technologies to meet the demand for product roadmap and technology platform goals
• Help in the evaluation and recommendation of appropriate technologies for product features and platform
• Advocate and follow best design and development practices adhering to Engineering standards
• Prioritizing and parallelizing the tasks in hand and dealing with ad-hoc requests

Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience or related experience in designing and building highly redundant SDN network infrastructure with an emphasis on L4/L7 proxying, HTTP/1.1, HTTP/2, gRPC, SNI routing, mTLS, reverse proxy tools such as HAProxy, Envoy, NGINX, and API gateway Proxy

• 5+ years of experience or related experience applying network and security principles within a cloud infrastructure deployment. Demonstrated experience in secure transport methods (SSH, TLS, IPSEC, Wireguard), IAM, VPCs and connectivity such as IaaS peering and VPN solutions
• A deep understanding of OSI Layer and its application
• Strong track record of delivering resilient network systems and services with a focus on delivering amazing experiences for end users
• Strong hands‑on technical skills. Can drill deep into the complex network system design and implementation when needed. Familiarity with APIs and designing solutions to leverage interfaces to build network automation or capabilities such as dashboarding or monitoring
• Comfortable programming in languages such as Go, Python, C/C++, Rust
• DevOps mindset to improve CICD using GitHub Actions and review DORA metrics to improve processes

The targeted pay range for this position in the following location is / locations are:

United States - Dallas Infomart Office DAI : 121,000 - 181,000 USD / Annual

United States - Redwood City Office GHQ : 146,000 - 218,000 USD / Annual

Canada - Toronto Office TRO : 102,000 - 152,000 CAD / Annual

Our pay ranges reflect the minimum and maximum target for new hire pay for the full‑time position determined by role, level, and location.The pay range shown is based on our compensation structure in place at the time of posting and may be updated periodically based on business needs. Individual pay is based on additional factors including job‑related skills, experience, and relevant education and/or training.

The targeted pay range listed reflects the base pay only and does not include bonus, equity, or benefits. Employees are eligible for bonus, and equity may be offered depending on the position.

Equinix Benefits

As an employee, you become important to Equinix’s success. We ensure all your benefits are in line with our core values: competitive, inclusive, sustainable, connected and efficient. We keep them competitive within the current marketplace to ensure we’re providing you with the best package possible. So, wherever you are in your career and life, you’ll be able to enhance your experience and bring your whole self to work.

Employee Assistance Program

An Employee Assistance program is available to all employees.

US Benefits: - Insurance: You may enroll in health, life, disability and voluntary plans that are designed for you and your eligible family members. - Retirement: You and Equinix may contribute to a retirement plan to help you plan for your financial future. - Paid Time Off (PTO) and Paid Holidays: You will receive an accrued amount of PTO each pay period along with various paid holidays for you to rest and recharge. Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific plan or program terms.Canada Core Benefits: - Insurance: You may enroll in healthcare coverage that is designed to complement the provincial healthcare system, along with life, disability and optional benefit plans that are designed for you and your eligible family members. - Retirement: You may also enroll in Equinix-sponsored retirement or savings plans: Defined Contribution Pension Plan (DCPP), Group Retirement Savings Plan (RRSP) and Tax-Free Savings Plan (TSFA). - Vacation and Paid Holidays: Equinix offers both vacation and personal time, along with various paid holidays for you to rest and recharge. Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits. Benefits are subject to specific plan or program terms, and to change at Equinix discretion.

Equinix is committed to ensuring that our employment process is open to all individuals, including those with a disability. If you are a qualified candidate and need assistance or an accommodation, please let us know by completing this form.

Equinix is an Equal Employment Opportunity and, in the U.S., an Aff. ... All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to unlawful consideration of race, color, religion, creed, national or ethnic origin, ancestry, place of birth, citizenship, sex, pregnancy / childbirth or related medical conditions, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital or domestic partnership status, age, veteran or military status, physical or mental disability, medical condition, genetic information, political / organizational affiliation, status as a victim or family member of a victim of crime or abuse, or any other status protected by applicable law.

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This posting is a new position within our organization.