Network Systems Software Engineer

This role has been designed as ‘Hybrid’ with an expectation that you will work on average 2 days per week from an HPE office.

We are seeking a Network Systems Software Development Engineer to support our office Sunnyvale, California office. This is a hybrid role.

• Design, develop, and enhance common networking infrastructure used by multiple Layer-2 and Layer-3 protocols, as part of a product engineering team (not network operations or IT support).
• Build and maintain shared framework components that support routing, switching, VPN, and overlay protocols rather than implementing individual protocol stacks.
• Develop high-performance, low-latency system software primarily in C, focusing on efficient data structures, memory management, and scalability.
• Design and optimize core data structures and frameworks used for:
  Packet processing pipelines, Routing and forwarding databases, Protocol state machines and control-plane infrastructure
• Work closely with protocol teams (OSPF, BGP, ISIS, EVPN, VXLAN, etc.) to provide robust and reusable infrastructure components.
• Participate across the full product development lifecycle, including design, implementation, debugging, testing, and optimization.
• Analyze and troubleshoot complex system-level, performance, memory, and concurrency issues.
• Collaborate with system test, QA, and cross-functional engineering teams to deliver scalable and reliable networking solutions.
• Learn and adapt quickly to new networking technologies, standards, and product requirements.

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Computer Science or Electronics and Communication Engineering.
• 5+ years of hands‑on experience in networking or systems product development.

• Strong C programming expertise (mandatory) with deep hands‑on experience in:
  • Writing optimized, production‑quality C code
  • Memory management, pointers, and performance tuning
  • Debugging complex system‑level issues
• Strong foundation in Data Structures and Algorithms, with practical experience designing and using:
  • Lists, trees, hash tables, graphs, queues, and stacks
  • Scalable data models for networking and systems software
• Working knowledge of C++ is a plus.
• Good understanding of networking concepts and protocols, including:
  • Routing & Switching: OSPF, BGP, ISIS
  • VPN & Overlay: MPLS, VPLS, Layer‑2 and Layer‑3 VPNs, EVPN, VXLAN
  • Traffic & Services:
    Multicast, QoS, Firewall
• (Hands‑on protocol stack implementation is not required.)
• Solid understanding of the OSI Model and the TCP/IP protocol suite, including ARP, IP, ICMP, IGMP, TCP, UDP, SNMP, and FTP.
• Experience working on routers, switches, or network operating system platforms is highly preferred.

• Strong problem‑solving and analytical thinking abilities.
• Self‑motivated with the ability to work independently and collaboratively.
• Quick learner with adaptability to new technologies and evolving requirements.
• Strong communication and presentation skills.
• Effective team player with a product‑engineering mindset.

Cloud Architectures, Cross Domain Knowledge, Design Thinking, Development Fundamentals, Dev Ops, Distributed Computing, Microservices Fluency, Full Stack Development, Security‑First Mindset, Solutions Design, Testing & Automation, User Experience (UX)

We strive to provide our team members and their loved ones with a comprehensive suite of benefits that supports their physical, financial and emotional wellbeing.

We also invest in your career because the better you are, the better we all are. We have specific programs catered to helping you reach any career goals you have — whether you want to become a knowledge expert in your field or apply your skills to another division.

The expected salary/wage range for this position is provided below. Actual offer may vary from this range based upon geographic location, work experience, education/training, and/or skill level. United States of America:
Annual Salary USD 120, in California. The listed salary range reflects base salary. Variable incentives may also be offered.

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 made on the basis of qualifications, merit, and business need. Our goal is to be one global team that is representative of our customers, in an inclusive environment where we can continue to innovate and grow together.

HPE will comply with all applicable laws related to employer use of arrest and conviction records, including laws requiring employers to consider qualified applicants with criminal histories. Hewlett Packard Enterprise is EEO Protected Veteran/ Individual with Disabilities.