Research Networking Systems Software Engineer

Software Engineer

ESnet delivers high-bandwidth, reliable networking that connects national laboratories, universities, CERN, and global research institutions, enabling collaboration on major scientific challenges. Funded by the DOE Office of Science and operated by Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, ESnet provides access to DOE research facilities, advanced computing resources, and high-speed international networks.

In this role, you will work in a collaborative, results-driven environment on software projects supporting ESnet's next-generation network and DOE's Integrated Research Infrastructure. As part of ESnet's Pilots and Prototypes Group, you will collaborate with internal teams, DOE labs, global research networks, and academic institutions.

Responsibilities include software development, testing, integration, deployment, and support for pilot and prototype initiatives. The role requires experience designing production-quality software, transitioning prototypes into production systems, and independently delivering high-quality results.

This position has an anticipated start date of July 6, 2026.

You will:

• Design, build, test, and deploy software systems for new ESnet networking concepts in an interdisciplinary team.
• Contribute to requirements gathering, architecture, modeling, and prototype development using modern technologies and design patterns.
• Develop and operate software systems, CI/CD pipelines, and cloud-native compute clusters for R&D and prototype environments.
• Automate provisioning of network, compute, storage, and cloud services, and develop orchestration solutions for scientific workflows.
• Support prototype and early production systems, including troubleshooting complex issues and simulating large-scale deployments.
• Collaborate on projects to deliver solutions on time and within scope, and contribute to software infrastructure architecture initiatives.
• Mentor junior engineers and students, participate in technical working groups, and represent ESnet at conferences through papers and presentations.

We are looking for:

• Bachelor's Degree Computer Science or a related field, a minimum of 5 years of software experience, and a demonstrated history of working independently to deliver effective results.
• Demonstrated experience in software design, development, and testing using multiple programming languages, tools, and frameworks.
• Demonstrated experience architecting, designing, and developing small to medium sized projects in an agile environment
• Includes experience collaborating in a team environment to deliver impactful solutions;
• Includes experience collaborating directly with the end customer to gather requirements, generate user cases, and demonstrate capabilities for feedback.
• Use of high level analysis, creativity and initiative, with the ability to design and develop complex solutions consistent with user requirements and established in consultation with designated technical experts.
• Practical experience in the concepts of Software Defined Networking, large volume data movement, and data caching strategies.
• Solid knowledge of Linux system administration, compute storage and network configuration, and compute and network performance monitoring and troubleshooting tools.
• Capable of developing software architectures that utilize highly scalable Kubernetes clusters for software runtimes in the context of software development, testing/QA, and deployment.
• Practical experience in application development utilizing Java and Python languages. Proficient in tools and practices for collaborative software engineering.
• Practical experience in applying AI tools and agentic workflows in software engineering, computer system management and data analysis.

Desired skills/knowledge:

• Practical experience in high performance computing, cloud platforms and cloud native technologies in support of large-scale application workloads.
• Practical experience in implementing CI/CD pipelines for bare metal and cloud native applications.
• Experience in storage systems such as Ceph FS, Object Store, and cache systems.
• Experience and initiatives in documentation of software architecture and use cases, and writeup of project proposals and reports.
• Experience in practical IT training and education and knowledge transfer activities.

We're here for the same mission, to bring science solutions to the world. Join our team and YOU will play a supporting role in our goal to address global challenges! Have a high level of impact and work for an organization associated with 17 Nobel Prizes!

Why join Berkeley Lab?

We invest in our employees by offering a total rewards package you can count on:

• Exceptional health and retirement benefits, including pension or 401K-style plans
• A culture where you'll belong - we are invested in our teams!
• In addition to accruing vacation and sick time, we also have a Winter Holiday Shutdown every year.
• Parental bonding leave (for both mothers and fathers)
• Pet insurance

Additional information:

• Application date: Priority consideration will be given to candidates who apply by June 5, 2026. Applications will be accepted until the job posting is removed.
• Appointment type: This is a full-time, 1 year, term appointment with the possibility of extension or conversion to Career appointment based upon satisfactory job performance, continuing availability of funds and ongoing operational needs.
• Salary range: This position is expected to pay $131,760 - $161,064, for the Computer Systems Engineer 2. Salary for this position will be commensurate with the final candidate's qualification and experience, including skills, knowledge, relevant education, certifications, and aligned with the internal peer group.
• Background check: This position is subject to a background check. Any convictions will be evaluated to determine if they directly relate to the responsibilities and requirements of the position. Having a conviction history will not automatically disqualify an applicant from being considered for employment.
• Work modality: Work may be performed on-site, hybrid, full-time telework. The primary location for this role is Lawrence Berkeley National Lab, 1 Cyclotron Road, Berkeley, CA. Work must be performed within the United States.

Equal Employment Opportunity Employer: The foundation of Berkeley Lab is our Stewardship Values: Team Science, Service, Trust, Innovation, and Respect; and we strive to build community with these shared values and commitments. Berkeley Lab is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We heartily welcome applications from all who could contribute to the Lab's mission of leading scientific discovery, excellence, and professionalism. In support of our rich global community, all qualified applicants will be considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, protected veteran status, or other protected categories under State and Federal law.

Misconduct Disclosure Requirement: As a condition of employment, the finalist will be required to disclose if they are subject to any final administrative or judicial decisions within the last seven years determining that they committed any misconduct, are currently being investigated for misconduct, left a position during an investigation for alleged misconduct, or have filed an appeal with a previous employer.