Software Engineer - Core Systems & Storage - SAN JOSE

Salary: $120,000 - 280,000 per year Requirements:

• We need strong hands-on experience in C/C++ systems-level development.
• We look for solid understanding of data structures, algorithms, memory management, and concurrency.
• We expect experience with Unix/Linux systems programming.
• We require exposure to one or more of these areas: filesystems, storage systems, networking/protocol stacks, distributed systems, or high-availability architectures.
• We need proven debugging and performance analysis skills using tools such as gdb, perf, tracing, and profiling utilities.
• We value the ability to write maintainable, well-documented code.
• We expect effective communication and collaboration skills.
• A Bachelors or Masters degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, or a related field is preferred, though equivalent practical experience may be accepted.
• For Software Engineer 3, we look for about 5–8 years of experience and the ability to own well-defined components or features.
• For Software Engineer 4, we look for about 9–15 years of experience and the ability to design and own complex subsystems or multi-sprint initiatives.
• For Software Engineer 5, we look for about 12–16 years of experience and the ability to lead major technical programs and define architectural direction.

• We design, implement, and improve features within ONTAP and related storage systems.
• We write efficient, reliable, and maintainable C/C++ code.
• We analyze existing code paths and enhance them for performance, scalability, and correctness.
• We debug complex issues using system-level tools, logs, tracing, and profiling.
• We collaborate with teams across filesystems, protocols, cloud, hardware, and QA.
• We participate in design and code reviews and help strengthen engineering practices.
• We identify performance bottlenecks and deliver optimizations.
• We support prototyping, research, and feasibility assessment for new ideas and features.
• We communicate technical decisions, findings, and progress clearly with peers.
• We use AI-assisted tools to speed up design, development, testing, and troubleshooting.
• Depending on level, we may own features or components, drive cross-team delivery, mentor other engineers, lead deep-dive debugging, or set long-term technical strategy.

• AI
• Cloud
• Hardware
• Support
• Linux
• Unix
• AWS
• Azure
• CI/CD
• Embedded
• GCP
• NFS
• Security
• SMB

More:

We are NetApp, a leader in intelligent data infrastructure, delivering unified storage, integrated data services, and solutions that help organizations unlock the full value of their data across AI and multicloud environments. We are hiring experienced Systems Software Engineers for multiple engineering teams, including ONTAP, WAFL, Replication/HA, protocols, distributed systems, cloud platforms, and performance engineering. This is a pipeline role that may support multiple levels, with placement determined during the interview process based on experience and technical depth. We offer a hybrid working environment, competitive compensation, and a comprehensive benefits package that may include health insurance, life insurance, retirement or pension plans, paid time off, leave options, employee stock purchase plans, and restricted stock, subject to regional availability. We also foster a culture that values bold ideas, ownership, collaboration, flexibility, and inclusion.

last updated 38 week of 2026