Principal Backend Software Engineer - Scaling

Forward Networks is transforming how the world’s most complex networks are managed and secured. Founded in 2013 by four Stanford Ph.D.s, we built the industry’s first network digital twin — a mathematically precise model of the production network that gives IT teams unmatched visibility, verification, and agility across every major cloud and vendor environment.

Our customers include global leaders such as Goldman Sachs, PayPal, S&P Global, IBM, and Dell, as well as fast-growing enterprises and government agencies. According to IDC, Forward Networks customers realize an average of $14.2 million in annual benefits through improved efficiency and security.

Backed by world-class investors including Andreessen Horowitz, Goldman Sachs, MSD Partners, and Threshold Ventures, Forward Networks offers a people-centric, innovative culture where brilliant minds are shaping the future of network reliability, security, and AI-ready operations.

We are seeking an experienced Principal Backend Software Engineer to join our Scaling team. In this pivotal role, you will lead the development of our product’s core components, ensuring they interact seamlessly with other services and systems. You will be instrumental in enhancing the efficiency of our core data structures and scaling our computational capabilities.

Key Responsibilities:

• Architect and Develop Pipelines: Design and build robust pipelines to ingest and analyze data from network devices and other sources.

• Enhance Scalability and Performance: Optimize computational processes to improve efficiency and implement solutions that scale with growing data and user demands.

• Innovate on Product Features: Develop new features leveraging our network model to provide actionable insights. Collaborate with product teams to translate user needs into technical solutions.

• Technical Leadership: Mentor and guide junior engineers, fostering a culture of excellence. Lead code reviews, design reviews and contribute to best practices in software development.

• Cross-functional Collaboration: Work closely with other engineering teams to ensure cohesive integration of services.

Requirements:

• Education:

• Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science or related field; Masters or Ph.D. preferred.

• Experience:

• 8+ years of full lifecycle software development experience.

• Proven experience in backend development using Java, C++, or similar languages.

• Strong background in object-oriented design and development.

• Technical Skills:

• Proficiency with databases.

• Proficiency with algorithms and design for performance and scalability.

• In-depth knowledge of software architecture, design patterns, and best practices.

• Strong systems programming skills including multi-threading, concurrency, caching, batching etc.

• Experience with RESTful APIs and frameworks.

• Familiarity with containerization tools such as Docker and orchestration platforms like Kubernetes.

• Exposure to big data technologies.

• Soft Skills:

• Excellent problem-solving abilities and attention to detail.

• Strong communication skills, both written and verbal.

• Ability to work collaboratively in a fast-paced environment.

Learn More:

To understand more about the exciting work our Scaling team is doing, visit our blog: Forward Networks Scaling Blog

NOTE: experience in the networking domain is NOT a requirement for this role but is a plus.

This position is a regular, full-time opportunity with Forward Networks in Santa Clara, CA.

The base pay range for this role is between $240,000 and $270,000. Base pay will depend on your skills, qualifications, experience, and location