AI Insights
NVIDIA

Senior Software Engineer Tech Lead, SONiC Network OS

NVIDIA · Santa Clara, California, US
full-timelead (12-20 yrs)Posted 21d ago
Software EngineeringIC4IC + ManagementHybridVisa Sponsored
StackCC++PythonLinuxSONiCBGPEVPNSRv6RDMAEthernet switchingembedded softwarenetwork OSAI development toolsopen-source development

Summary

NVIDIA is seeking a Senior Software Engineer Tech Lead to join the Spectrum Ethernet Switch/SmartSwitch SONiC group, leading technical initiatives for open-source network OS development powering AI datacenter and RDMA environments.

About the role

NVIDIA is actively seeking an outstanding Software engineer for Spectrum Ethernet Switch/SmartSwitch SONiC Group. As part of this team, candidates will engage with SONiC, a collaborative open-source initiative spearheaded by CSPS and numerous vendors, which enables a single network operating system to operate seamlessly across diverse ASICs and platforms. Notably, NVIDIA has been a major contributor to SONiC since its inception, and our technology is already powering Ethernet Switches, DPUs, and soon BMCs, making SONiC an integral component in RDMA and AI datacenter environments.

Renowned for fostering innovation and embracing forward-thinking talent, NVIDIA is consistently recognized as one of the most desirable employers in the tech industry. Our engineering teams are expanding rapidly due to remarkable growth, and we are eager to connect with creative, independent engineers who are passionate about technology and ready to take on new challenges.

What you'll be doing:

  • As Software Tech lead, candidates will lead technical discussion with Arch and customers, POC for new initiative and lead complex programs within and beyond the group. 

  • Collaboration will be key, as the role involves working closely with various design and verification teams, architects, product marketing professionals.

What we need to see:

  • The ideal candidate will possess a B.Sc. in Software, Computer, Electrical, or Communication Engineering, or equivalent experience

  • Bring at least 12 years of overall experience, initiating, and leading features. 

  • Hands-on proficiency in C, C++, and Python development is essential.

  • Great communication and presentation skills.

  • In-depth knowledge of Linux usage and internals.

  • Combined with creativity, motivation, and a strong value-driven mindset.

Ways to stand out from the crowd:

  • ​Expertise in leading both software and hardware integrations, as well as embedded software development. 

  • Familiarity with routing protocols such as BGP, EVPN, and SRv6. 

  • Familiarity with a variety of software development tools and methodologies, including AI tools.

  • Ability to dive deep into technical details, providing insightful guidance on features and bug resolution.

#LI-Hybrid ​

What you'll do

1Lead technical discussions with architects and customers as the primary point of contact for new initiatives
2Drive and lead complex programs within and beyond the SONiC group
3Collaborate closely with design, verification, architecture, and product marketing teams
4Contribute to and lead development of features for SONiC open-source network OS across diverse ASICs and platforms
5Enable SONiC for Ethernet Switches, DPUs, and BMCs in RDMA and AI datacenter environments
6Provide technical guidance on features and bug resolution with deep dive into implementation details

Requirements

12+ years of experience initiating and leading software features, with hands-on C, C++, and Python development skills
Deep expertise in Linux internals and system-level programming
Proven ability to lead technical discussions with architects and customers, and drive complex cross-team programs
Strong background in network operating systems, ASIC integration, and datacenter networking (Ethernet, DPU, BMC)

Nice to have

BGP
EVPN
SRv6
embedded software development
hardware/software integration
AI development tools
SONiC
RDMA

Role overview

Role family
Software Engineering
Level
IC4 — backend
Experience
12–20 years
Type
Hybrid (IC + Management)
Remote policy
Hybrid
Visa sponsorship
Available

Tech stack analysis

LANGUAGES
CC++Python
FRAMEWORKS
SONiC
INFRASTRUCTURE
LinuxEthernet SwitchesDPU (Data Processing Unit)BMC (Baseboard Management Controller)RDMA
TOOLS
AI development toolsopen-source development toolchain

Salary estimate

$220K – $320K
AI-estimated salary range
Confidence82%
Reasoning

NVIDIA is a top-tier semiconductor/AI company headquartered in Santa Clara, CA. For a Senior Tech Lead role requiring 12+ years in low-level networking/OS development, total compensation at NVIDIA typically ranges $220K–$320K+ including base, bonus, and RSUs. Base salary alone likely falls $180K–$230K, with significant equity component. Glassdoor/Levels.fyi data for NVIDIA Senior/Staff/Principal engineers in network software at this tenure level support this range.

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Green flags

5 items
NVIDIA is expanding rapidly due to AI/datacenter boom — strong job security and growth trajectorygrowth

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Benefits breakdown

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Hiring insights

JD quality
6/10
Urgency
medium
Autonomy
high
Team size
medium (5-15)

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Red flags

PRO3 items
12+ years experience requirement with broad expectations (tech lead, architect liaison, customer-facing, hands-on coding) may indicate a very high bar with limited leveling flexibilityrequirements

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Interview insights

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Career path

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Next roles
Principal Software EngineerEngineering Manager – NetworkingDistinguished Engineer

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About the company

NVIDIA is the world's leading designer of GPUs and AI computing platforms. Its chips power everything from gaming and data centers to autonomous vehicles and scientific research. With a market cap exceeding $2 trillion, NVIDIA's CUDA platform and AI accelerators have become the backbone of the global AI revolution.

HQSanta Clara, CA, USA
Build vs Maintainboth
Cross-functionalYes