# Principal Software Engineer, SDN Networking
**Company:** [Crusoe](https://hotfix.jobs/companies/crusoe)
**Location:** San Francisco, CA, Sunnyvale, CA
**Salary:** $238K-$298K
**Experience:** 10+ years
**Skills:** C, C++, Rust, Linux Kernel, Xdp/Ebpf, Dpdk, Af_Xdp, TCP/IP, Smartnic, Connectx, Bluefield Dpu, Intel Ipu, Sr-Iov, Vdpa, Open Vswitch, Ovs
**Posted:** 2026-03-12
> Leads development of Software Defined Networking strategy using kernel bypass technologies like XDP/EBPF, DPDK, and SmartNICs. Guides team on architecture, Linux kernel development, and production-scale network infrastructure for AI cloud workloads. Requires 10+ years experience in systems programming with C/C++/Rust.
## Job Description
## What You’ll Be Working On
- Develop and execute the roadmap for the Software Defined Networking strategy at Crusoe Cloud.
- Guide the engineering team through architecture decisions, design processes, design reviews, code reviews, and implementation tasks.
- Collaborate with the network infrastructure organization to develop industry-leading networking infrastructure.
- Lead Linux Kernel and driver development, system architecture design, production support, and cross-functional collaboration.

## What You’ll Bring to the Team
- 10+ years of related experience building and operating at scale in a production environment.
- Proven experience in system programming with **C**, **C++** and/or **Rust**.
- Extensive knowledge of **Linux Systems Internals** and computer architecture.
- Expertise in **Network Programming** and Packet Processing pipelines.
- Hands-on experience with kernel bypass technologies such as **XDP/EBPF**, **AF_XDP**, and **DPDK**.
- In-depth understanding of **TCP/IP** and network accelerators like **Mellanox/Nvidia SmartNIC (ConnectX6/7)**, **DPU Bluefield3**, and **Intel IPU**.
- Familiarity with **SR-IOV**, **vDPA**, and scalable functions.
- Strong background in kernel or embedded development, particularly with the **Linux kernel**.
- Experience with **Open vSwitch**, **Openflow**, and **Open Virtual Networking**.
- Knowledge of professional software engineering practices and best practices for the full software development life cycle, including coding standards, code reviews, source control management, build processes, testing, and operations.
- Demonstrated track record of contributions to the open source community (e.g., **Open vSwitch/OVS**, **Open Virtual Networking/OVN**, **Multus**, **Cilium**).

## Bonus Points
- Advanced degree in Computer Science, Engineering, or a related field.
- Proven leadership experience in a technical role.
- Experience with cloud networking platforms (**AWS**, **Azure**, **GCP**) and virtualization technologies (**VMware**, **KVM**).

## Compensation
- Compensation will be paid in the range of $238,000 - $298,000 a year + Bonus.
- Restricted Stock Units are included in all offers.
**Apply:** https://hotfix.jobs/jobs/principal-software-engineer-sdn-networking-at-crusoe-fb34f71c-47fb-4421-8f19-50e20ff5ac10
**Canonical:** https://hotfix.jobs/jobs/principal-software-engineer-sdn-networking-at-crusoe-fb34f71c-47fb-4421-8f19-50e20ff5ac10