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Networking Software Engineer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Nvidia

Senior Software Engineer, Networking

Santa Clara, CA

$143.90K - $189.70K/yr

NVIDIA is looking for outstanding Software Development Engineers to join our outstanding Networking Software engineering team, developing driver, protocols and application to deliver high efficiency ...

Blue Origin

Software Engineer III - TeraWave

Bodega Bay, CA · On-site

$164.65K - $230.51K/yr

We are seeking a Software Engineer to join our Dataplane team and design the high-performance, fast ... This role will be instrumental in building the network edge software that enables the TeraWave ...

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$62.7K

$145.6K

$202.8K

How much do networking software engineer jobs pay per year?

As of May 30, 2026, the average yearly pay for networking software engineer in California is $145,592.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $118,400.00 and $170,700.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a Networking Software Engineer job?

A Networking Software Engineer designs, develops, and maintains software that enables communication between computers, devices, and networks. They work with network protocols, software-defined networking (SDN), and network security to optimize performance and reliability. Their role involves writing code, debugging network applications, and collaborating with hardware and infrastructure teams to create scalable solutions.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Networking Software Engineer position, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Networking Software Engineer, you need a solid grounding in computer networking protocols, programming languages such as C/C++ or Python, and a degree in computer science or a related field. Familiarity with networking equipment, network simulation tools, and certifications like Cisco's CCNA or CCNP are highly valued. Strong problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and effective teamwork and communication abilities help you excel in this position. These skills ensure the engineer can develop robust, scalable networking solutions and collaborate efficiently in rapidly changing technical environments.

What are some typical day-to-day tasks for a Networking Software Engineer?

As a Networking Software Engineer, your daily responsibilities may include designing and developing network software, troubleshooting network issues, and optimizing existing protocols or applications. You’ll often collaborate with hardware engineers, QA testers, and other developers to ensure seamless integration and high network performance. Participation in code reviews and staying current with networking advancements are also common parts of the job. This role provides opportunities to solve complex technical challenges and contribute significantly to the reliability and scalability of an organization’s IT infrastructure.
More about Networking Software Engineer jobs
What are popular job titles related to Networking Software Engineer jobs in California? For Networking Software Engineer jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Networking Software Engineer jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Networking Software Engineer jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Networking Software Engineer jobs? Cities in California with the most Networking Software Engineer job openings:
Networking Software Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Networking Software Engineer job openings in California as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 25% Internship, and 75% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $145,592 per year, or $70 per hour.
Staff Networking Software Systems Engineer

Staff Networking Software Systems Engineer

Qualcomm

Santa Clara, CA • On-site

Full-time

Posted 18 days ago

Job description

Company:
Qualcomm Atheros, Inc.
Job Area:
Engineering Group, Engineering Group > Software Engineering
General Summary:
We are seeking a highly experienced Staff Software Engineer to lead the development of next-generation Networking and Wireless solutions. The ideal candidate will have 5+ years of hands-on experience in embedded software and networking, with a proven track record of architecting high-performance data path solutions and driving technical innovation.
Key Responsibilities:
  • Networking Architecture & Design: Architect, design, and lead the implementation of complex packet processing systems. Define strategies for HW and SW datapath acceleration to ensure wire-speed performance and low latency.
  • Linux Kernel Networking: Deep dive into Linux kernel networking subsystems. Develop and optimize kernel modules, Ethernet drivers, and PHY drivers. Customize and enhance the Linux networking stack (Netfilter, bridging, routing, QoS) for high-throughput embedded systems.
  • Advanced Protocol Engineering: Design and implement robust support for various network tunneling protocols (e.g., GRE, L2TP, IPsec, VxLAN, MAP-T/E, CAPWAP). Ensure interoperability and performance across diverse network topologies.
  • System Integration & Interfaces: Architect efficient user space to kernel space communication interfaces (e.g. Netlink, ioctl, sysfs) and integrate complex networking features such as Open vSwitch (OVS) or eBPF/XDP into the networking ecosystem.
  • Technical Leadership: Serve as a technical lead for the team. Drive architectural decisions, conduct code reviews, and define best practices for software development and testing.
  • Collaboration: Collaborate extensively with cross-functional teams, including HW architects, System Test, and customer support, to define requirements and commercialize networking features for global carrier and enterprise customers.
  • Mentorship: Mentor Senior and Junior engineers, fostering a culture of technical excellence, continuous learning, and innovation.

