Principal Software Engineer - OpenShift Networking

Red Hat is seeking a Principal Software Engineer to join our global OpenShift Networking team. In this highly visible role, you will help define the future of networking for Red Hat OpenShift by designing, architecting, and delivering scalable, secure, and innovative networking solutions.

You will work as part of a distributed, global engineering organization, collaborating closely with platform, infrastructure, and upstream open source communities. This role combines deep technical leadership, hands-on engineering, and strong collaboration across teams and customers.

What You Will Do

• Architect and implement advanced networking solutions for next-generation platforms, including Kubernetes and Red Hat OpenShift
• Own and elevate quality across the networking stack through design reviews, peer code reviews, CI/CD practices, and proactive security engagement, including CVE resolution
• Provide technical leadership by shaping architecture, mentoring engineers, and influencing technical direction across teams
• Engage deeply with upstream communities, leading and contributing to projects such as Kubernetes (https://github.com/kubernetes/kubernetes/) , OVN-Kubernetes (https://github.com/ovn-org/ovn-kubernetes/) , Multus, (https://github.com/k8snetworkplumbingwg/multus-cni) and Open Virtual Networking (OVN) (https://github.com/ovn-org/ovn)
• Collaborate across Red Hat engineering teams to deliver cohesive platform networking solutions
• Apply deep networking expertise to help customers and partners solve complex, real-world problems with pragmatic and innovative solutions
• Represent Red Hat networking expertise with customers, partners, and open source communities as a trusted technical authority

• Proactively utilize AI-assisted development tools (e.g., Claude Code, GitHub Copilot, Cursor) for code generation, auto-completion, and intelligent suggestions to accelerate development cycles and enhance code quality.
• Deep expertise in computer networking, including strong knowledge of switching and routing protocols
• Experience with cloud technologies, software-defined networking (SDN), and network functions virtualization (NFV)
• Proficiency in one or more programming languages such as Go, Python, C, or C++ Strong understanding of open source development models and community-driven software
• Proven ability to design new architectures, evaluate trade-offs, and influence technical strategy
• A proactive mindset with a passion for solving hard problems and delivering high-quality solutions
• Ability to thrive in a highly collaborative, distributed, and diverse environment
• Strong written and verbal communication skills in English

The following are considered a plus:

• Hands-on experience with Kubernetes, Red Hat OpenShift, or container networking technologies
• Knowledge of Linux networking internals and tooling
• Experience developing for public cloud platforms such as AWS, Google Cloud (GCE), or Microsoft Azure
• Comfort presenting technical topics to customers, partners, and senior stakeholders
• Prior open source contributions, or experience as a maintainer or core contributor

Red Hat determines compensation based on several factors including but not limited to job location, experience, applicable skills and training, external market value, and internal pay equity. Annual salary is one component of Red Hat's compensation package. This position may also be eligible for bonus, commission, and/or equity. For positions with Remote-US locations, the actual salary range for the position may differ based on location but will be commensurate with job duties and relevant work experience., * Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage

• Flexible Spending Account - healthcare and dependent care

• Health Savings Account - high deductible medical plan

• Retirement 401(k) with employer match

• Paid time off and holidays

• Paid parental leave plans for all new parents

• Leave benefits including disability, paid family medical leave, and paid military leave

• Additional benefits including employee stock purchase plan, family planning reimbursement, tuition reimbursement, transportation expense account, employee assistance program, and more!

Note: These benefits are only applicable to full time, permanent associates at Red Hat located in the United States.

Inclusion at Red Hat

Red Hat's culture is built on the open source principles of transparency, collaboration, and inclusion, where the best ideas can come from anywhere and anyone. When this is realized, it empowers people from different backgrounds, perspectives, and experiences to come together to share ideas, challenge the status quo, and drive innovation. Our aspiration is that everyone experiences this culture with equal opportunity and access, and that all voices are not only heard but also celebrated. We hope you will join our celebration, and we welcome and encourage applicants from all the beautiful dimensions that compose our global village.