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Network Software Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Leidos

Lead Network Software Engineer

Huntsville, AL · On-site

$100K - $137K/yr

Leidos has a new and exciting opportunity for a Lead Network Software Engineer in our National Security Sector's (NSS) Cyber & Analytics Business Area (CABA) . Our talented team is at the forefront ...

Leidos

Lead Network Software Engineer

Huntsville, AL · On-site

Leidos has a new and exciting opportunity for a Lead Network Software Engineer in our National Security Sector's (NSS) Cyber & Analytics Business Area (CABA) . Our talented team is at the forefront ...

KBR

Network Software Developer

Lexington, MA

$101K - $152K/yr

Title: Network Software Developer Belong. Connect. Grow. with KBR! KBR's National Security Solutions team provides high-end engineering and advanced technology solutions to our customers in the ...

KBR, Inc.

Network Software Developer

Lexington, MA · On-site

$101K - $152K/yr

Title: Network Software Developer Belong. Connect. Grow. with KBR! KBR's National Security Solutions team provides high-end engineering and advanced technology solutions to our customers in the ...

Leidos

Lead Network Software Engineer

Huntsville, AL · On-site

$107K - $195K/yr

Description Leidos has a new and exciting opportunity for a Lead Network Software Engineer in our National Security Sector's (NSS) Cyber & Analytics Business Area (CABA) . Our talented team is at the ...

Apple

Cloud Network Software Engineer

Sunnyvale, CA

$184K - $324K/yr

Join Apple's Cloud network Infrastructure team as a site reliability engineer to help support and scale cloud services. The Apple Networking team builds software-defined cloud network infrastructure ...

Apple

Cloud Network Software Engineer

Sunnyvale, CA · On-site

$70.50 - $91.50/hr

Join Apple's Cloud network Infrastructure team as a site reliability engineer to help support and scale cloud services. The Apple Networking team builds software-defined cloud network infrastructure ...

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Network Software Engineer information

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How much do network software engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 10, 2026, the average yearly pay for network software engineer in the United States is $109,040.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $89,000.00 and $133,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are Network Software Engineers?

Network Software Engineers are professionals who design, develop, and maintain software that manages and optimizes computer networks. They work on creating applications and tools that enable efficient data communication, network security, and network performance monitoring. Their role often involves programming network protocols, building network management software, and troubleshooting network-related issues. Network Software Engineers typically collaborate with hardware engineers, network architects, and IT teams to ensure seamless connectivity and robust network infrastructure.

What are some common challenges Network Software Engineers face when integrating new networking protocols into existing infrastructure?

Network Software Engineers often encounter challenges when integrating new protocols, such as ensuring compatibility with legacy systems, minimizing downtime during deployment, and maintaining robust security standards. Coordination with cross-functional teams—including network administrators, security engineers, and QA testers—is crucial to identify potential bottlenecks or vulnerabilities early in the process. Additionally, thorough documentation and testing are essential to ensure that new protocols function as intended without disrupting existing network operations.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Network Software Engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Network Software Engineer, you need a strong background in computer science, network protocols, and programming languages such as Python, C/C++, or Java, typically supported by a relevant degree. Familiarity with network simulation tools, SDN platforms, and certifications like Cisco CCNA or CCNP are highly valuable. Excellent problem-solving, teamwork, and communication skills help you effectively address complex network issues and collaborate with cross-functional teams. These skills are crucial for developing reliable network solutions that enhance performance, security, and scalability in modern IT environments.

What is the difference between Network Software Engineer vs Network Administrator?

AspectNetwork Software EngineerNetwork Administrator
Primary RoleDesigns, develops, and maintains network software and protocolsManages and maintains existing network infrastructure
Skills & CertificationsNetworking protocols, programming, scripting, certifications like Cisco CCNA/CCNPNetwork management, troubleshooting, certifications like Cisco CCNA/CCNP
Work EnvironmentSoftware development teams, network design projectsNetwork operations centers, on-site network management
Industry UsageIT companies, telecom, large enterprisesCorporate IT departments, service providers

While both roles require networking knowledge and certifications like Cisco CCNA/CCNP, Network Software Engineers focus on developing network software and protocols, whereas Network Administrators manage and troubleshoot existing network infrastructure. Their work environments and responsibilities differ, but both are essential in maintaining robust network systems.

What does a network software engineer do?

A network software engineer designs, develops, and maintains software that manages and optimizes computer networks. They work with network protocols, security, and automation tools, often using programming languages like Python or C++, and may hold certifications such as Cisco or CompTIA. Their role ensures reliable, efficient, and secure network operations within organizations.

What engineers make $300,000 a year?

Senior network software engineers with extensive experience, advanced skills in network protocols, security, and cloud technologies can earn $300,000 or more annually, especially in high-cost-of-living areas or within large tech companies. Achieving this salary often requires specialized certifications, leadership roles, or working in high-demand sectors such as cybersecurity or enterprise networking.

Will AI replace CCNA jobs?

Network Software Engineers and CCNA-certified professionals focus on designing, implementing, and managing network systems. While AI tools can automate certain tasks like network monitoring and troubleshooting, human expertise is still essential for complex configurations, security, and strategic planning. AI is more likely to augment these roles rather than fully replace them in the near term.

What engineer makes $500,000 a year?

