Principal Software Engineer; Networking, Python, C​/C++

Principal Software Engineer (Networking, Python, C/C++)

Hybrid role with an expectation that you will work on average 2 days per week from an HPE office in Sunnyvale, CA.

Principal Software Engineer

Location:

Sunnyvale, CA (Hybrid)

We are seeking enterprising engineers with strong problem‑solving skills to work on Switching and Overlay technologies that power data centres, enterprise networks, and service provider environments. The ideal candidate will have strong programming expertise in C/C++, a solid understanding of operating system fundamentals
, knowledge of data structures
, and exposure to software architectures
. Familiarity with networking technologies and proficiency in Python is a definite plus.

You will develop, innovate, and maintain control plane software for Layer 2 technologies
, contributing to the design and implementation of cutting‑edge networking solutions.

• Perform requirements analysis, design, implementation, unit testing, and maintenance of software modules.
• Participate in design and functional specification reviews
  .
• Contribute to performance, scalability, reliability, and maintainability of features.
• Design, document, and execute unit and integration test cases
  , and automate testing using frameworks.
• Collaborate with cross‑functional teams and architects across geographically distributed locations.
• Work closely with product development and business unit architecture teams to align solutions with customer priorities and industry standards (IETF/IEEE).
• Build strong relationships with senior leadership to translate business objectives into project deliverables.
• Troubleshoot and resolve customer‑reported issues
  , providing root‑cause analysis and corrective actions.
• Contribute to white papers, patents, and IETF standards in relevant technical areas.

• B.S., M.S., or Ph.D. in EE/CS with 8+ years of relevant Layer 2/Layer 3 networking experience.
• Expertise in C/C++ programming, data structures, and debugging.
• Familiarity with Python and Robot framework for test automation.
• Strong problem‑solving skills for diagnosing and resolving complex issues.
• Self‑starter with the ability to manage multiple tasks efficiently.

• Layer 2 technologies: 802.1Q VLAN bridging, VPLS, EVPN, VXLAN, MPLS, MC‑LAG, OAM.
• Protocols: LLDP, LACP, STP, LFM, CFM, VRRP, ERP, MVRP, TCP, IPv4/IPv6, UDP, OSPF, BGP.

• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Highly self‑motivated and able to work collaboratively in a team environment.

Annual Salary USD 172,000 – 349,000 in California.

Information about employee benefits offered in the US can be found at

HPE is an Equal Employment Opportunity / Veterans / Disabled / LGBT employer. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, gender, or any other protected category, and all decisions we make are on the basis of qualifications, merit, and business need. HPE complies with all applicable laws related to employer use of arrest and conviction records.