Software Engineer, Software Defined Networking (PhD) at Meta in Menlo Park, California

Job Description:

In this role, you will be a member of the Backbone Software team at Meta. As part of this team, you will develop and own mission-critical software systems that control Petabit/s data traveling through, and millions of operations performed in, Meta's mission-critical Backbone network - one of the largest in the world. As a Software Engineer within SDN, you will be pushing the boundary of massive scale via bringing intelligent algorithms and solutions to enable ever-growing Meta's products and innovation.

Software Engineer, Software Defined Networking (PhD) Responsibilities:

• Develop advanced traffic engineering and scheduling algorithms to control and optimize high-scale traffic and operation load for Meta's Backbone network.


• Enhance distributed system performance and observability to ensure effective and dependable network control and operations.


• Create algorithms and software solutions aimed at achieving maximum throughput, minimal congestion, and optimal availability for traffic across load-balanced paths with the lowest latency.


• Develop intelligent scheduling algorithms and software solutions to optimize operational throughput while maintaining network reliability.


• Collaborate with network engineering teams to troubleshoot and resolve functional, performance, and stability issues throughout the stack.


• Keep abreast of the latest industry and academic research to integrate innovative solutions.


• Write clean, readable, and maintainable code that prioritizes debuggability and testability from the outset.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Currently has, or is in the process of obtaining a Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, relevant technical field, or equivalent practical experience. Degree must be completed prior to joining Meta.


• Currently has, or is in the process of obtaining, a PhD degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, relevant technical field, or equivalent practical experience. Degree must be completed prior to joining Meta.


• Demonstrated experience in algorithm development, performance optimization, and research interests in networking.


• Experience coding in an industry-standard language (e.g. C, C++, Java, Python).


• Must obtain work authorization in country of employment at the time of hire and maintain ongoing work authorization during employment.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience with optimizing traffic and performance in networking.


• Knowledge of ML, linear programming.

About Meta:

Meta builds technologies that help people connect, find communities, and grow businesses. When Facebook launched in 2004, it changed the way people connect. Apps like Messenger, Instagram and WhatsApp further empowered billions around the world. Now, Meta is moving beyond 2D screens toward immersive experiences like augmented and virtual reality to help build the next evolution in social technology. People who choose to build their careers by building with us at Meta help shape a future that will take us beyond what digital connection makes possible today-beyond the constraints of screens, the limits of distance, and even the rules of physics.



Meta is proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity and Affirmative Action employer. We do not discriminate based upon race, religion, color, national origin, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, transgender status, sexual stereotypes, age, status as a protected veteran, status as an individual with a disability, or other applicable legally protected characteristics. We also consider qualified applicants with criminal histories, consistent with applicable federal, state and local law. Meta participates in the E-Verify program in certain locations, as required by law. Please note that Meta may leverage artificial intelligence and machine learning technologies in connection with applications for employment.

Meta is committed to providing reasonable accommodations for candidates with disabilities in our recruiting process. If you need any assistance or accommodations due to a disability, please let us know at accommodations-ext@fb.com.


$56.25/hour to $173,000/year + bonus + equity + benefits


Individual compensation is determined by skills, qualifications, experience, and location. Compensation details listed in this posting reflect the base hourly rate, monthly rate, or annual salary only, and do not include bonus, equity or sales incentives, if applicable. In addition to base compensation, Meta offers benefits. Learn more about benefits at Meta. Apply Now