As a Software Engineer, you will build high-performance systems, migrate infrastructure, and improve protocol performance while contributing to open standards.
Hiring will be focused on those residing within the greater Austin, TX metro area. It will be a hybrid role, with the expectation of 2 days per week in the office.
Systems Engineer, Network Protocols & Distributed Systems Location: Austin (Hybrid)
Join the team helping shape the future of the Internet. We're building high-performance systems that handle a quarter of the Internet's traffic. Our work influences open standards (like QUIC, MASQUE, and ECH), involves close collaboration with the IETF, and pushes the boundaries of what's possible in networking and security.
You don't need to be an HTTP or cryptography expert to join - we're looking for excellent engineers who love tough problems, want to learn deeply, and are excited to contribute to one of the most technically demanding areas of infrastructure.
What you'll do
You might be a good fit if you:
Bonus
Systems Engineer, Network Protocols & Distributed Systems Location: Austin (Hybrid)
Join the team helping shape the future of the Internet. We're building high-performance systems that handle a quarter of the Internet's traffic. Our work influences open standards (like QUIC, MASQUE, and ECH), involves close collaboration with the IETF, and pushes the boundaries of what's possible in networking and security.
You don't need to be an HTTP or cryptography expert to join - we're looking for excellent engineers who love tough problems, want to learn deeply, and are excited to contribute to one of the most technically demanding areas of infrastructure.
What you'll do
- Build and operate systems that terminate HTTP and TLS at Internet scale
- Migrate core infrastructure from NGINX to a next-gen Rust-based proxy
- Measure and improve protocol performance across real-world traffic
- Contribute to open source and industry standards
- Learn from and work alongside some of the leading engineers in this space
You might be a good fit if you:
- Have solid systems programming experience (Rust, C, or similar)
- Experience/understanding of HTTP/2, HTTP/3, QUIC, congestion control, or transport-layer protocols
- Thrive in complex technical domains and enjoy learning new things
- Care about building reliable, secure, and performant software
- Are motivated by impact - technical, operational, and on the Internet itself
- Come from a background that's underrepresented in tech - we value diverse perspectives
Bonus
- Proven ability to scale systems under high throughput and low latency demands
- Experience driving architecture or protocol-level change in production systems
- Contributions to open standards or open source projects
Top Skills
C
Http/2
Http/3
Nginx
Quic
Rust
Tls
Cloudflare Denver, Colorado, USA Office
Denver, Colorado, United States, 80014
Similar Jobs at Cloudflare
Cloud • Information Technology • Security • Software • Cybersecurity
The Senior Manager of Sales Productivity will lead initiatives to enhance sales efficiency, optimize processes, implement AI productivity solutions, and analyze KPIs for improved revenue outcomes.
Top Skills:
LookerPower BISalesforceTableau
Cloud • Information Technology • Security • Software • Cybersecurity
Lead cross-functional initiatives in sales enablement, focusing on strategic programs and execution for global revenue excellence.
Top Skills:
Google WorkspaceLearning Management Systems
Cloud • Information Technology • Security • Software • Cybersecurity
The Systems Engineer will enhance developer experience on Cloudflare Workers by improving tools, collaborating on projects, and maintaining documentation.
Top Skills:
Ci/CdCliCloudflare WorkersJavaScriptTypescriptWeb Frameworks
What you need to know about the Colorado Tech Scene
With a business-friendly climate and research universities like CU Boulder and Colorado State, Colorado has made a name for itself as a startup ecosystem. The state boasts a skilled workforce and high quality of life thanks to its affordable housing, vibrant cultural scene and unparalleled opportunities for outdoor recreation. Colorado is also home to the National Renewable Energy Laboratory, helping cement its status as a hub for renewable energy innovation.
Key Facts About Colorado Tech
- Number of Tech Workers: 260,000; 8.5% of overall workforce (2024 CompTIA survey)
- Major Tech Employers: Lockheed Martin, Century Link, Comcast, BAE Systems, Level 3
- Key Industries: Software, artificial intelligence, aerospace, e-commerce, fintech, healthtech
- Funding Landscape: $4.9 billion in VC funding in 2024 (Pitchbook)
- Notable Investors: Access Venture Partners, Ridgeline Ventures, Techstars, Blackhorn Ventures
- Research Centers and Universities: Colorado School of Mines, University of Colorado Boulder, University of Denver, Colorado State University, Mesa Laboratory, Space Science Institute, National Center for Atmospheric Research, National Renewable Energy Laboratory, Gottlieb Institute
