Open Source Networking Software Engineer - ToR Switch / SmartNIC / DPU

Overview

Open Source Networking Software Engineer - ToR Switch / SmartNIC / DPU at Canonical. Software has moved to play a central role in network technology, with focus on open source networking software and a complete open source stack for data center networking from bare metal through virtualization, container and serverless, and IoT networking. You will join a team building an integrated stack that brings hyperscaler innovation to end users and enterprises, working with networking silicon providers to optimize Ubuntu and related applications for their ASICs, boards and appliances.

Location: APAC (Top-of-Rack switches) and Americas (SmartNIC/DPU) time zones.

What your day will look like

• Work with the most advanced operating systems and network application technologies available
• Participate upstream and deliver the Ubuntu SoNIC stack
• Collaborate with public clouds and network silicon providers
• Design and implement the best software-defined networking experience for the data center
• Write high-quality, well-designed, fast, secure and well-documented software
• Debug issues and produce high-quality fixes
• Collaborate proactively with a globally distributed organization
• Contribute to technical documentation to make it the best of its kind
• Display technical leadership internally, towards our partners, and in the open source communities
• Influence open-source projects and communities
• Work from home, with global travel twice a year for company events of up to two weeks duration

Responsibilities

• Work with the most advanced operating systems and network application technologies available
• Participate upstream and deliver the Ubuntu SoNIC stack
• Collaborate with public clouds and network silicon providers
• Design and implement the best software-defined networking experience for the data center
• Write high-quality, well-designed, fast, secure and well-documented software
• Debug issues and produce high-quality fixes
• Collaborate proactively with a globally distributed organization
• Contribute to technical documentation to make it the best of its kind
• Display technical leadership internally, towards our partners, and in the open source communities
• Influence open-source projects and communities
• Travel for company events up to two weeks twice a year

What we are looking for in you

• An exceptional academic track record
• Undergraduate degree in Computer Science or STEM, or a compelling narrative about your alternative path
• Drive and a track record of going above-and-beyond expectations
• Knowledge of networking: architecture, design, and protocols
• Understanding of Linux networking, from kernel to user space
• Fluency in C/C++ and at least one of Rust, Python or Golang
• Professional written and spoken English
• Experience with Linux
• Excellent interpersonal skills, curiosity, flexibility, and accountability
• Passion, thoughtfulness, and self-motivation
• Excellent communication and presentation skills
• Result-oriented, with a personal drive to meet commitments
• Ability to travel twice a year, for company events up to two weeks each

Additional Skills That You Might Also Bring

• Familiarity with existing open source networking technologies: SONIC / SAI, kernel (eBPF, AF_XDP), DPDK, Switchdev, OVN, Open vSwitch
• Familiarity with data path hardware acceleration protocols and interfaces, such as RDMA, RoCE, iWARP, NVMe, SR-IOV
• Computer architecture knowledge of x86, ARM, and RISC-V
• Experience in complex IP network engineering and implementation
• Experience with virtualization technologies, e.g., QEMU, KVM, etc.
• Previous contribution to open source projects and community involvement
• Performance engineering and security experience

What we offer you

• Distributed work environment with twice-yearly team sprints in person
• Personal learning and development budget of USD 2,000 per year
• Annual compensation review
• Recognition rewards
• Annual holiday leave
• Maternity and paternity leave
• Employee Assistance Programme
• Opportunity to travel to new locations to meet colleagues
• Priority Pass, and travel upgrades for long haul company events

About Canonical

Canonical is a pioneering tech firm at the forefront of the global move to open source. As the company that publishes Ubuntu, we recruit on a global basis and set a very high standard for people joining the company. Canonical has been a remote-first company since its inception in 2004. Working here is a step into the future, and will challenge you to think differently, work smarter, learn new skills, and raise your game. Canonical is an equal opportunity employer. We are proud to foster a workplace free from discrimination. Diversity of experience, perspectives, and background create a better work environment and better products. Whatever your identity, we will give your application fair consideration.