Principle Software Engineer - SONiC

Piper Companies is seeking a Senior Principal Software Engineer - SONiC with deep expertise in network operating systems (NOS) and hardware abstraction layers to join a cutting-edge startup onsite near San Jose, CA. This role focuses on architecture and development for open-source NOS platforms, specifically SONiC and Switch Abstraction Interface (SAI). The ideal Senior Principle Software Engineer - SONiC will have end-to-end understanding of networking protocols, system architecture, and hardware bring-up processes.

Responsibilities for the Principal Software Engineer - SONiC:

• Design and develop software architecture for open-source NOS platforms, ensuring scalability and reliability.
• Work deeply on forwarding plane, routing protocols, and hardware abstraction layers.
• Collaborate on BSP (Board Support Package), board bring-up, and secure boot processes for new hardware platforms.
• Contribute to SONiC and SAI development, integration, and optimization for high-performance networking environments.
• Provide architectural guidance and ensure alignment with networking standards and best practices.
• Troubleshoot and resolve complex issues across NOS layers, including protocol-level debugging.
  
  

Qualifications for the Principal Software Engineer - SONiC:

• Deep experience with NOS platforms such as Cisco IOS XR, IOS, Juniper OS, or similar OEM systems.
• Must be eligible to work in the United States and obtain and maintain an Active U.S. Government Secret Clearance.
• Hands-on experience with routing protocols and packet forwarding architecture.
• Strong background in SONiC and Switch Abstraction Interface development and integration.
• Deep knowledge of BGP; EVPN-VXLAN experience is critical.
• BSP development, board bring-up, and secure boot implementation.
• Strong programming skills in C/C and familiarity with Linux kernel networking stack.
  
  

Compensation/Benefits for the Principal Software Engineer - SONiC:

• Salary Range: $210,000 – $280,000 annually depending on experience
• Comprehensive Benefits: Medical, Dental, Vision, 401K, PTO, Sick Leave (as required by law), and Holidays
  
  

This job opens for applications on 12/5/2025. Applications for this job will be accepted for at least 30 days from the posting date.

Keywords: Principal Software Engineer, SONiC, Switch Abstraction Interface, SAI, Network Operating System, NOS, Open-source NOS, Software Architecture, Forwarding Plane, Routing Protocols, Packet Forwarding, Hardware Abstraction Layer, BSP, Board Support Package, Board Bring-up, Secure Boot, BGP, EVPN-VXLAN