Software Engineer, Data Plane Hybrid

Ribbon Communications; Town of Westford (WI); Hybrid; USD 110,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

Ribbon Communications is seeking a Software Engineer for the Data Plane team to design, implement, and test high‑performance networking software for SBC products. This hands‑on role requires collaboration with global engineering teams and comfort with hybrid work.

The position emphasizes C/C++ with embedded systems, Linux networking, TCP/IP fundamentals, and exposure to DPUs, network processors, CNF infrastructure, and containerized environments.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, or related field.
• 4–6 years in computer networking or related software development.
• Strong C/C++ with embedded systems experience.
• Solid Linux networking and TCP/IP fundamentals.
• Knowledge of DPUs, network processors, CNF infrastructure.
• Experience with cloud native networking and containerized environments.
• Ability to collaborate with globally distributed teams.

Responsibilities

• Design, implement, and test data plane features for Ribbon products.
• Research solutions and design data plane software for next‑gen products.
• Develop software for data plane acceleration on hardware platforms.
• Investigate and resolve customer-reported issues across installed base.
• Collaborate with system test teams to validate functionality and measure performance.

Skills

C/C++

Embedded systems

Linux networking

TCP/IP fundamentals

DPDK/SmartNICs

CNF infrastructure

Containerized networking

Collaboration across teams

Education

Bachelor’s degree in CS/CE

Job description

Software Engineer, Data Plane (Hybrid – 3 Days per Week In Office)

Location: Hybrid work arrangement with 3 days per week in the office and 2 days remote. Westford, MA

We are looking for a candidate to join our Data Plane Engineering team in a hands‑on software development role. This position provides the opportunity to develop highly optimized, secure networking software for use in Ribbon’s Session Border Controller (SBC) product line. The successful candidate must be comfortable collaborating closely with engineering teams across Ribbon’s global development locations.

Responsibilities

• Design, implement, and test new data plane features for Ribbon’s communications products.
• Research technical solutions and design data plane software for Ribbon’s next generation networking products.
• Develop software for data plane acceleration technologies, including network processors, for use on turn‑key and custom hardware platforms.
• Investigate, troubleshoot, and resolve customer-reported issues across Ribbon’s installed product base.
• Work closely with the system test team using in‑house and third‑party test tools to validate functionality and measure networking product performance.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, or a related field.
• 4-6 years of experience in computer networking, communications, or related software development.
• Strong programming skills in C/C++ with embedded systems development experience.
• Good understanding of Linux networking and TCP/IP fundamentals.
• Solid knowledge of operating system concepts including processes, threads, interrupts, timers, and memory management.
• Strong analytical, troubleshooting, debugging, and problem‑solving skills.
• Experience with DPDK, VPP, SmartNICs, DPUs, or network processors.
• Hands‑on experience with Cloud Native Network Function (CNF) infrastructure and containerized networking environments.
• Ability to collaborate effectively with globally distributed engineering teams.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience developing high-performance networking applications.
• Familiarity with telecommunications, Session Border Controllers (SBCs), or VoIP technologies.
• Experience working in Agile software development environments.

The anticipated base pay range for this full‑time position in all geographic locations is $ - $ annually. Actual compensation within the range will be determined based on a variety of factors, including, but not limited to the candidate’s experience, skills and education. The compensation package also includes eligibility for an incentive plan and comprehensive benefits, subject to applicable requirements.

Please Note:

‘All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, age, sex, color, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status, on the basis of disability, or other characteristic protected by applicable law.’

US Citizens and all other parties authorized to work in the US are encouraged to apply.