Principle Software Engineer - Network Switch SDK

Piper Companies is looking for a Principal Software Engineer - Network Switch SDK to join a cutting-edge networking hardware company located near San Jose, CA to lead the architecture and development of the software SDK that powers next-generation switch ASICs. The idea Principle Software Engineer - Network Switch SDK will help influence the entire networking software stack.

Responsibilities for the Principal Software Engineer - Network Switch SDK:

• Lead the design of the SDK that bridges advanced switch silicon with platform and NOS software
• Build high-performance APIs and abstraction layers for L2/L3 forwarding, QoS, ACLs, telemetry, and more
• Drive silicon bring-up efforts in simulation, emulation, and production systems
• Collaborate with silicon, firmware, and NOS teams to deliver robust, scalable switch software

Qualifications for the Principal Software Engineer - Network Switch SDK:

• 10+ years of hands-on experience developing embedded software or SDKs for networking ASICs
• Must be eligible to work in the United States and obtain and maintain an Active U.S. Government Secret Clearance
• Deep knowledge of L2/L3 switching and routing (e.g., VLANs, LAG, OSPF, BGP, IGMP, LLDP, datacenter switching)
• Strong C/C++ development experience in Linux; Python preferred
• Experience integrating silicon-level SDKs with NOS platforms (SONiC, SAI, or custom APIs)
• Solid background in performance analysis, dataplane design, or hardware abstraction
• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, or related field

Compensation/Benefits for the Principal Software Engineer - Network Switch SDK:

• Salary/Rate Range: $210,000 - $265,000 base plus stock depending on experience
• Comprehensive Benefits: Medical, Dental, Vision, 401K, PTO, Sick Leave (where required), and Holidays

This job opens for applications on 2/20/2026. Applications for this job will be accepted for at least 30 days from the posting date.

Keywords: networking, ASIC, SDK, network switch software, embedded systems, SONiC, SAI, routing protocols, L2/L3 switching, dataplane development, firmware, silicon bring-up, C/C++ engineer, network architecture, QoS, ACL, TCAM, telemetry, hardware abstraction, network operating systems, NOS, switch silicon, packet processing, DC networking, infrastructure software, Linux, software development kit

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