Software Engineer - Datapath

JOB SUMMARYAlkira’s Data Path team owns the lowest layer of the product: the code that forwards customer traffic at line rate, theencryption that protects it, and the address translation and tunneling that connect customer networks across clouds. At its center is a stateful engine that tracks every connection and applies routing, translation, and policy as packets pass through.This role begins on the layer that programs the fastpath: the Go agents, Python tooling, and Ansible automation that configure the datapath, push state onto it, and report what it is doing. It progresses into the C fastpath itself, and into ownership of datapath features.JOB DUTIESBuild and extend the Go agents that program the datapath, pushing configuration onto the fastpath and reconciling running state against intended state.Build the Python tooling and CLI used to drive, inspect, and debug the datapath.Write the Ansible automation that stands up and configures the networking stack on our nodes.Develop the exporters and observability that report fastpath behavior: counters, flow state, and packet-level signals.Write tests and reproduction cases for datapath behavior.Measure and tune datapath performance: packet rates, latency, and where cycles are spent.Debug production datapath issues with the team, and participate in the on-call rotation.Use AI tools such as Claude Code for tooling, test generation, and code navigation.WHAT WE’RE LOOKING FORWe weight fundamentals more heavily than experience with any specific technology.Operating systems. Processes, threads, memory, scheduling, and system call behavior. The fastpath operates across the userspace/kernel boundary.Computer architecture. Caches, the memory hierarchy, and the cost of a cache miss. At line rate, the budget is cycles perpacket, which makes memory layout a design decision.Computer networks. TCP/IP, packet header structure, and how packets are forwarded, routed, and translated betweenhosts.Algorithms and data structures. A flow table is a lookup problem at scale; hashing, tries, and reasoning about time andspace costs apply directly.Debugging. Isolating faults in an unfamiliar system and driving them to root cause.Linux. The shell, processes, logs, and standard networking tools.BONUS POINTSC. The fastpath is written in C, and the role progresses into it. Coursework or substantial personal projects count; productionexperience is not required.Go and Python. Both are used throughout the layer that programs the fastpath.Ansible, or configuration automation generally. Experience writing automation that executes against live systems.Distributed systems. The datapath runs across a fleet, and the layer that programs it deals with distributed state, control, and observability.ON-CALLOn-call is a required part of this role. Engineers join the datapath rotation once ramped, with coverage shared across the US and India.ABOUT ALKIRAAlkira, a Lumen company, is building the future of enterprise networking: one programmable platform to connect, secure, and operate every cloud, site, partner, data center, and AI workload.Founded by Amir and Atif Khan, the creators of Viptela and pioneers of the SD-WAN market, Alkira was built to radically simplify how enterprises deploy and manage network infrastructure. Today, as part of Lumen, we are bringing that cloud-native operating model to a global network foundation trusted by the world’s largest enterprises.Our platform helps customers move faster without managing hardware, stitching together providers, or operating fragmented cloud networks. Teams can build and scale connectivity on demand, apply consistent security and segmentation, and gain visibility across distributed environments from one place.At Alkira, you’ll help shape the next chapter of networking: cloud-like consumption, private-network performance, and total control across the enterprise. We move fast, solve hard problems, and build technology that changes how global businesses connect.Join us and help build the future of networking.COMPENSATION AND INTERVIEW PROCESSThe salary range for this position is $125,000 —$150,000 USD. Your actual base salary and level will be determined on a case by case basis and may vary based on the following considerations: job-related knowledge, skills, experience, education and location. The interview process will include a coding challenge, screening with the hiring manager and technical interviews.Applicants must be authorized to work in the United States without the need for employer-sponsored visa (e.g., H-1B) now or in the future. Unfortunately, we are unable to provide visa sponsorship for this position at this time.Life at Alkira, a Lumen Connect SolutionLife at Alkira is human and connected, even in a fast moving, AI‑focused organization. We set clear expectations and trust people to meet them. With real support and shared accountability, teams collaborate better, move faster, and deliver meaningful outcomes. Our Lumen 8 behaviors guide how we interact, make decisions, and work together, shaping a culture built to perform and win. To learn more about Life at Alkira, a Lumen Connect Solutionand how we live into the Lumen 8, please visit: Background ScreeningIf you are selected for a position, there will be a background screen, which may include checks for criminal records and/or motor vehicle reports and/or drug screening, depending on the position requirements. For more information on these checks, please refer to the Post Offer section of our FAQ page. Job-related concerns identified during the background screening may disqualify you from the new position or your current role. Background results will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis.Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.Equal Employment OpportunitiesWe are committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all persons regardless of race, color, ancestry, citizenship, national origin, religion, veteran status, disability, genetic characteristic or information, age, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, marital status, family status, pregnancy, or other legally protected status (collectively, “protected statuses”). We do not tolerate unlawful discrimination in any employment decisions, including recruiting, hiring, compensation, promotion, benefits, discipline, termination, job assignments or training.Privacy NoticeAlkira, a Lumen Connect Solution is committed to protecting the privacy and security of personal information collected during the recruitment and hiring process. Our Applicant Privacy Notice explains how we collect, use, disclose, and protect applicant information, as well as how individuals may request access to or deletion of their personal data.To review Alkira's Global Employment Applicant and Talent Community Privacy Notice, please visit:DisclaimerThe job responsibilities described above indicate the general nature and level of work performed by employees within this classification. It is not intended to include a comprehensive inventory of all duties and responsibilities for this job. Job duties and responsibilities are subject to change based on evolving business needs and conditions.In any materials you submit, you may redact or remove age-identifying information such as age, date of birth, or dates of school attendance or graduation. You will not be penalized for redacting or removing this information.Please be advised that Alkira, a Lumen Connect Solution does not require any form of payment from job applicants during the recruitment process. All legitimate job openings will be posted on our official website or communicated through official company email addresses. If you encounter any job offers that request payment in exchange for employment at Alkira, a Lumen Connect Solution, they are not for employment with us but may relate to another company with a similar name.#LI-DNIDepartmentEngineering - R&DEmployment TypeFull-TimeMinimum ExperienceEntry-level