As AI workloads become increasingly distributed and data-intensive, networking is one of the foundational technologies that enables secure, reliable, and scalable cloud infrastructure. We're looking for an exceptional engineering leader to own the strategy, execution, and operation of DigitalOcean's Virtual Networking organization. Reporting to the Senior Director of Networking, you will lead the organization responsible for the core networking platforms that power DigitalOcean services and customer workloads. This includes VPC, Public/Private/Global DNS, gateway services, DDoS protection, Network Firewall, and other foundational networking services. Your organization will design, build, and operate more than 12 cloud-scale, multi-tenant networking services that enable secure, resilient connectivity within and across DigitalOcean's global infrastructure. This is a highly strategic leadership role responsible for defining the long-term vision for Virtual Networking while building a world-class engineering organization that delivers reliable, secure, and scalable networking services for millions of developers and businesses. What You'll Do: Own the Virtual Networking Strategy Define and execute the multi-year strategy for DigitalOcean's Virtual Networking platform, delivering the foundational networking services that power customer workloads and DigitalOcean's cloud platform. Build the Next Generation of Networking Services Lead the architecture, development, and operation of cloud-scale, multi-tenant networking services, including VPC, DNS, gateway services, DDoS protection, Network Firewall, and future networking capabilities that support the evolving needs of AI and cloud-native workloads. Deliver Reliable Cloud Services Own the availability, scalability, security, and operational excellence of more than 20 production networking services. Establish engineering mechanisms and operational practices that enable the organization to operate reliably at cloud scale. Lead a High-Performing Engineering Organization Recruit, develop, and mentor engineering managers and senior engineers while fostering a culture of technical excellence, accountability, innovation, and customer obsession. Partner Across Engineering Collaborate closely with Physical Networking, Compute, Storage, GPU, Security, Product, and Infrastructure teams to deliver integrated networking capabilities that simplify the customer experience and accelerate product innovation. Drive Operational Excellence Establish engineering metrics, operational reviews, reliability goals, and automation that improve service availability, operational efficiency, and engineering velocity across the Virtual Networking portfolio. Influence Product Strategy Partner with Product Management to shape the networking roadmap, prioritize investments, and deliver differentiated networking capabilities that enable customer growth and DigitalOcean's long-term business strategy. What You'll Bring: Executive Leadership - Experience leading multiple engineering teams or organizations responsible for cloud infrastructure or networking platforms. - Proven ability to build and scale high-performing engineering teams through strong technical leadership, organizational design, and operational excellence. - Strong cross-functional leadership skills with a track record of influencing engineering, product, and executive stakeholders. Technical Expertise - Deep expertise in cloud networking, distributed systems, and large-scale software platforms. - Experience designing and operating highly available, multi-tenant networking services such as VPC, DNS, gateways, load balancing, firewalls, service networking, or adjacent cloud networking technologies. - Strong understanding of networking architecture, cloud infrastructure, security, and reliability engineering. Execution Excellence - Demonstrated success delivering large-scale, cross-functional initiatives from strategy through execution. - Experience defining engineering metrics, operational mechanisms, and service reliability practices that improve customer experience and engineering efficiency. - Excellent communication skills with the ability to translate complex technical challenges into clear business outcomes. Compensation Range: - $198,000 - $248,000 *This is a hybrid role #LI-Hybrid