Senior Staff Software Engineer, SDN Architecture

Role description

Role Overview

As a Senior Staff Software Engineer for SDN Architecture, you will be a driving technical force behind the software-defined networking stack that powers Crusoe's AI-first cloud. You will design and build high-performance networking solutions optimized for AI and HPC workloads, working deeply across the Linux kernel, packet processing pipelines, and network virtualization to help deliver the extreme throughput and low latency that massive GPU clusters demand.

What You Will Do

Contribute to and help refine the technical direction for Software-Defined Networking, translating strategy into concrete plans, milestones, and measurable outcomes for your area of ownership. Participate in and help lead architecture reviews, author design documents for major SDN components, and provide thorough code reviews for critical services.

Why It Might Be a Fit

You will act as a senior technical contributor and a trusted voice in architecture decisions, partnering closely with Principal Engineers and engineering leadership to shape direction while owning significant portions of the roadmap yourself.

Requirements

• 8+ years of experience building and operating large-scale networking systems in production, ideally within cloud or hyperscale data center environments
• Strong SDN and NFV experience coupled with solid systems programming skills in C, C++, Go or Rust
• Strong working knowledge of Linux kernel architecture, memory management, the network stack, and device driver development
• Hands-on experience with kernel bypass and high-speed packet processing, including XDP, eBPF, AF_XDP, or DPDK
• Familiarity with SmartNICs and accelerators, such as NVIDIA ConnectX-6/7, BlueField-3, or Intel IPUs
• Experience with network virtualization and data center fabrics (e.g., Spine-Leaf, BGP, EVPN, VXLAN) and tools like OVS or OVN
• Solid knowledge of SR-IOV and vDPA, with the ability to debug issues across both control and data planes
• A track record of influencing technical decisions through strong written communication and a collaborative, mentoring mindset
• A Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, or a related analytical field (or equivalent professional experience)

Benefits

• Competitive compensation and equity packages
• Restricted Stock Units
• Paid time off, paid holidays & leave of absence programs
• Comprehensive health, dental & vision insurance
• Employer contributions to HSA account
• Paid parental leave
• Paid life insurance, short-term and long-term disability
• Professional development & tuition reimbursement
• Mental health & wellness support
• Commuter benefits (parking & transit)
• Cell phone stipend
• 401(k) Retirement plan with company match up to 4% of salary
• Volunteer time off
• Global travel insurance & emergency assistance
• Daily meals allowance