> Markdown version of [/jobs/ext/2251106-distinguished-engineer-networking](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/jobs/ext/2251106-distinguished-engineer-networking). Every page supports `.md` or `Accept: text/markdown`. Links point to the HTML versions so they work for humans too. Agent guide: [/agents.md](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/agents.md). --- # Distinguished Engineer, Networking - **Company:** Equinix - **Location:** Dallas, TX, United States - **Salary:** $269,000.0 - **Contract:** Permanent contract - **Skills:** Artificial Intelligence, Border Gateway Protocol, Cloud Computing, Cloud Engineering, Complex Networks, Data Centers, Software Design Documents, Software Design Patterns, Network Topologies, Multi-protocol Systems, Network Architecture, Routing, Network Virtualization, Open Shortest Path First (OSPF), Performance Tuning, Software Engineering, Computer Network Operations, Cloud Platform System, Kubernetes, Information Technology, SDN Network, Machine Learning Operations - **Published:** August 26, 2026 - **Apply:** https://diversityjobs.com/main/sendform/8/8/28176/1/18068411?backUrl=%2Fcareer%2F18068411%2FDistinguished-Engineer-Networking-Texas-Dallas ## About the Role Leadership & Experience * 15+ years of experience in network engineering, with deep expertise in large-scale, high-performance network architecture and operations * Demonstrated track record of defining and delivering network architectures for commercial-grade telecommunications, cloud, or digital infrastructure products * Proven ability to influence technical direction at the company level, across engineering, product, and operations organizations * Experience engaging directly with enterprise or carrier-grade customers in a technical advisory or escalation capacity * Inclusive leadership approach with strong collaboration and communication skills; ability to translate complex network concepts for technical and non-technical audiences alike Technical Expertise * Deep expertise in network architecture for virtualized and cloud-native environments, including SDN/NFV, overlay networking (VXLAN, MPLS, Segment Routing), and virtual routing/switching * Expert-level knowledge of Virtual Network Function (VNF) architecture, performance tuning, and qualification-including DPDK, SR-IOV, CPU pinning, and high-throughput packet processing techniques * Strong command of BGP, OSPF, IS-IS, and other routing protocols as applied in large-scale multi-tenant or carrier environments * Experience designing and operating interconnected multi-site (multi-Data Center) or multi-region network topologies with stringent availability and latency requirements * Familiarity with Kubernetes networking, cloud-native CNI plugins, and service mesh concepts as they apply to infrastructure products * Ability to engage deeply with both software engineering and network operations teams, bridging low-level protocol knowledge with product and platform requirements * Experience applying AI/ML tools or automated analysis to network observability, fault detection, or capacity planning is a plus Education & Professional Background * Strong foundation in networking, computer science, or electrical engineering demonstrated through professional experience, education, industry certifications (e.g., CCIE, JNCIE), or equivalent practical expertise ## Description As a Distinguished Engineer within the Infrastructure Engineering organization, you will serve as the definitive technical authority for network architecture across the Network Edge product line. This is a company-wide leadership role that sets the long-term network architectural vision and translates it into concrete engineering direction for product teams. You will own the network designs underpinning Equinix's Virtual Network Function (VNF) platform, drive high-impact initiatives such as the high-throughput VNF effort and dual-Data Center connectivity, and serve as the primary technical bridge between product engineering and Equinix's Network Architecture and Operations organizations. This role also carries direct customer-facing responsibility-providing expert-level guidance and troubleshooting for Equinix's most strategic customers. Distinguished Engineers at Equinix operate at an industry level. You will be recognized as an expert inside and outside the company, influencing product roadmaps multiple years out and elevating the engineering community through mentorship and thought leadership. Responsibilities Technical Leadership & Architecture * Define and own the multi-year network architecture vision for Network Edge, ensuring designs are scalable, resilient, and aligned with Equinix's global infrastructure strategy * Lead network architecture and design for critical platform initiatives, including high-throughput VNF enablement and dual-Data Center connectivity * Establish authoritative design patterns, reference architectures, and standards for virtual network functions, overlay networking, and carrier-grade performance tuning across on-prem and cloud environments * Identify and resolve systemic architectural gaps across the Network Edge platform, providing clear technical recommendations that unblock engineering teams * Drive performance engineering for VNFs, including profiling, tuning, and qualification of throughput-sensitive network workloads (DPDK, SR-IOV, CPU pinning, and related techniques) Cross-Organizational Influence * Serve as the primary technical liaison between product engineering and Equinix Network Architecture, Network Operations, and external network vendors * Influence Equinix's broader network and infrastructure strategy by contributing architectural guidance that spans product, platform, and operations boundaries * Partner with Product, Engineering, and Strategy leadership to define the 2027+ product roadmap and ensure technical feasibility of new features and services * Represent Equinix Network Edge capabilities to strategic customers, partners, and industry forums, providing expert-level consultation and thought leadership * Set and model a high bar for technical excellence, fostering a culture of quality, innovation, transparency, and continuous improvement Engineering Community & Mentorship * Mentor and develop Senior Principal and Principal Engineers, accelerating their technical growth and organizational impact * Publish internal design documents, architectural decision records, and best-practice guides that elevate the craft of network engineering across Equinix * Champion rigorous problem-solving, transparency, and continuous learning within the engineering organization Customer & Field Engagement * Engage directly with strategic customers to diagnose complex network issues, validate architectural approaches, and build confidence in the Network Edge platform * Translate field observations and customer feedback into actionable architectural improvements and product requirements, Equinix is committed to ensuring that our employment process is open to all individuals, including those with a disability. If you are a qualified candidate and need assistance or an accommodation, please let us know by completing this form. ## Related Videos - [Embracing the Hybrid Cloud: Unlocking Success with Open Source Technologies](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/883-embracing-the-hybrid-cloud-unlocking-success-with-open-source-technologies) - [Understanding Kubernetes in a visual way](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/100085-understanding-kubernetes-in-a-visual-way) - [Creating a routing app with Google Maps API from scratch](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/831-creating-a-routing-app-with-google-maps-api-from-scratch) - [Demystifying application networking in the cloud](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/675-demystifying-application-networking-in-the-cloud) - [Instant KAI Sandboxes with vCluster: Multi-Tenant, Multi-Scheduler GPU Sharing](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/100333-instant-kai-sandboxes-with-vcluster-multi-tenant-multi-scheduler-gpu-sharing) - [A Technical Introduction to Bitcoin's 2nd Layer- The Lightning Network](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/15-a-technical-introduction-to-bitcoin-s-2nd-layer-the-lightning-network) ## Related Articles - [How We Built a Worry-Free System That Runs for 10+ Years – And What We’d Do Again](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/751-how-we-built-a-worry-free-system-that-runs-for-10-years-and-what-we-d-do-again) - [Best US AI Conferences for CTOs in 2026: Build vs. Buy, Vendor Evaluation, and Peer Intelligence](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/736-best-us-ai-conferences-for-ctos-in-2026-build-vs-buy-vendor-evaluation-and-peer-intelligence) - [The Best X (Twitter) Accounts for Developers](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/294-the-best-x-twitter-accounts-for-developers) - [5 Reasons Why Attending Conferences in 2026 Matters More Than You Think](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/692-5-reasons-why-attending-conferences-in-2026-matters-more-than-you-think) - [What Are The Top Skills Required For Azure Developers?](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/77-what-are-the-top-skills-required-for-azure-developers) - [Top Must-Visit Developer Conferences in the US in 2026](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/679-top-must-visit-developer-conferences-in-the-us-in-2026)