Software Engineer / Software Engineeress

Software Engineer: Secure Inter-domain Networking

80%-100%, Zurich, fixed-term

You will work for the Network Security research group led by Professor Adrian Perrig. The Network Security group conducts groundbreaking research on a secure inter-domain routing architecture known as SCION.

The starting date is as soon as possible. The initial contract is for 12 months, with the possibility of extension.

Project Background

Our inter-domain routing architecture is designed to provide route control, failure isolation, and explicit trust information for end-to-end communications. Autonomous Systems (ASes) are grouped into independent routing control sub-planes called isolation domains, which interconnect to form complete routes. Isolation domains naturally isolate routing failures and human misconfiguration, afford endpoints strong control over both inbound and outbound traffic, supply meaningful and enforceable trust, and enable scalable routing updates with high path freshness. Consequently, our architecture inherently offers strong resilience and security properties as an intrinsic result of sound design principles, instead of relying on piecemeal add-on protocols as security patches.

Job Description

Your main responsibilities will include implementing software for the control and data plane of network infrastructure devices, as well as applications and network stack components for end hosts utilizing SCION. This role encompasses system design, collaboration on code development, software release, and testing, assisting in the evaluation of prototypes using the global production network, maintaining local testbed resources, and contributing to documentation.

Profile

The ideal candidate will possess a passion for development and open-source contribution, as well as a hands-on approach to supporting a research organization. You should not be intimidated by the prospect of developing large systems, enjoy working collaboratively, and be prepared to tackle unforeseen challenges.

• Understanding of network security and computer networks.
• Advanced degree in computer science, engineering, or relevant work experience.
• 5+ years of experience in the design, implementation, and testing of large-scale systems, with a particular focus on security, scalability, and high-performance implementation.
• 5+ years of experience administering Unix-style machines and managing complex networks.
• Experience with Go or Rust, C++, C programming in a Linux environment, with solid experience in writing Python scripts.
• Familiarity with maintaining/contributing to open-source software and experience with large codebases.
• Proficient in most aspects of Unix/FreeBSD/Linux system administration, including system installation, configuration, and security fundamentals.
• Understanding of software engineering and design principles.
• Familiarity with Git version control, containers, CI/CD, Ansible, Prometheus, and Grafana.
• Able to contribute to multiple projects simultaneously and enjoy mentoring students.
• Applicants should be well-versed in English.

Additional Beneficial Experience

• Deep knowledge of low-level networking and Linux network internals (e.g., network stack implementation, TUN/TAP devices, Netfilter Queue).
• Extensive understanding of network protocols and techniques (e.g., QUIC, TCP/IP, NAT, NAT traversal, middle boxes, tunneling, VPNs, raw sockets).
• Familiarity with cryptographic operations and protocols.
• Active participation in relevant communities (IETF, Golang/Rust meetups, NOGs, etc.).
• Experience with Linux Kernel or mobile programming will be regarded favorably, particularly with knowledge of DPDK, AF_XDP, or eBPF.

Workplace

The Network Security group offers exciting challenges in the field of inter-domain networking and network security within a university setting.

• Diverse inter-domain routing and network security-related projects.
• Opportunities for industry collaboration.
• Independent work coupled with international collaborations.

We Value Diversity and Sustainability

In line with our values, ETH Zurich fosters an inclusive culture. We promote equal opportunity, value diversity, and nurture an environment where the rights and dignity of all staff and students are respected. Visit our Equal Opportunities and Diversity website to learn how we ensure a fair and open environment that allows everyone to grow and thrive. Sustainability is a core value for us; we are dedicated to progressing towards a climate-neutral future.

Curious? So Are We.

We look forward to your online application via the form below.

About ETH Zurich

ETH Zurich is one of the world’s leading universities specializing in science and technology. We are renowned for our excellent education, cutting-edge fundamental research, and the direct transfer of new knowledge into society. Over 30,000 individuals from more than 120 countries choose our university for its environment that promotes independent thinking and inspires excellence. Located in the heart of Europe, we forge connections globally, working together to develop solutions for today’s and tomorrow’s challenges.

Only applications matching the job profile will be considered.