Lead Software Engineer, Network Services

Title: Lead Software Engineer, Network ServicesLocation: RemoteDuration:  PermanentCompensation: $200,000 - $220,000 Work Requirements: US Citizen, GC Holders or Authorized to Work in the U.S.THE TEAMThe Network Services Team is dedicated to building and operating network infrastructure at large scale. This team is responsible for designing, implementing, and maintaining the network platforms that power our global infrastructure. We take a software-first approach to network operations, building custom automation tools and control planes that enable us to deploy, configure, and operate network infrastructure with speed and reliability. We leverage modern backend languages and network automation frameworks to abstract complexity and empower teams across the organization to consume network services with confidence.THE JOBAre you passionate about building software that operates networks at large scale? We are seeking a talented Lead Software Engineer with deep networking expertise to join our Network Services team. In this role, you'll design and implement custom network automation platforms and tooling that power our global network infrastructure. You'll work in a complex, heterogeneous environment spanning routing and switching infrastructure, firewall platforms, and network orchestration across multiple data centers and cloud environments. Your work will focus on building robust, scalable software solutions that abstract network complexity and enable teams to deploy, operate, and scale network services with confidence. This is an outstanding opportunity for someone who has built network control planes, automation frameworks, or platform tooling at scale—and wants to do it again.WHAT YOU WILL BE DOINGTactical Work (55%) Design and implement network automation platforms, control planes, and orchestration systems that operate at large scaleDevelop custom tooling, APIs, and automation frameworks for network provisioning, configuration management, and lifecycle operationsBuild automation systems for firewall policy management, security rule deployment, and compliance enforcementImplement systems to enforce network access policies across global data centers and AWS environmentsBuild network telemetry collection, processing, and analytics systems to drive operational insights and automation decisionsImplement CI/CD pipelines for network infrastructure using GitLab, focusing on testing, validation, and progressive rolloutWrite clean, testable, and well-documented code that serves as an example for the teamDevelop network abstraction layers that enable self-service capabilities for application and platform teamsSolutions Architecture (30%) Contribute to network platform architectures and patterns that scale across data centers, cloud environments, and edge locationsCreate design documents, system diagrams, and proof-of-concepts for network automation initiativesLeverage modern networking paradigms (BGP automation, network as code, intent-based networking) to deliver reusable componentsCollaborate with Principal Engineers on architectural decisions and implementation approachesDesign for observability, reliability, and operational excellence in network systemsStrategic Work (15%) Partner with team leads and network engineering to deliver on platform modernization initiativesShare knowledge and best practices with team members across networking and software engineering disciplinesProvide technical guidance to junior engineers and participate in code reviewsEvangelize a software-first approach to network operations and infrastructure managementYou will also: Build backend systems primarily in Python, Go, or Rust, focusing on maintainable, testable, and observable code for network automationDevelop CLI tools, APIs, and services that abstract network complexity and improve the operator experienceIntegrate with network vendor APIs (Arista, Juniper, Cisco, Palo Alto, Fortinet, etc.) and open-source network tooling (Nautobot, NAPALM, Netmiko, FRRouting, BIRD)Build integrations with our custom in-house network inventory system for IPAM, asset tracking, and network state managementUse Terraform and Ansible to integrate network infrastructure with broader platform automationLeverage Docker and Kubernetes to build and deploy network automation tools and servicesLeverage AI tools (Claude, ChatGPT, etc.) to accelerate development, generate code, and solve complex problemsApply software engineering best practices to network automation, including unit testing, integration testing, and continuous deploymentWork in an Agile environment (SAFe) with scoped work in Jira, delivering on sprint commitmentsImplement network security controls and compliance requirements through automation and policy-as-codeParticipate in architecture discussions around network topology, routing protocols, traffic engineering, and capacity planningSupport critical network incidents as part of the team rotation, with focus on building systems that minimize operational burden and enable rapid troubleshootingWHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW (or TECHNICAL SKILLS) Strong experience operating networks