A senior network software engineer with extensive experience, specialized skills, and certifications can earn around $500,000 annually, especially in high-cost-of-living areas or within large technology companies. Such roles often involve advanced network architecture, security, and leadership responsibilities, and may include bonuses and stock options.
More about Network Software Engineer jobs
What cities are hiring for Network Software Engineer jobs? Cities with the most Network Software Engineer job openings:
What states have the most Network Software Engineer jobs? States with the most job openings for Network Software Engineer jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Network Software Engineer jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Network Software Engineer jobs are:
What are popular job titles related to Network Software Engineer jobs? For Network Software Engineer jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Network Software Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Network Software Engineer job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $109,040 per year, or $52.4 per hour.
Lead Network Software Engineer

Lead Network Software Engineer

Leidos

Huntsville, AL • On-site

$100K - $137K/yr

Full-time

Retirement, PTO

Posted 16 days ago

Leidos rating

8.4

Company rating: 8.4 out of 10

Based on 147 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

56th of 442 rated business services

Job description

Leidos has a new and exciting opportunity for a Lead Network Software Engineer in our National Security Sector's (NSS) Cyber & Analytics Business Area (CABA). Our talented team is at the forefront in Security Engineering, Computer Network Operations (CNO), Mission Software, Analytical Methods and Modeling, Signals Intelligence (SIGINT), and Cryptographic Key Management. At Leidos, we offer competitive benefits, including Paid Time Off, 11 paid Holidays, 401K with a 6% company match and immediate vesting, Flexible Schedules, Discounted Stock Purchase Plans, Technical Upskilling, Education and Training Support, Parental Paid Leave, and much more. Join us and make a difference in National Security!
The Lead will support DARPA QuANET and the position builds on building and testing software that integrates network emulation, routing, telemetry, and cyber-response logic. The developer will work hands-on with Python and C++, create reproducible test environments, debug Linux and container networking issues, and collaborate with senior engineers across hardware, cyber, and networking teams. Strong systems and distributed-networking skills are essential; quantum-domain experience is not required. Candidates with deep implementation ability and broad networking expertise are preferred.
Primary Responsibilities:
  • Lead the design and execution of routing, network emulation, telemetry, and network-response capabilities for the program.
  • Translate open-ended R&D objectives into concrete technical plans, experiments, software tasks, and integration milestones.
  • Own container-to-routing-protocol integration in the team's network emulation environment.
  • Guide implementation in Python and C++, including design review, pull request review, and technical debugging.
  • Build and maintain scalable network simulation or emulation environments for large virtual topologies.
  • Integrate distributed telemetry and cross-component state data into routing and network response decisions.
  • Establish reproducible CI/CD, regression testing, and experiment validation workflows for network code.
  • Coordinate standing technical co-design with adjacent teams so interfaces, assumptions, and dependencies remain explicit.
  • Represent technical decisions in customer, PI, advisor, and program-management discussions with evidence-based reasoning.
  • Communicate technical risks, tradeoffs, and status clearly to both technical and non-technical audiences.

Basic Qualifications:
  • Bachelor's degree in computer science, computer engineering, electrical engineering, networking, or a related technical field, and 8+ years of relevant experience; additional relevant experience may be considered in lieu of degree.
  • Experience leading the design and execution of routing, network emulation, telemetry, and network-response capabilities.
  • Deep routing protocol knowledge, including protocol-internals understanding of BGP, OSPF, IS-IS, or comparable protocols.
  • Experience with SPF behavior, LSA flooding, path attributes, convergence behavior, and routing tradeoffs.
  • Hands-on Linux networking experience, including namespaces, veth pairs, iproute2, iptables/nftables, and tc.
  • Docker or container networking experience, including bridge, macvlan, host modes, CNI plugins, and nested networking failure modes.
  • Experience with open-source routing stacks such as FRR, Bird, Quagga, or similar.
  • Hands-on programming experience in Python and C++, with ability to read, write, and review production-quality code.
  • Experience with network simulation or emulation at scale.
  • Experience implementing CI/CD, regression testing, or reproducible validation pipelines for networking or systems projects.
  • Experience with distributed systems, network telemetry, or state-distribution mechanisms.
  • Ability to lead technical work under ambiguity while remaining hands-on with implementation and lab execution.
  • Must be a US citizen with ability to obtain and maintain a US government security clearance.

Preferred Qualifications:
  • Experience with gNMI, OpenConfig, streaming telemetry, or comparable observability/control-plane data sources.
  • Open-source routing or network-stack contribution history.
  • Prior experience on government-funded R&D programs such as DARPA, IARPA, ONR, AFRL, ARL, DOE, or NSF.
  • Experience leading small technical teams in high-ambiguity research, prototype, or advanced development environments.
  • Experience presenting and defending technical approaches to government customers, technical reviewers, or external advisors.

If you're looking for comfort, keep scrolling. At Leidos, we outthink, outbuild, and outpace the status quo - because the mission demands it. We're not hiring followers. We're recruiting the ones who disrupt, provoke, and refuse to fail. Step 10 is ancient history. We're already at step 30 - and moving faster than anyone else dares.
Original Posting:
June 24, 2026
For U.S. Positions: While subject to change based on business needs, Leidos reasonably anticipates that this job requisition will remain open for at least 3 days with an anticipated close date of no earlier than 3 days after the original posting date as listed above.
Pay Range:
Pay Range $107,900.00 - $195,050.00
The Leidos pay range for this job level is a general guideline only and not a guarantee of compensation or salary. Additional factors considered in extending an offer include (but are not limited to) responsibilities of the job, education, experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities, as well as internal equity, alignment with market data, applicable bargaining agreement (if any), or other law.

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About Leidos

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

At Leidos, we deliver innovative solutions through the efforts of our diverse and talented people who are dedicated to our customers' success. We empower our teams, contribute to our communities, and operate sustainable practices. Everything we do is built on a commitment to do the right thing for our customers, our people, and our community.

Industry

It services

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Reston, VA, US

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