> Markdown version of [/jobs/ext/2984611-principal-engineer-network-protocol-architect](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/jobs/ext/2984611-principal-engineer-network-protocol-architect). 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).

---

# Principal Engineer, Network Protocol Architect

- **Company:** Ayar Labs
- **Location:** San Jose, CA, United States
- **Salary:** $180,000.0 - $250,000.0
- **Contract:** Permanent contract
- **Skills:** Artificial Intelligence, Amazon Web Services, Common Lisp Object Systems, Data Link, Protocol Stack, Computer Programming, Ethernet, Network Topologies, Python (Programming Language), Network Protocols, IEEE 802.3, Google Cloud, Oracle Cloud Infrastructure
- **Published:** September 18, 2026
- **Apply:** https://www.dice.com/job-detail/4b8dbd3b-1829-43f9-962d-1aa6db0ae507

## About the Role

* B.S. degree in Computer or Electrical Engineering
 * Experience with memory semantic fabrics and networking protocols such as AXI, CHI, UALink, ESUN, Ethernet (e.g., 802.3dj), UCIe, PCI-SIG
 * Experience with architecture and design of AI compute systems such as OCI-MSA
 * Strong programming skills in Python and familiar with AI workflow agents such as Antigravity, Claude, etc.
 * Self-motivated and detail-oriented
 * Can collaborate and work effectively with colleague across teams and projects
 * Excellent written and oral communication skills

Preferred Qualification

 * MS or Ph.D. degree in Computer or Electrical Engineering
 * Experience with AI inference models and system performance analysis (throughput, interactivity, TCO)
 * Experience with network topologies such as mesh, crossbar, folded Clos, TOR, Leaf-Spine, Torus, Dragonfly, and HyperX
 * Experience with Amazon AWS and Google Cloud platforms

## Description

The successful candidate will work with customers and Ayar Labs' design teams to design co-packaged optical engines for scale-up and scale-out fabrics and extended memory. You are responsible for developing the specification for network/compute protocol stack layers. The candidate will represent Ayar Labs at Standard Setting Organizations (SSOs) and promote Ayar Labs' co-packaged optics. You will collaborate with the CTO office on pathfinding activities, and product and technology roadmaps., * Using Ayar Labs' co-packaged optics as the foundational technology, work with customers and internal design teams to design co-packaged optical engines for scale-up and scale-out fabrics and extended memory.

 * Translate customer key interconnect specifications into protocol requirements to enable silicon photonic interconnects.
 * Architect and develop the specification of network/compute protocol stack layers (e.g., application, transaction, data link, and physical) in optical engines.
 * Participate on SSO workgroups at UALink, ESUN, OCP, OIF, and IEEE 802.3.
 * Participate in technology evangelization through customer presentations, conference papers, seminar/webinars.


## Related Videos

- [The Gashlycrumb Tinies of AI Networking You Must Know (or Languish!)](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/2067-the-gashlycrumb-tinies-of-ai-networking-you-must-know-or-languish)
- [You are not an AI developer](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/1148-you-are-not-an-ai-developer)
- [Data is Key: Scraping Metadata from Websites](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/708-data-is-key-scraping-metadata-from-websites)
- [Agentic AI Systems for Critical Workloads](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/1592-agentic-ai-systems-for-critical-workloads)
- [Docker network without Docker](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/1418-docker-network-without-docker)
- [Offline first!](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/645-offline-first)

## Related Articles

- [The Best X (Twitter) Accounts for Developers](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/294-the-best-x-twitter-accounts-for-developers)
- [Graph and AI Trends 2026: Why Is AI Running but Not Yet Delivering?](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/680-graph-and-ai-trends-2026-why-is-ai-running-but-not-yet-delivering)
- [Everything a Developer Needs to Know About MCP with Neo4j](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/604-everything-a-developer-needs-to-know-about-mcp-with-neo4j)
- [Dev Digest 137 - AI'm not sure about this](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/485-dev-digest-137-ai-m-not-sure-about-this)
- [Never delegate the understanding](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/749-never-delegate-the-understanding)
- [Navigating the AI Shift](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/629-navigating-the-ai-shift)