at scale (multi-datacenter, enterprise, or cloud environments)Solid networking expertise including routing protocols (BGP, OSPF, IS-IS), switching (VLANs, VXLANs, EVPN), and network design principlesStrong software engineering background with experience building network automation platforms, control planes, or toolingExperience with firewall automation including policy management, rule deployment, and security compliance workflowsProficient in Python (required), with experience in Go or Rust preferredExperience building network APIs, automation tools, or orchestration systemsStrong with Ansible (playbooks, roles, modules) for network automationGood understanding of network telemetry, observability, and monitoring (SNMP, streaming telemetry, sFlow, NetFlow, Prometheus, Grafana, Solarwinds)Working knowledge of modern network architectures: spine-leaf topologies, network virtualization (VXLAN/EVPN), SDN conceptsSolid experience with Terraform for provisioning infrastructure declaratively and integrating it into workflowsExperience with open source network tooling such as Nautobot, Netbox, NAPALM, NetmikoExperience using Docker and Kubernetes to build and manage network tools and servicesHands-on experience with CI/CD tools (e.g., GitLab CI) for automating build, test, and deployment pipelines for infrastructure changesUnderstanding of network device APIs (NETCONF, RESTCONF, gNMI, vendor REST APIs)Familiarity with managing and querying relational and/or NoSQL databases, especially in the context of infrastructure tools and telemetry dataStrong security mindset—experience managing secrets and automating secure network configurationsComfortable using AI tools (Claude, ChatGPT, GitHub Copilot, etc.) to enhance productivity and code qualityExperience working in Agile environments and comfortable with remote collaborationYOU (BEHAVIORAL SKILLS)Deep technical curiosity and passion for both networking and software engineeringComfortable working on strategic, complex undertakingsAutonomous and proactive, focused on iterative delivery and data-driven decision-makingStrong ability to analyze complex issues and propose effective solutionsSelf-motivated and comfortable working independently while knowing when to seek guidancePassionate about software craftsmanship, clean code, and continuous learningExcellent written and verbal communication skills, capable of facilitating cross-team collaboration and bridging the gap between network engineering and software development teamsComfortable working in cross-functional and multidisciplinary teamsFocused on practical solutions that balance ideal design with delivery timelinesCommitted to code quality, testing, and building reliable systemsEager to learn and grow, with openness to feedback and coaching from senior team membersStrong bias toward automation and eliminating manual toil through softwareDeeply concerned with the security and compliance implications of services and solutionsAble to think at scale: design for 10x growth, plan for failure, optimize for operational simplicityBENEFITS & PERKSOur motto is 'Taking Care of Our Own' through 6 pillars of benefits:HEALTH: Medical, Dental and Vision benefits for you and your family, including Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA) and Health Savings Accounts (HSAs)YOURSELF: Paid time off policy including holidays, sick time, and day off for your birthday, free concert ticketsWEALTH: 401(k) program with company match, Stock Program ReimbursementFAMILY: New parent programs & support including caregiver leave and infertility supportCAREER: Tuition reimbursement, student loan repayment internal growth and development programs & trainingsOTHERS: Volunteer time off, crowdfunding network About INSPYR Solutions Technology is our focus and quality is our commitment. As a leading expert in delivering flexible technology and talent solutions, we strategically align industry and technical expertise with our clients’ business objectives and cultural needs. Our tailored offerings include a wide variety of professional services, project solutions, managed services, and talent resources, all bolstered by our strategic partnerships with cutting-edge technology services. By always striving for excellence and focusing on the human aspect of our business, we work seamlessly with our talent and clients to match the right solutions to the right opportunities. Learn more about us at www.inspyrsolutions.com. INSPYR Solutions provides Equal Employment Opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, or genetics. In addition to federal law requirements, INSPYR Solutions complies with applicable state and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment in every location in which the company has facilities.  Information collected and processed through your application with INSPYR Solutions (including any job applications you choose to submit) is subject to INSPYR Solutions’ Privacy Policy and INSPYR Solutions’ AI and Automated Employment Decision Tool Policy: https://www.inspyrsolutions.com/policies/. By submitting an application, you are consenting to being contacted by INSPYR Solutions through phone, email, or text.