Network Systems Software Engineer

Job Title

Network Systems Software Engineer (Onsite, Sunnyvale, CA)

• Design, develop, and enhance common networking infrastructure used by multiple Layer‑2 and Layer‑3 protocols.
• Build and maintain shared framework components that support routing, switching, VPN, and overlay protocols.
• 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 for packet processing pipelines, routing and forwarding databases, and protocol state machines.
• Collaborate closely with protocol teams (OSPF, BGP, ISIS, EVPN, VXLAN, etc.) to provide robust and reusable infrastructure components.
• Participate across the full product development lifecycle: 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.

12 to 20 years of hands‑on experience in networking or systems product development.

• Strong C programming expertise (mandatory).
• Hands‑on experience writing optimized, production‑quality C code, including memory management, pointers, and performance tuning.
• Debugging complex system‑level issues.
• Strong foundation in Data Structures and Algorithms: lists, trees, hash tables, graphs, queues, and stacks.
• Scalable data models for networking and systems software.
• Working knowledge of C++ is a plus.
• Solid understanding of networking concepts and protocols: OSPF, BGP, ISIS, EVPN, VXLAN, MPLS, VPLS, Layer‑2 and Layer‑3 VPNs, EVPN, VXLAN, multicast, QoS, firewall.
• Knowledge of OSI Model and TCP/IP suite: ARP, IP, ICMP, IGMP, TCP, UDP, SNMP, FTP.
• Preferred: experience with routers, switches, or network operating system platforms.

• Strong problem‑solving and analytical thinking abilities.
• Self‑motivated, able 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).

• Health & well‑being benefits for employees and families.
• Personal & professional development programs.
• Unconditional inclusion and diversity initiatives.

Annual salary USD 120, (California); variable incentives may also be offered.

HPE is an Equal Employment Opportunity / Veterans / Disabled / LGBTQ employer. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, gender, or any protected category, and all decisions we make are based on qualifications, merit, and business need. HPE will comply with all applicable laws related to employer use of arrest and conviction records, including laws requiring consideration of qualified applicants with criminal histories.