Zhone Technologies Inc. is an innovation-driven startup offering an exciting opportunity to be part of a dynamic network software engineering team. As a Network Software Engineer, you will contribute to the development of next-generation network products as we transition from legacy protocol stacks to open-source-based systems such as FRR and SONiC.

This position focuses on designing, porting, and validating L2/L3 features, as well as developing new capabilities and ensuring protocol interoperability in embedded environments. You will work closely with senior engineers and report to the Director of Software Development.

What You’ll Do

• Contribute to high-level system architecture discussions
• Develop and maintain embedded network software applications
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams and technical stakeholders
• Break down tasks and provide development estimates
• Review and document technical requirements and designs
• Write and execute unit tests and assist with system-level validation
• Provide ongoing support for existing products
• Analyze L2/L3 features in ZebOS and map to equivalent FRR/SONiC implementations
• Port, redesign, and implement routing protocols such as BGP, OSPF, IS-IS, RIP
• Develop and integrate new or missing protocol features
• Debug and resolve protocol interoperability and system-level issues

What You Bring

• Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, or a related field
• 3+ years of experience in network software development
• Solid understanding of L2/L3routing protocols and their role in modern networks
• Experience with multi-threaded, real-time embedded systems
• Strong programming skills in C/C++
• Familiarity with embedded Linux or other real-time operating systems
• Ability to troubleshoot complex issues in embedded environments
• Good communication skills and a collaborative mindset
• A self-driven attitude and strong desire to learn.

Assets You May Possess

• Routing Protocols & Networking Stack
  • Experience developing or maintaining L2/L3 protocols (BGP, OSPF, IS-IS, RIP, VRRP)
  • Familiarity with protocol internals such as state machines, timers, and convergence logic
  • Understanding of Linux networking internals, including Netlink, VRF, routing tables, bridge/VLAN
  • Experience working with ZebOS or FRR (ZAPI, vtysh, protocol daemons)
  • Exposure to advanced technologies like EVPN or SRv6 is a plus
• Embedded & Platform Development.
  • Embedded Linux user-space development experience
  • Familiarity with kernel modules, drivers, or HALs
  • Understanding of SDKs such as Broadcom SDK or SAI
• Network Virtualization & Overlay Technologies
  • Knowledge of VRF, VxLAN, tunneling, and overlay architectures
  • Experience configuring virtual routing or sandbox test environments
• Management Protocols & Interfaces.
  • Working knowledge of NETCONF, SNMP, TL1, Telnet, SSH
  • Exposure to YANG models and integration with EMS/NMS
  • Ability to expose or extend telemetry or RPC-based management endpoints
• Testing, Automation & Debugging
  • Skilled in using tools such as tcpdump, Wireshark, gdb, valgrind
  • Experience writing automation scripts using Python, Bash, or TCL/Expect is beneficial

Benefits for full-time employees include Extended Health Care, Dental, Vision, Life, Dependent Life, Disability insurance (STD and LTD), $500 Wellness Benefit, Employee Assistance Program and Paid Time Off.

Why join Zhone Technologies?

Zhone Technologies, Inc. is a developer of Network Edge and Connectivity systems and Cloud Edge software solutions that enable broadband everywhere. Our software and network innovations are empowering communications service providers to reimagine their edge and transform their businesses and network infrastructure to be future-ready. Zhone systems, platforms and services are leveraged by hundreds of service providers globally and are relied upon by 14 of the top 25 telecom providers across the Americas, EMEA, and Australia/New Zealand. Every day, Zhone builds on a legacy of 25 years in the telecom industry, and recently acquired all of the assets of DZS, Inc.

What happens once you apply?

Your resume will be reviewed against the requirements listed and if a match a member of our team will reach out to you directly. Hiring top talent is our top priority and we thrilled you chose us.

Zhone Technologies is an equal opportunity employer for all job applicants and does not discriminate based on protected characteristics. Encouraging a diverse and inclusive organization is core to our values and is why we nurture it in everything we do. We believe that a diverse workforce brings new perspectives that enhance our teams, bring creativity, and inspire innovation. If you have a disability or special need that requires accommodation, please let us know during the application process.