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Cloudflare is seeking a Network Hardware Engineer to join its Network Hardware Engineering (NetHW) team in Austin, TX. In this role, you will be a pivotal technical contributor driving the selection and qualification of network devices used across Cloudflare's global network infrastructure.
You will own the entire New Product Introduction (NPI) process for network hardware, including requirements gathering, device selection, Device Validation Testing (DVT), Production Validation Testing (PVT), and operational acceptance. Your responsibilities span product lifecycle management, leading the introduction of new network hardware systems with detailed engineering validation in lab environments. You will gather requirements, contribute to network architecture decisions, and execute hardware design and product validation.
Key responsibilities include developing and automating test plans aligned with operational needs and hardware constraints, driving improvements in testing efficiency, and collaborating cross-functionally with Network Engineering & Operations, Datacenter Engineering & Operations, and other teams. You will also develop tools and automation to evaluate network hardware performance, assist operational engineers with troubleshooting and reproducing network hardware issues, and document findings through blog posts, wiki entries, ticketing systems, and internal presentations.
Required qualifications include a BS, MS, or PhD in Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, or equivalent practical experience. You must have proven ability to conduct thorough evaluation and experimentation including testing, measurement, and simulation of hardware performance. Extensive experience with networking hardware architecture, validation, performance benchmarking, debugging, and deployment is essential. Deep knowledge of network engineering and protocols used in data center switching, routing, and Internet routing is required. You should have a track record of driving engineering projects from conception through implementation, demonstrated success working with OEM/ODMs and technology vendors, and professional-level proficiency in Python or similar programming languages. Familiarity with coding agents and AI tools is expected.
Nice-to-have skills include expertise with traffic generation equipment (Spirent/Ixia), in-depth hardware knowledge of platforms (ASICs, TCAMs, packet pipelines), experience with optical line systems and transceiver troubleshooting, and familiarity with various network operating systems.
