Open Source Networking Software Engineer – ToR Switch / SmartNIC / DPU

About the role

Canonical is building a complete open‑source stack for data‑center networking, covering everything from bare metal to virtualization, containers and serverless. As an Open Source Networking Software Engineer you will work on ToR switches, SmartNICs and DPUs, collaborating with silicon partners and the broader open‑source community.

Key responsibilities

• Develop and maintain the Ubuntu SoNIC stack and upstream networking components.
• Design and implement software‑defined networking solutions for data‑center environments.
• Write high‑quality, secure, well‑documented code in C/C++ and other languages.
• Debug complex networking issues and deliver robust fixes.
• Collaborate with public‑cloud teams, silicon providers, and global engineering teams.
• Contribute technical documentation and influence open‑source projects.

Required profile

• Exceptional academic record in Computer Science or a related STEM field.
• Strong passion for networking and experience with open‑source networking initiatives.
• Professional fluency in written and spoken English.
• Ability to travel twice a year for company events.

Required skills

• Fluency in C/C++ and at least one of Rust, Python or Go.
• Deep knowledge of Linux networking (kernel to user‑space), eBPF, AF_XDP.
• Experience with DPDK, Switchdev, SONIC/SAI, OVN, Open vSwitch.
• Familiarity with hardware acceleration protocols such as RDMA, RoCE, iWARP, NVMe, SR‑IOV.
• Understanding of computer architectures (x86, ARM, RISC‑V) and virtualization technologies (QEMU, KVM).

What we offer

• Competitive compensation with annual reviews and performance‑based bonus.
• Remote‑first work environment with twice‑yearly in‑person team sprints.
• Personal learning and development budget of USD 2,000 per year.
• Comprehensive benefits including holiday leave, parental leave, employee assistance programme and travel perks.