Apple

Engineering Manager, SONiC Network Operating System

Apple • $160K — $190K *
Information Technology
8 - 10 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • 10+ years of software engineering experience, especially in networking and systems software.
  • 5+ years managing software engineering teams in networking or infrastructure.
  • Strong programming skills in C/C++, Go, or Python.
  • In-depth knowledge of computer networking fundamentals (Layer 2/3).
  • Experience with network operating systems and switching software.
  • Familiarity with SONiC architecture and its major components.
  • Understanding of ASIC SDK interfaces and packet-forwarding behavior.

Responsibilities

  • Lead a team in developing and enhancing networking software based on SONiC.
  • Participate actively in architecture discussions and design reviews.
  • Guide engineers through complex technical challenges and architectural assumptions.
  • Collaborate with network architects and hardware teams on design and validation.
  • Identify design gaps and oversee technical problem-solving.
  • Balance technical and business priorities in architecture decisions.
  • Hire, mentor, and develop engineering talent within the team.

Benefits

  • Comprehensive health insurance plan.
  • Flexible work arrangements or remote options.
  • Professional development opportunities.
  • Collaborative and innovative work culture.
Full Job Description
Description

We are looking for a highly technical Engineering Manager to lead a team developing and enhancing networking software based on the SONiC (Software for Open Networking in the Cloud) Network Operating System.

This is a hands-on technical leadership role for someone with a strong background in networking, systems software, network operating systems, switching ASICs, and large-scale infrastructure. The ideal candidate combines strong engineering leadership and people management skills with the technical depth required to actively participate in architecture discussions, design reviews, complex debugging, and critical technical decisions.

The manager is expected to understand the networking stack from routing and switching protocols through SONiC, SAI, ASIC SDK interfaces, and packet-forwarding behavior of the switching hardware.

This role requires the ability to guide engineers through difficult technical problems, challenge architectural assumptions, identify design gaps, and work directly with network architects, hardware teams, ASIC vendors, validation teams, and operations teams.

Minimum Qualifications

10+ years of software engineering experience with a strong foundation in networking and systems software.

5+ years of experience leading or managing software engineering teams working on networking, infrastructure, distributed systems, or systems software.

Strong hands-on technical background in one or more systems programming languages such as C/C++, Go, or Python.

Strong understanding of computer networking fundamentals, including Layer 2 and Layer 3 forwarding.

Experience with network operating systems, switching software, routing platforms, or large-scale network infrastructure software.

Strong understanding of SONiC architecture and its major components.

Working knowledge of SAI (Switch Abstraction Interface) and how SONiC programs network switching ASICs through SAI.

Working knowledge of network switching ASIC architecture and packet-forwarding pipelines.

Demonstrated ability to participate meaningfully in detailed software architecture and design discussions.

Strong understanding of software engineering fundamentals including concurrency, APIs, data structures, testing, observability, source control, and software architecture.

Ability to balance architecture, technical debt, reliability, execution speed, and business priorities.

Proven ability to hire, mentor, develop, and retain strong engineers.

Bachelor's degree or equivalent years of experience

Preferred Qualifications

Hands-on experience developing or contributing to SONiC.

Previous technical leadership of teams responsible for network operating systems, switch software, routing systems, or network dataplane/control-plane software.

Experience developing software using SAI APIs.

Understanding of switching ASIC resource constraints including TCAM, forwarding tables, route tables, ECMP groups, next-hop resources, counters, queues, and buffers.

Knowledge of BGP, VXLAN/EVPN, data-center networking, leaf-spine architectures, and large-scale network fabrics.

Experience with network validation, traffic generators, packet analysis, or network automation.

Experience building highly available and high-scale network infrastructure.

Experience working directly with ASIC vendors and influencing SDK, SAI, or hardware-related issue resolution.

