Remote opportunity at
CanonicalOpen Source Networking Software Engineer - ToR Switch / SmartNIC / DPU
Canonical is hiring a Software Engineer for its open source networking group, which builds and integrates networking software. The codebase spans routing suites, overlay networking, kernel…
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About This Role
Canonical is hiring a Software Engineer for its open source networking group, which builds and integrates networking software. The codebase spans routing suites, overlay networking, kernel and user-space data paths, and programmable forwarding. The post is remote. The team also works with networking chip designers to tune Ubuntu and adjacent software targeting their ASIC chips, circuit boards and appliances. Two locations are named: APAC for Top-of-Rack switch work, and the…
Job Description
Canonical is hiring a Software Engineer for its open source networking group, which builds and integrates networking software. The codebase spans routing suites, overlay networking, kernel and user-space data paths, and programmable forwarding. The post is remote. The team also works with networking chip designers to tune Ubuntu and adjacent software targeting their ASIC chips, circuit boards and appliances. Two locations are named: APAC for Top-of-Rack switch work, and the Americas for SmartNIC and DPU work.
The engineer designs and builds software-defined networking for the data centre and writes code that is clear, quick, secure and well documented. Other duties include upstream work, delivering the Ubuntu SoNIC networking stack, and working with public cloud providers and networking hardware partners. The role also covers debugging problems and delivering sound fixes, contributing to technical documentation, and offering technical guidance to partners and open source communities. Travel for company events happens twice a year, each lasting up to two weeks.
The hiring process is intensive, with six to eight interviews over several months. Applicants should have an outstanding academic record and a degree in computing or a STEM field, or a convincing alternative route. They need a good grasp of networking architecture and protocols, Linux networking across the kernel and user-space layers, and fluency in C or C++ plus one more language among Rust, Python or Go. Helpful extras include SONiC, SAI, eBPF, DPDK, Open vSwitch and OVN, acceleration technologies like RDMA and SR-IOV, and upstream contributions.
Responsibilities
- Take part in upstream work and deliver the Ubuntu SoNIC networking stack
- Design and build software-defined networking for the data centre
- Write fast, secure, well-documented and high-quality code
- Debug problems and deliver sound fixes
- Work with public cloud providers and networking chip partners
- Contribute to technical documentation
- Give technical guidance to partners and open source communities
Requirements
- Outstanding academic track record
- Degree in computing or a STEM field, or a convincing alternative route
- Good grasp of networking architecture and protocols
- Working knowledge of Linux networking stacks, from kernel level up to user space
- Fluency in C or C++, plus one more language among Rust, Python or Go
- Professional written and spoken English
- Strong communication, presentation and interpersonal skills
- Ability to travel twice yearly for company gatherings lasting up to two weeks
Qualifications
- Familiarity with SONiC, SAI, eBPF, DPDK or Open vSwitch
- Background in hardware-offload interfaces including RDMA, RoCE, iWARP, NVMe and SR-IOV
- Familiarity with RISC-V, ARM and x86 designs
- Experience with virtualisation technologies such as QEMU and KVM
- Previous open source contributions or community involvement
Core Skills
Benefits
- Largely remote work, with in-person team sprints twice yearly
- USD 2,000 yearly for learning and development
- Performance-linked bonus, with a yearly pay review
- Recognition awards and paid holidays
- Parental leave for mothers and fathers
- Employee assistance programme
- Priority Pass card and upgraded seats on long-haul company travel
Frequently Asked Questions
Answers are based only on the employer’s listing; where it doesn’t say, neither do we.
Where is this networking role based?
The role is remote. The posting lists APAC time zones for Top-of-Rack switch work and Americas time zones for SmartNIC and DPU work.
How long is the selection process?
The posting describes six to eight interviews over several months.
Which programming languages are required?
The posting asks for fluency in C or C++, plus one more language among Rust, Python or Go.
What salary is offered?
The posting does not specify a salary. Pay depends on geographical location, experience and performance.
Sample Interview Questions
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