Senior Principal Software Applications Engineer (Networking)

TL;DR

Senior Principal Software Applications Engineer (Networking): Leading the integration and optimization of hirify.global's switching solutions for hyperscale data centers and AI infrastructure with an accent on switch software architecture and SAI-based implementations. Focus on developing switch drivers, integrating SONiC, and resolving complex system-level issues across software, firmware, and silicon.

Location: Santa Clara, CA

Salary: $177,820 - $266,400 per annum

Company

hirify.global provides semiconductor solutions that serve as essential building blocks for data infrastructure across enterprise, cloud, and AI architectures.

What you will do

• Act as the senior technical authority for customers on switch software architecture, device drivers, and system software integration.
• Lead complex customer engagements involving software bring-up, integration, and optimization of switching solutions.
• Develop SAI-based implementations and integrate SONiC, supporting customers from evaluation through production.
• Serve as the primary technical escalation point for critical issues related to performance, stability, and feature enablement.
• Collaborate with internal silicon and software teams to drive issue resolution and align product roadmaps.
• Drive Proof of Concepts (POCs), software demonstrations, and provide technical mentorship to other Application Engineers.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, or a related field.
• 15+ years of experience in networking, data center, or cloud infrastructure with a focus on system and switch software.
• Deep hands-on experience with switch driver development, SAI (Switch Abstraction Interface), and SONiC.
• Proven ability to debug complex issues spanning software, firmware, and silicon interfaces.
• Excellent communication skills for presenting complex software concepts to technical and non-technical stakeholders.
• Must be eligible to access export-controlled information under U.S. export control laws (EAR).

Nice to have

• Experience with hyperscale or Tier-1 data center customers deploying disaggregated networking solutions.
• Familiarity with Linux kernel networking subsystems and user-space networking applications.
• Strong understanding of L2/L3 switching, routing, telemetry, and QoS in production environments.
• Exposure to VLSI or silicon architecture concepts.

Culture & Benefits

• Employee stock purchase plan with a 2-year look back.
• Comprehensive family support programs to balance work and home life.
• Robust mental and physical health resources.
• Structured recognition and service awards for contributions and milestones.
• Financial well-being programs tailored for employees at all career stages.