Senior Software Engineer
Spectrum IT RecruitmentAbout the role
We are seeking a highly skilled and experienced Senior Network Software Engineer with a strong focus on transport connectivity and networking products.
As a key member of the engineering team, you will design, develop, and deploy enterprise-grade networking appliances, contributing to impactful, large-scale systems in a fast-paced and collaborative environment.
Requirements
Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, or a related field
8+ years of experience building enterprise-grade appliances or similar systems
3+ years of experience independently delivering complex features
Strong embedded software development skills in C/C++; Python is a plus
Expertise in VPP, DPDK, or similar open-source data plane/fast-path stacks
Good understanding of DPDK-based traffic generators such as TRex; development experience is a strong plus
Strong knowledge of L2–L4 networking and protocols, including TCP/IP, UDP, ARP, DHCP, DNS, NAT, and firewalls
Experience with security protocols, including IPsec and SSL/TLS, as well as authentication and authorization
Hands-on experience with Software Defined Networking (SDN) and distributed systems
Familiarity with overlays and tunneling technologies
Excellent software engineering fundamentals and clean coding practices
Hands-on experience with containerization technologies such as Docker and orchestration platforms such as Kubernetes
Proven ability to succeed in collaborative, startup-like environments
Strong verbal and written communication skills
Key Responsibilities
Design and develop high-performance networking features for enterprise-grade appliances
Work extensively with open-source data plane and fast-path technologies, including VPP and DPDK
Lead technical initiatives and mentor other engineers
Own complex features end-to-end and deliver independently at scale
Collaborate across engineering teams and promote knowledge sharing
Communicate architecture decisions and technical trade-offs effectively, including with senior stakeholders
Manage competing priorities with urgency, accountability, and strong ownership
Nice to Have
Experience with cloud platforms such as AWS, Azure, GCP, OCI, or Alibaba Cloud
Experience with cloud-native architectures
Knowledge of DevOps practices
Experience with distributed computing and microservices
Cross-domain knowledge and a solutions-design mindset
Security-first approach to software engineering
Knowledge of serverless architectures
Responsibilities
- Design and develop high-performance networking features for enterprise-grade appliances
- Work extensively with open-source data plane and fast-path technologies, including VPP and DPDK
- Lead technical initiatives and mentor other engineers
- Own complex features end-to-end and deliver independently at scale
- Collaborate across engineering teams and promote knowledge sharing
- Communicate architecture decisions and technical trade-offs effectively, including with senior stakeholders
- Manage competing priorities with urgency, accountability, and strong ownership
Qualifications
- Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, or a related field
- 8+ years of experience building enterprise-grade appliances or similar systems
- Strong embedded software development skills in C/C++; Python is a plus
- Expertise in VPP, DPDK, or similar open-source data plane/fast-path stacks
- Good understanding of DPDK-based traffic generators such as TRex
- Strong knowledge of L2–L4 networking and protocols, including TCP/IP, UDP, ARP, DHCP, DNS, NAT, and firewalls
- Experience with security protocols, including IPsec and SSL/TLS
- Hands-on experience with Software Defined Networking (SDN) and distributed systems
Skills mentioned
About Spectrum IT Recruitment
Established in 2008, Spectrum IT is a leading Software and Technology specific recruitment agency, providing permanent and contract IT resource for businesses. Our team of around 30 employees are based on the University of Southampton Science Park, a key hub for technology on the South Coast. Our specialist consultants help organisations overcome their specific recruitment challenges, from agile start-ups and SMEs to global multinationals. Whether you’re seeking to place single hires or build large software development project teams, our specialist recruiters utilise their deep industry knowledge and extensive candidate database to source the required talent.