About Apple

Apple is a corporation that designs, manufactures, and markets mobile communication and media devices, personal computers, portable digital music players, and sells a variety of related software, services, peripherals, networking solutions, and third-party digital content and applications. Apple provides many products and services, including iPhone; iPad; iPod; Mac; Apple TV; a portfolio of consumer and professional software applications; the iOS and OS X operating systems; iCloud; and accessories, service, and support offerings. It sells its products worldwide through its retail stores, online stores, direct sales force and third-party cellular network carriers, wholesalers, retailers, and value-added resellers to the consumer and also sells third-party iPhone, iPad, Mac and iPod compatible products, including application software and accessories through its online and retail stores. Introduced in 1984, the Macintosh was the first widely sold personal computer with a graphical user interface (GUI). That feature and others such as an improved floppy drive design and a low-cost hard drive that made data retrieval faster helped Apple cultivate a reputation for innovation. Apple was named as the most admired company in the United States in 2008 and in the world from 2008 to 2012 by the Fortune magazine. The company was founded by Steven Paul Jobs, Steve Wozniak, and Ronald Gerald Wayne on April 1, 1976, and is headquartered in Cupertino, California.

Apple Careers

Join Apple, a place where extraordinary people gather to do their best work. Our ever-expanding global team is at the forefront of innovation and leadership in the tech industry. At Apple, we're not just building products—we're crafting the kind of wonder that revolutionizes entire industries. It's the diversity of our people and their ideas that inspires the innovation that runs through everything we do, from amazing technology to industry-leading environmental efforts. Work You’ll Do Embark on a journey with Apple’s market-leading team to help some of the world’s most influential companies navigate their path to digital mastery with cutting-edge technology and services. Transform industries and touch lives with your unique ideas at Apple. Here, you’ll lead through a unique position at the intersection of technology, creativity, and robust industry expertise. Collaborate with a global team of professionals who are at the top of their game in technology and design. Apple isn’t just a company, it’s a community of innovators and passionate thinkers. Introducing the Apple Innovation and Leadership Initiative We are building a market-leading team to drive our efforts in delivering groundbreaking solutions and services. At Apple, job opportunities are abundant, offering you the chance to explore diverse roles from engineering to marketing, all designed to empower your career growth. Do Innovative Work Join the largest group of creative and technical experts in the world—professionals dedicated to redefining what’s possible through technology and innovation. Deliver targeted solutions through a depth and breadth of expertise that’s unmatched, driving forward our commitment to excellence and leadership in every project we undertake. Be Part of a Great Team Engage in a wide range of projects utilizing Apple’s technology and resources. Harness the unparalleled capabilities, global scale, and joint solution development that only Apple can offer. Future-Proof Your Career Advance your career with limitless opportunities at Apple. Go as far as your ambition takes you with unmatched training, development, and certification support. Explore Discover how Apple is leading the way in tech innovation: [With iOS] Businesses can streamline operations and enhance customer interactions... READ MORE Smart home technology integration that sets the standard for convenience and security... READ MORE The Apple Experience Our combined service capabilities, global scale, and joint solution development help clients overcome challenges and lead transformation in their industries. Clients worldwide look to Apple for new strategies and solutions that drive growth and innovation in the digital era. Stay Connected Join Our Team Search open positions that match your skills and interests. We look for passionate, curious, creative, and solution-driven team players. Whether you’re seeking a professional role, an internship, or a leadership position, Apple offers a variety of employment opportunities. SEARCH APPLE JOBS Keep Up to Date Stay ahead with career tips, insider perspectives, and industry-leading insights you can put to use today—all from the people who work here. READ CAREERS BLOG Job Alert Emails Personalize your subscription to receive job alerts, latest news, and insider tips tailored to your preferences. See what exciting and rewarding opportunities await at Apple, a company committed to diversity, innovation, and leadership. Explore job opportunities, employment benefits, and the culture of growth and innovation at Apple. Prepare your resume, hone your interview skills, and ready yourself for a career at one of the most prestigious companies in the world. Join us in pushing the boundaries of what is possible.
Learn more about Apple
Size
154,000 employees
Market Cap
$2,074.3 billion
Industry
Net Income
$63.9 billion
Founded
1976
5 Year Trend
+11.5%
Revenue
$294.1 billion
NASDAQ

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