Software Engineer (Technical Leadership) - Host Networking

Meta is investing heavily on the Meta Cloud. As part of this push we want to build a cloud-native infrastructure optimized for AI development. The Host Networking team owns the networking stack that runs on the compute platforms at Meta, spanning the software dataplane/host networking platform and select custom hardware components that power connectivity, performance, and security across our fleet. As part of the Meta Compute Initiative, we’re evolving this foundation to support a cloud-native, Kubernetes-first AI infrastructure—including platform primitives like network virtualization, load balancing/service connectivity, and distributed firewall/policy enforcement—at Meta scale. This is a chance to lead architecture and delivery while influencing a broad cross-functional ecosystem, leveraging (and contributing to) open source where it helps us move faster. We build the platform layer and partner closely with the many application teams that run on top.

Software Engineer (Technical Leadership) - Host Networking Responsibilities:

• Architect and lead delivery of Meta Compute’s cloud-native host networking platform, owning end-to-end technical direction from design through production rollout
• Build/modernize Kubernetes networking features integrated with Meta’s host networking stack (e.g., dataplane integration, operability, scaling characteristics)
• Design and implement core networking primitives: network virtualization, load balancing/service connectivity, and distributed firewalling/policy enforcement
• Drive time-to-market execution: define milestones, de-risk key technical choices early and deliver iterative production increments
• Lead broad cross-functional alignment across compute, storage, platform, security, and hardware/fabric partners—owning interfaces/contracts and end-to-end outcomes
• Leverage and influence open-source ecosystems: evaluate open-source building blocks, contribute improvements where needed, and ensure Meta’s solution is maintainable and operable long-term

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, relevant technical field, or equivalent practical experience
• 10+ years software development experience in industry settings or PhD with 4+ years of experience
• 4+ Years Proven experience designing and shipping networking dataplane/control-plane systems in production (e.g., host networking, L4/L7 load balancing, NAT/conntrack, firewalls/policy, network virtualization)
• Hands-on Kubernetes networking experience in production (e.g., CNI, Services, NetworkPolicy/policy models, service connectivity/load balancing integration)
• Proficiency in C/C++ and at least one scripting language (Python/Shell Scripting)
• Experience with developing and automating test suites
• Demonstrated experience working across disciplines to align on technical decisions and deliver integrated solutions

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience building or contributing to Kubernetes operators, controllers, or device plugins that manage hardware-accelerated networking or storage resources
• Direct experience with DPU SoC/SmartNIC Platforms
• Familiarity with Linux networking internals such as netdev subsystem, TC/iptables/nftables, network namespace isolation, traffic shaping, and kernel driver development
• Experience in hyperscale or cloud-provider environments
• Expertise in high-performance networking frameworks and techniques such as DPDK, eBPF/XDP, AF_XDP, io_uring, kernel bypass, zero-copy I/O, and RDMA/RoCEv2
• Experience collaborating closely with hardware and ASIC design teams, contributing to hardware specifications, co-designing hardware-software interfaces, and influencing silicon feature sets based on software requirements

About Meta:

Meta builds technologies that help people connect, find communities, and grow businesses. When Facebook launched in 2004, it changed the way people connect. Apps like Messenger, Instagram and WhatsApp further empowered billions around the world. Now, Meta is moving beyond 2D screens toward immersive experiences like augmented and virtual reality to help build the next evolution in social technology. People who choose to build their careers by building with us at Meta help shape a future that will take us beyond what digital connection makes possible today—beyond the constraints of screens, the limits of distance, and even the rules of physics.

Meta is proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity and Affirmative Action employer. We do not discriminate based upon race, religion, color, national origin, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, transgender status, sexual stereotypes, age, status as a protected veteran, status as an individual with a disability, or other applicable legally protected characteristics. We also consider qualified applicants with criminal histories, consistent with applicable federal, state and local law. Meta participates in the E-Verify program in certain locations, as required by law. Please note that Meta may leverage artificial intelligence and machine learning technologies in connection with applications for employment.

Meta is committed to providing reasonable accommodations for candidates with disabilities in our recruiting process. If you need any assistance or accommodations due to a disability, please let us know at [email protected].

$219,000/year to $301,000/year + bonus + equity + benefits

Individual compensation is determined by skills, qualifications, experience, and location. Compensation details listed in this posting reflect the base hourly rate, monthly rate, or annual salary only, and do not include bonus, equity or sales incentives, if applicable. In addition to base compensation, Meta offers benefits. Learn more about benefits at Meta.