Staff Software Engineer - SDN Networking

The Staff Software Engineer - SDN Networking at Crusoe is responsible for developing and executing the SDN strategy, guiding the engineering team through all technical decisions, and collaborating on the creation of cutting-edge network infrastructure. You will lead efforts in Linux Kernel development, enhance system architecture, and drive innovations in high-performance networking solutions. Your role is essential for ensuring that Crusoe remains a leader in AI-first cloud infrastructure.

To qualify for the Staff Software Engineer - SDN Networking role at Crusoe, candidates should have at least 6 years of relevant experience in a production environment, with strong programming skills in C, C++, or Rust. A profound understanding of Linux Systems Internals, packet processing, and kernel technologies like XDP/EBPF and DPDK is crucial. Experience with networking protocols and open-source contributions can set you apart.

As a Staff Software Engineer - SDN Networking at Crusoe, you will engage with a range of advanced technologies. These include Linux Kernel development, XDP/EBPF, DPDK, and SmartNICs like Mellanox/Nvidia's line. A deep familiarity with TCP/IP, network accelerators, and virtualization technologies will also be pivotal in leveraging our infrastructure to its fullest potential.

Crusoe prioritizes professional growth for its Staff Software Engineer - SDN Networking through various initiatives, including tuition reimbursement, leadership training, and access to industry conferences. We believe in empowering you with the resources and knowledge to keep pace with the evolving tech landscape, ensuring that you can lead with confidence and authority.

The compensation for the Staff Software Engineer - SDN Networking at Crusoe ranges from $215,000 to $250,000, inclusive of Restricted Stock Units. This competitive salary reflects the applicant's skills, education, and experience, alongside internal equity considerations, making it a lucrative opportunity for top-tier talent in the industry.

When discussing Linux Kernel development, focus on your specific contributions, the projects you've worked on, and how those experiences shaped your understanding of kernel architectures and drivers. Mention the tools and technologies you've utilized, emphasizing your hands-on expertise and any collaborative efforts with cross-functional teams.

When asked about network programming, outline your experience with different languages and frameworks used in network environments. Explain your systematic approach to designing packet processing pipelines and your strategies for optimizing their performance, including any specific challenges you've faced and how you overcame them.

Discuss your experience with kernel bypass technologies like XDP, eBPF, and DPDK. Share any projects where these technologies were deployed to enhance performance and reduce latency, and illustrate how your understanding of TCP/IP and networking helped in achieving those outcomes.

Detail your involvement in open source projects like Open vSwitch or Cilium, focusing on what motivated you to contribute and the impact of your work. Highlight specific features or improvements you've made and how collaboration with the community enhanced your skills and understanding of networking technologies.

Highlight your methods of ensuring code quality, such as implementing coding standards, thorough code reviews, and rigorous testing processes. Provide examples of a systematic approach you follow for the software development life cycle, making it clear how these practices contribute to software reliability and maintainability.

Demonstrate your understanding of cloud networking by discussing various platforms (AWS, Azure, GCP) and their architectural differences. Share examples of how you’ve integrated cloud services in your past roles and how you would leverage those insights to enhance Crusoe's infrastructure.

Talk about your experiences working with SmartNICs, such as Mellanox or Nvidia models, and how these devices enhance the performance of SDN. Provide examples of specific use cases where you've integrated SmartNICs into existing network infrastructures and the benefits they offered.

Explain your approach to managing multiple tasks in complex projects by outlining your prioritization criteria, such as alignment with strategic goals, impact assessment, and stakeholder feedback. Emphasize effective communication and collaboration skills that help to keep everyone informed and engaged throughout the process.

Discuss your problem-solving methodology, which could include breaking down complex issues into manageable parts, seeking input from peers, and applying analytical skills. Provide specific examples of complex problems you've tackled, detailing the strategies used and the outcomes achieved.

Communicate your enthusiasm for Crusoe's mission in building AI-first cloud infrastructure and sustainability efforts. Discuss what resonates with you about the company culture, values, and technology focus, and how your experiences and goals align with the role and the company's aspirations.