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Network Software Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

CPMC LLC

Software Engineer (SECRET)

San Diego, CA · On-site

Software Engineers research, design, and develop computer and network software or specialized utility programs. You may also perform the following duties: * Analyze user needs and develop software ...

CPMC LLC

Jr. Software Engineer (SECRET)

San Diego, CA · On-site

Software Engineers research, design, and develop computer and network software or specialized utility programs. You may also perform the following duties: * Analyze user needs and develop software ...

cb20 Inc

Network Engineer

Lyon Mountain, NY · On-site

Network engineers are responsible for implementing, operating, monitoring, configuring, and ... Install and configure client and server network software and hardware. * Maintain and upgrade ...

cb20

Network Engineer

Lyon Mountain, NY · On-site

Network engineers are responsible for implementing, operating, monitoring, configuring, and ... Install and configure client and server network software and hardware. * Maintain and upgrade ...

DigitalOcean

Senior Software Engineer: Network

Seattle, WA · On-site

$139K - $174K/yr

We are looking for a Senior Software Engineer with expertise in Distributed Systems and Networking to build cutting edge Network Software that will run on tens of thousands of hypervisors and bare ...

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How much do network software engineer jobs pay per year?

As of May 29, 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 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 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 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 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.

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Network Software Engineer jobs near you
Senior Software Engineer: Network

Senior Software Engineer: Network

DigitalOcean

San Francisco, CA • Remote

$139K - $174K/yr

Other

Posted 9 days ago

Job description

We want people who are passionate about solving large scale complex distributed systems challenges.

We are looking for a Senior Software Engineer with expertise in Distributed Systems and Networking to build cutting edge Network Software that will run on tens of thousands of hypervisors and bare-metal servers across our global infrastructure network. You will be responsible for building the next generation of software-defined networking on our platform: providing flexible, yet simple, primitives that our customers have come to love.

What You'll Be Doing:
  • Designing and building highly efficient scalable services to enable network datapath for the next generation of features such as Virtual Private Cloud, Floating IPs and internal tooling for the virtual network stack to scale across hundreds of thousands of customer droplets.
  • Work on new architecture initiatives to build systems that enable fleet optimization such as optimizing the virtual networking stack to reduce CAPEX / OPEX.
  • Solving problems in network performance while leveraging on concepts of distributed systems to reduce performance bottlenecks, single points of failures and inter-dependencies of our many regions across the globe.
  • Solving complex data modeling challenges that have come into existence due to the hyper growth of DigitalOcean such as - our growing inventory of IP addresses, future transition to IPv6 and support for our core network primitives, creating flexible and composable virtual nics and more!
  • Diving deep into the ocean of highly available & fault-tolerant virtual networking.
  • Debugging/troubleshooting complex production issues across datacenters in real time and enhancing our playbooks and automation to counter their recurrence.
  • Participating in a team effort to improve visibility on various network metrics.
  • Using technologies and tools such as: Linux, Go, GRPC, Docker, Open vSwitch, eBPF, Prometheus, MySQL, and others!
What We'll Expect From You:
  • Expertise with languages like Go, C, C++ along with scripting skills. Go is a plus.
  • Experience developing scalable, resilient and fault tolerant network software for highly distributed systems.
  • Understanding of the OSI network model.
  • Hands-on experience working on Linux networking including tools for network I/O performance tuning is a huge plus.
  • Bonus: Prior development experience around firewalls, web security, IDP/IPS, eBPF, XDP, development of datapath for packet routing and forwarding is a huge plus!
  • Ability to self-organize, take ownership, initiative and clearly communicate intent. Ours is a completely remote team so the ability to communicate effectively in a remote environment is key to being a part of this team and its success.
  • Be ready and responsible for taking complex challenges that come up in a fast-paced environment.
Compensation Range: 
  • $139,000 - $174,000

*This is a remote role

JR: 2026-7635

#LI-Remote

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