Senior Staff Software Engineer, SDN Networking

As a Senior Staff Software Engineer at Crusoe, you’ll take the lead in developing and executing our Software Defined Networking strategy, aligning it with the business’s goals. You’ll provide vital technical leadership, participate in architecture and design reviews, and be hands-on in the development of Linux Kernel modules and drivers using technologies like XDP/EBPF and DPDK. You’ll also ensure production support, troubleshooting, and system performance, making sure we have reliable, efficient networking infrastructure.

To excel as a Senior Staff Software Engineer at Crusoe, you should have a minimum of 8 years of system programming experience, proficient in languages like C, C++, and/or Rust. A deep understanding of Linux systems internals and expertise in network programming and packet processing is essential. Familiarity with kernel bypass technologies and advanced networking concepts is also necessary. Having a track record of open source contributions is a strong plus!

In the Senior Staff Software Engineer role at Crusoe, you’ll engage with cutting-edge technologies including XDP/EBPF, DPDK, SmartNICs, and DPUs/IPUs. You’ll be involved in developing strategies to enhance network performance using these innovative technologies and contribute to the broader engineering efforts around network architecture and infrastructure.

Crusoe offers a competitive compensation package for the Senior Staff Software Engineer role, including industry-standard pay and RSUs at a fast-growing tech company. Benefits include health insurance options, employer HSA contributions, generous paid time off, 401(k) matching, tuition reimbursement, and more. We also have unique offerings like a Calm app subscription and a commuter benefit to enhance work-life balance.

The work environment for a Senior Staff Software Engineer at Crusoe is dynamic and collaborative. You will be part of a team that values innovation and responsible technology. With a focus on sustainability, you will work in a culture that encourages personal growth, as well as strong collaboration among cross-functional teams, ensuring impactful contributions in the AI-first cloud infrastructure space.

When developing a Software Defined Networking strategy, I would start by aligning the networking goals with the broader business objectives. Incorporating stakeholder feedback is vital, along with assessing the current infrastructure to identify areas for improvement. Researching emerging technologies like XDP/EBPF and DPDK will also guide the architecture needed for scalable and efficient network solutions.

In my previous roles, I have extensively worked with Linux Kernel development, where I led projects requiring the creation and maintenance of kernel modules. My focus was on optimizing memory management and I/O subsystems. Familiarizing myself with kernel internals has enabled me to design efficient network drivers that meet high-performance requirements, demonstrating my deep understanding and hands-on experience.

When debugging network performance issues, I employ a systematic approach: first analyzing logs and metrics to identify bottlenecks, then using tools like tcpdump and Wireshark for packet analysis. I also leverage real-time performance monitoring tools and examine configurations, looking for anomalies that may be affecting the network's efficiency. Collaboration with cross-functional colleagues can also provide insights.

To ensure my contributions to open source projects meet quality standards, I adhere to established coding guidelines and participate in code reviews. I prioritize extensive testing and validation of my code changes before submission. Engaging with the community for feedback helps maintain high-quality contributions and fosters collaborative development practices that enhance the integrity of the project.

I am particularly excited about working with AI-first cloud infrastructure due to its transformative potential. The opportunity to work on technologies that enhance and optimize AI workloads, while contributing to sustainable computing practices, is intellectually rewarding. The rapid pace of innovation in this domain inspires me to be part of creating solutions that not only advance technology but also address climate challenges.

I successfully led a project to improve the network architecture using DPDK for packet processing. My role involved coordinating with various teams, ensuring the project remained aligned with timelines, and conducting technical reviews. The project ultimately improved the performance metrics by addressing latency issues. This experience underscored my ability to lead effectively while fostering collaboration amongst technical teams.

Staying updated on the latest networking technologies involves a mix of continuous learning strategies. I subscribe to industry publications, attend conferences, and participate in workshops to keep abreast of advancements. Networking with peers and engaging in online forums also provides insights into the latest trends and challenges faced by professionals in the networking domain, allowing me to adapt and apply new knowledge effectively.

In my previous roles, I have worked with major cloud networking platforms like AWS and Azure, focusing on implementing virtualized networking solutions that enhance performance and security. My experience includes working with hybrid cloud architectures and leveraging SDKs for effective management of networking components, ensuring smooth integration and operation within cloud environments, which is critical for large-scale applications.

Key considerations for designing high-performance networking architectures include scalability, redundancy, load balancing, and minimizing latency. Understanding workload characteristics helps in scaling network resources appropriately. Additionally, monitoring tools should be implemented for real-time performance analysis, and selecting efficient protocols and designs tailored to the application requirements will ensure the optimized performance of the architecture.

Promoting cross-functional collaboration in my projects involves clear communication, regular sync-up meetings, and establishing shared goals and objectives. I encourage team members to share insights and feedback actively, fostering an open environment where all ideas are valued. By utilizing collaboration tools effectively, I ensure that everyone is aligned and aware of project developments, enhancing cooperative efforts towards delivering successful outcomes.