SDN Network Engineer OVS / OVN

Our client is a leading European technology organization focused on cloud computing, cybersecurity, and artificial intelligence. With a strong commitment to digital sovereignty and data protection, the company develops and operates a proprietary cloud platform that serves both internal business units and external customers. Its cloud ecosystem enables secure, scalable, and GDPR-compliant digital services for enterprises across Europe.
Freelance cooperation

Start date: ASAP/01.07.2026

Duration: until 31.10.2026, with the possibility of extension for an additional 6-12 months

Requirements:
Production experience with Open vSwitch (OVS) and OVN.

Solid knowledge of cloud networking: VPC, NAT, VPN, BGP, VXLAN, load balancing, DNS.

Deep understanding of the Linux networking stack: namespaces, iptables, tc, kernel subsystems.

Experience integrating SDN solutions with OpenStack Neutron.

Programming skills in C/C++, Go, Python, or Bash.

Familiarity with Kubernetes networking and CNI plugins (e.g. Calico).

DPDK experience is a plus.

Good command of English.

Nice to have:
Experienced in using AI tools in day-to-day workflow

Main responsibilities:
Design and operate the software-defined networking layer for cloud infrastructure.

Contribute to open-source projects: Open vSwitch, OVN, OpenStack Neutron, Linux Kernel.

Design and develop networking APIs and cloud network platform products.

Implement observability: metrics, distributed tracing, structured logging for network services.

Build automation for network operations and operational workflows.

Lead root cause analysis on network incidents and implement fixes.