April 23, 2026

Principal Software Architect - NFS

DataDirect Networks San Francisco, California

This role is a senior technical leader who drives NFS architecture across the storage stack, from low-level code paths to system-wide behavior at massive scale. Key ResponsibilitiesDefine and own architecture for NFS across distributed file systemsDrive performance analysis and optimization of large-scale, high-performance, scale-out file systemsArchitect performance-aware NFS design and architectureDrive optimization of performance-critical distributed file system code, primarily in C++Help drive best practices for performance measurement, profiling, benchmarking, and regression detectionLead deep-dive investigations into complex, system-wide issuesInfluence system architecture with a performance-first mindset around NFS and accompanying tradeoffs against other protocolsMentor senior and staff engineers on engineering techniques and methodologiesCollaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure goals are met across the stackRepresent NFS considerations in design reviews and long-term roadmap planningRequired Qualifications15+ years of experience in NFS engineering, systems engineering, or distributed systemsDeep understanding of distributed file systems and scale-out storage architecturesExpert-level knowledge of NFS and distributed file systemsStrong proficiency in C++ with extensive experience in performance-critical codeProven expertise in performance measurement techniques, including profiling, tracing, benchmarking, and custom toolingStrong foundation in distributed systems principles, including scalability, concurrency, and fault toleranceDemonstrated experience optimizing file system or storage system code for performance at scaleExperience with high-performance, high-scale-out file systems in production environmentsPreferred QualificationsExperience with kernel-level and user-space I/O stacksDeep understanding of modern storage hardware (NVMe, SSDs, RDMA, high-speed networking)Experience building or evolving performance frameworks and benchmarking infrastructureBackground in parallel programming, lock-free or low-contention designsExperience influencing architecture across multiple teams or large codebasesWhat Success Looks LikeClear performance architecture guiding system design and implementationSignificant, measurable improvements in throughput, latency, and scalabilityEarly identification and prevention of performance regressionsPerformance expertise that elevates engineering quality across the organizationAbout DDNDDN is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity, gender expression, transgender, sex stereotyping, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, protected Veteran Status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law. #LI-Remote The typical main process aims to be completed in 2-3 weeks.

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