Staff Software Engineer, Host Networking

1 Month ago • 8-11 Years • Network Engineering • $197,000 PA - $291,000 PA

Job Summary

Job Description

The Host Network Functions team at Google is seeking a Staff Software Engineer to develop and deliver high-performance networking solutions for Google Distributed Cloud. Responsibilities include developing APIs and software stacks for host networking infrastructure, optimizing network data paths in the Linux kernel, collaborating with stakeholders to integrate with Google networking APIs, developing network topologies for high-performance computing, participating in on-call rotations, and contributing to product quality improvement. The ideal candidate will have extensive experience in software development (C/C++, Kubernetes networking), network architecture, and system software optimization. The role involves working with multiple teams, leveraging SmartNICs, and ensuring network connectivity for Kubernetes and VM workloads.

Must have:

8+ years software development experience
C/C++ proficiency
Kubernetes networking expertise
Network architecture knowledge (TCP/IP, UDP)
API development and optimization
System software development
On-call rotation experience

Good to have:

Master's degree in related field
Technical leadership experience
Go programming experience
Linux kernel networking stack knowledge
Experience with SmartNICs
High-performance computing knowledge

Perks:

Bonus
Equity
Benefits

11 skills required

11 skills required for this role

Add these skills to join the top 1% applicants for this job

algorithms

kubernetes

data-structures

linux

cryptography

dns

regression-testing

networking

cross-functional

problem-solving

user-interface

Job Details

Minimum qualifications:

Bachelor's degree or equivalent practical experience.
8 years of experience in software development, and with data structures/algorithms.
5 years of experience designing, implementing, and maintaining software solutions using C/C++ programming languages.
5 years of experience with network architecture and common protocols such as TCP/IP, UDP, HTTP, and DNS.
5 years of experience with Kubernetes networking principles, managing and troubleshooting network configurations in production Kubernetes environments.
5 years of experience testing, and launching software products, and 3 years of experience with software design and architecture.

Preferred qualifications:

Master’s degree or PhD in Engineering, Computer Science, or a related technical field.
3 years of experience in a technical leadership role leading project teams and setting technical direction.
3 years of experience in developing and optimizing low-level system software, including experience with the Linux kernel networking stack, network protocols, cryptography, or storage offloads.
3 years of experience working in an organization involving cross-functional or cross-business projects.
Experience with writing concurrent and parallel programs in Go.
Knowledge of Performance Computing concepts and architectures such as clusters, parallel processing, and distributed computing.

About the job

Google's software engineers develop the next-generation technologies that change how billions of users connect, explore, and interact with information and one another. Our products need to handle information at massive scale, and extend well beyond web search. We're looking for engineers who bring fresh ideas from all areas, including information retrieval, distributed computing, large-scale system design, networking and data storage, security, artificial intelligence, natural language processing, UI design and mobile; the list goes on and is growing every day. As a software engineer, you will work on a specific project critical to Google’s needs with opportunities to switch teams and projects as you and our fast-paced business grow and evolve. We need our engineers to be versatile, display leadership qualities and be enthusiastic to take on new problems across the full-stack as we continue to push technology forward.

The Host Network Functions team is responsible for developing and delivering high-performance networking solutions that empower Google Distributed Cloud. The team focuses on optimizing Kubernetes networking experiences and providing connectivity and performance for a wide range of customers, including those in the Telecom, AI, Retail, and Enterprise sectors. The team develops Application Programming Interface (APIs) and software stacks to manage the host networking infrastructure on Google Data Centers (GDC) servers, ensuring network connectivity for Kubernetes Pod and VM workloads.

Google Cloud accelerates every organization’s ability to digitally transform its business and industry. We deliver enterprise-grade solutions that leverage Google’s cutting-edge technology, and tools that help developers build more sustainably. Customers in more than 200 countries and territories turn to Google Cloud as their trusted partner to enable growth and solve their most critical business problems.

The US base salary range for this full-time position is $197,000-$291,000 + bonus + equity + benefits. Our salary ranges are determined by role, level, and location. Within the range, individual pay is determined by work location and additional factors, including job-related skills, experience, and relevant education or training. Your recruiter can share more about the specific salary range for your preferred location during the hiring process.

Please note that the compensation details listed in US role postings reflect the base salary only, and do not include bonus, equity, or benefits. Learn more about .

Responsibilities

Provide technical knowledge and guidance to multiple teams across the organization.
Develop APIs and software stacks for host networking infrastructure, optimizing network data paths in the Linux kernel by leveraging SmartNICs to deliver performance.
Collaborate with stakeholders to integrate with Google networking APIs, meeting the needs of modern cloud-native applications.
Develop network topologies suitable for high-performance computing and graphics processing unit (GPU) based architectures.
Participate in on-call rotations, track key metrics, and contribute to improving product quality through dashboards, regression testing, and collaboration with vendors and product management.