Datapath Engineer

Datapath Engineer

Company: PalC Networks

Location: Bangalore / Chennai

Work Mode: Hybrid

Experience: 8–15 Years

Level: Technical Lead / Senior Technical Lead / Architect

About the Role

PalC Networks is looking for an experienced Datapath Engineer to drive the development and integration of high-performance, hardware-accelerated dataplane features for next-generation networking platforms.

The ideal candidate will have strong expertise in C/C++, Embedded Linux, networking, router/network-element development, and datapath technologies, with hands-on experience working with hardware platforms and networking protocols. Experience with Broadcom SDK and DNX ASICs will be a strong advantage.

Key Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and integrate hardware-accelerated dataplane features using Broadcom DNX ASICs.
• Translate product and feature requirements into reliable, scalable, and production-ready solutions.
• Develop and enhance networking features across IP and MPLS environments.
• Work on networking protocols such as BFD, BGP, OSPF, IS-IS, RSVP, LDP, Segment Routing (SR), VRRP, PIM, IGMP, and EVPN.
• Utilize the Broadcom SDK for datapath feature development and hardware enablement.
• Perform system-level and feature-level debugging of issues reported by QA, customers, and internal teams.
• Analyze complex software and hardware interactions and drive issues through to resolution.
• Collaborate closely with Software, QA, Automation, and other cross-functional teams to ensure high-quality and timely delivery.
• Apply high-availability and resiliency concepts in networking software design and development.
• Contribute to HW/SW integration of third-party networking hardware platforms.
• For senior/lead-level roles, take ownership of complex dataplane feature development, provide technical direction, and mentor junior engineers.

Required Qualifications & Skills

• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Electronics, Engineering, or a related discipline.
• 8–15 years of experience in networking software or network-element development.
• Strong programming skills in C and C++.
• Hands-on experience with Embedded Linux networking.
• Strong experience in developing routers, switches, or other network elements.
• Solid understanding of IP and MPLS networking.
• Experience with HW/SW integration of third-party hardware platforms.
• Strong debugging and problem-solving skills in complex networking environments.
• Experience in developing or integrating dataplane/data-path features.

Good to Have

• Hands-on experience with Broadcom SDK.
• Experience with Broadcom DNX ASICs.
• Experience with hardware-accelerated networking/dataplane development.
• Knowledge of BGP, OSPF, IS-IS, BFD, LDP, RSVP, Segment Routing, EVPN, VRRP, PIM, and IGMP.
• Experience with High Availability (HA) networking architectures.
• Experience working with cross-functional engineering teams.
• Prior experience in a Technical Lead, Senior Technical Lead, Staff, Principal, or Architect role.

What We're Looking For

We are looking for engineers who combine strong networking fundamentals with hands-on software development and hardware integration experience. Candidates should be comfortable working on complex dataplane problems, debugging system-level issues, and taking ownership of features from development through production.

If you are passionate about high-performance networking, dataplane engineering, and building next-generation network platforms, we would love to hear from you.