Required Skills:
  • Core Technical Skills: Expert proficiency in C and C++ programming. Deep understanding of Linux Kernel internals (memory management, interrupt handling, locking mechanisms) and embedded system constraints.
  • Networking Domain: Comprehensive mastery of TCP/IP, IPv4/IPv6, switching, routing, and tunneling protocols. Hands-on experience with HW/SW data path offloading techniques and Ethernet driver development.
  • Problem-Solving: Exceptional analytical skills with the ability to debug complex system-level issues involving race conditions, memory leaks, and performance bottlenecks in a multi-core environment.
  • Communication: Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to articulate complex architectural concepts to stakeholders and lead technical discussions.
  • Team Player: Ability to lead technical initiatives in a fast-paced environment and work effectively as part of a high-caliber international/multi-site team.

Minimum Qualifications:
• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Information Systems, Computer Science, or related field and 4+ years of Software Engineering or related work experience.
OR
Master's degree in Engineering, Information Systems, Computer Science, or related field and 3+ years of Software Engineering or related work experience.
OR
PhD in Engineering, Information Systems, Computer Science, or related field and 2+ years of Software Engineering or related work experience.
• 2+ years of work experience with Programming Language such as C, C++, Java, Python, etc.
Qualcomm is an equal opportunity employer. If you are an individual with a disability and need an accommodation during the application/hiring process, rest assured that Qualcomm is committed to providing an accessible process. You may e-mail disability-accomodations@qualcomm.com or call Qualcomm's toll-free number found here. Upon request, Qualcomm will provide reasonable accommodations to support individuals with disabilities to be able participate in the hiring process. Qualcomm is also committed to making our workplace accessible for individuals with disabilities. (Keep in mind that this email address is used to provide reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities. We will not respond here to requests for updates on applications or resume inquiries).
To all Staffing and Recruiting Agencies: Our Careers Site is only for individuals seeking a job at Qualcomm. Staffing and recruiting agencies and individuals being represented by an agency are not authorized to use this site or to submit profiles, applications or resumes, and any such submissions will be considered unsolicited. Qualcomm does not accept unsolicited resumes or applications from agencies. Please do not forward resumes to our jobs alias, Qualcomm employees or any other company location. Qualcomm is not responsible for any fees related to unsolicited resumes/applications.
EEO Employer: Qualcomm is an equal opportunity employer; all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, Veteran status, or any other protected classification.
Qualcomm expects its employees to abide by all applicable policies and procedures, including but not limited to security and other requirements regarding protection of Company confidential information and other confidential and/or proprietary information, to the extent those requirements are permissible under applicable law.
Pay range and Other Compensation & Benefits:
$151,900.00 - $227,900.00
The above pay scale reflects the broad, minimum to maximum, pay scale for this job code for the location for which it has been posted. Even more importantly, please note that salary is only one component of total compensation at Qualcomm. We also offer a competitive annual discretionary bonus program and opportunity for annual RSU grants (employees on sales-incentive plans are not eligible for our annual bonus). In addition, our highly competitive benefits package is designed to support your success at work, at home, and at play. Your recruiter will be happy to discuss all that Qualcomm has to offer - and you can review more details about our US benefits at this link.
If you would like more information about this role, please contact Qualcomm Careers.
Qualcomm logo

About Qualcomm

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Qualcomm is enabling a world where everyone and everything can be intelligently connected. You interact with products and technologies made possible by Qualcomm every day, including 5G-enabled smartphones that double as pro-level cameras and gaming devices, smarter vehicles and cities, and the technology behind the smart, connected factories that manufactured your latest purchase. Our powerful connectivity solutions keep you connected—even in remote areas. Qualcomm 5G and AI innovations are the power behind the connected intelligent edge. You’ll find our technologies behind and inside the innovations that deliver significant value across multiple industries and to billions of people every day.

Industry

Technology, communication and media

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

San Diego, CA, US

Year founded

1985

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