Network Hardware Engineer

Cloudflare

Network Hardware Engineer qualifying and validating network devices for Cloudflare’s global Internet network. Automating testing, supporting operations, and driving hardware product introductions.

Posted 8/26/2026full-timeAustin • Texas • 🇺🇸 United StatesMid-LevelSeniorWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

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Demonstrates expertise in network hardware architecture, validation, and performance benchmarking, with a strong ability to automate testing processes and troubleshoot network issues. Proficient in Python and familiar with various network protocols and technologies relevant to data center operations.

Highest-signal resume keywords

Network Hardware ArchitecturePerformance BenchmarkingPython ProgrammingNetwork Engineering ProtocolsNew Product Introduction (NPI)

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills

Network Device EvaluationDevice Validation Testing (DVT)Production Validation Testing (PVT)Testing AutomationTroubleshooting Network IssuesConfiguration ValidationHardware Performance MeasurementExperimentation and TestingDebugging Network HardwareTraffic Generation Automation

Soft Skills

CollaborationDocumentationCommunication

Tools & Technologies

SpirentIxiaPrometheusGrafanaJunosIOS-XREOSSONiCArcOS

Industry Keywords

Cloudflare Global NetworkData Center SwitchingInternet RoutingOEM/ODM CollaborationExport Control Compliance

Tech Stack

Tools & technologies

GrafanaiOSOpen SourcePrometheusPythonSwitching

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Drive the selection and qualification process for network devices used in Cloudflare's Global Network
Manage the New Product Introduction (NPI) process for network devices
Evaluate and qualify new production network operating system images and versions
Reproduce bugs to assist Operations with TAC cases
Test new features and major configuration updates
Participate in requirements gathering, device selection, Device Validation Testing (DVT), Production Validation Testing (PVT), and Operational Acceptance
Create and automate test plans aligned with operational needs and hardware limitations
Improve testing efficiency
Lead introduction of new network hardware systems, including engineering validation in lab environments
Contribute to network architecture and execute hardware design and product validation
Partner with Network Engineering & Operations, Datacenter Engineering & Operations, and other operational teams
Develop tools and automation to evaluate network hardware performance
Troubleshoot, reproduce, and resolve network hardware issues
Document and share results and updates through blog/wiki posts, ticketing systems, and internal presentations

Requirements

What you’ll need

BS, MS, or PhD in Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, or equivalent practical experience
Proven ability to conduct thorough evaluation and experimentation, including testing, measurement, and/or simulation of hardware performance
Extensive experience with networking hardware architecture, validation, performance benchmarking, debugging, and deployment
Deep knowledge of network engineering and protocols used in data center switching and routing as well as Internet routing
Track record of driving engineering projects from idea to experiment to implementation
Demonstrated success in working with OEM/ODMs and technology vendors
Professional-level proficiency in Python or similar programming and/or scripting languages
Familiarity with various coding agents and other AI tools and technologies
Authorization to receive software or technology controlled under U.S. export laws without sponsorship for an export license may be required
Nice-to-have: adept at automating traffic generation equipment (Spirent/Ixia) and test cases
Nice-to-have: in-depth hardware knowledge of ASICs, TCAMs, packet pipelines, and related platforms
Nice-to-have: experience with Optical Line Systems and troubleshooting transceiver issues
Nice-to-have: familiarity with Junos, IOS-XR, EOS, SONiC, and ArcOS
Nice-to-have: experience with white-box network switches and open source projects
Nice-to-have: proficiency with Prometheus and Grafana
Nice-to-have: hands-on experience configuring and validating RoCEv2 fabrics, including PFC and ECN

Benefits

Comp & perks

Equal employment opportunity employer
Reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities
In-person interview within a Cloudflare office or hub may be provided at the offer stage