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Packet Core Engineer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Sr. Software Engineer, EC2 VPC

San Diego, CA

$130K - $171K/yr

We are growing fast and looking for senior systems engineers who can deliver ultra-high performance - our goal is processing millions of packets per second on a single CPU core. This demands highly ...

Sr. Software Engineer, EC2 VPC

San Diego, CA · On-site

$130K - $171K/yr

We are growing fast and looking for senior systems engineers who can deliver ultra-high performance - our goal is processing millions of packets per second on a single CPU core. This demands highly ...

Sr. Software Engineer, EC2 VPC

San Diego, CA · On-site

$130K - $171K/yr

We are growing fast and looking for senior systems engineers who can deliver ultra-high performance - our goal is processing millions of packets per second on a single CPU core. This demands highly ...

Showing results 21-40

Packet Core Engineer information

See California salary details

$60.7K

$150.8K

$202.8K

How much do packet core engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 15, 2026, the average yearly pay for packet core engineer in California is $150,773.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $141,100.00 and $156,400.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a packet core engineer?

A Packet Core Engineer is responsible for designing, implementing, and maintaining the packet core network infrastructure in a telecom environment. They ensure seamless data transmission, optimize network performance, and troubleshoot core network issues. Their work involves configuring EPC (Evolved Packet Core) components like SGW, PGW, MME, and working with protocols such as GTP, Diameter, and SCTP. Packet Core Engineers collaborate with network architects and operations teams to enhance reliability and support emerging technologies like 4G, 5G, and VoLTE.

What skills and qualifications are needed to be a packet core engineer?

To thrive as a Packet Core Engineer, you need a strong understanding of mobile packet core networks, IP networking, and telecom protocols, typically supported by a degree in electrical engineering, computer science, or a related field. Familiarity with tools and platforms like EPC, 5G Core, LTE/4G technologies, and certifications such as CCNA or equivalent are frequently required. Excellent analytical thinking, troubleshooting skills, and effective communication are important soft skills in this position. These competencies ensure reliable network performance, efficient problem-solving, and seamless collaboration with multidisciplinary teams in dynamic telecom environments.

What does a packet core engineer do?

A typical day for a Packet Core Engineer involves monitoring and maintaining mobile core network elements, troubleshooting network issues, implementing software updates, and optimizing system performance. You will often collaborate with other network engineers, operations teams, and sometimes vendors to resolve complex technical problems and support new service rollouts. The environment is fast-paced, requiring both independent problem-solving and teamwork to meet network reliability standards. Regular documentation and participation in project meetings are also key aspects of this role. This blend of responsibilities offers a dynamic workday with opportunities to learn and grow in cutting-edge telecom technologies.

What are the most commonly searched types of Packet Core Engineer jobs in California?

The most popular types of Packet Core Engineer jobs in California are:

What are popular job titles related to Packet Core Engineer jobs in California?

For Packet Core Engineer jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Packet Core Engineer jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Packet Core Engineer jobs in California are:

Infographic showing various Packet Core Engineer job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 80% Full Time, 15% Part Time, 2% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 93% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $150,773 per year, or $72.5 per hour.

Senior Software Development Engineer, EC2 VPC

Amazon

San Diego, CA • On-site

$130K - $171K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 20 days ago


Amazon rating

7.4

Company rating: 7.4 out of 10

Based on 7,089 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

6th of 39 rated national retailers


Job description

The primary location for this position is San Diego, CA.
Do you want to shape the future of virtualized (SDN) networking in the world's biggest public cloud?
The Amazon Elastic Compute Cloud (EC2) VPC Packet Pipeline team owns the packet pipeline that runs right beneath all our customer's EC2 VPC instances, adding features like firewalling (security groups), billing and monitoring as we touch every single packet on every single host across our massive worldwide fleet. Our vision is to combine the performance of bare metal networking while maintaining all the benefits of the cloud, including delivering features not possible on bare metal i.e. true Software Defined Networking (SDN).
We are growing fast, and are looking for kernel/embedded C leaders who can deliver ultra high performance - our goal is to be processing millions of packets per second on a CPU core. This requires both being able to implement highly optimized data structures, but also low level (including by hand assembly and vectorizing) tuning to our hardware. If you have good experience in C/C++, and a passion for systems software engineering such as kernel or embedded development, then this is a unique opportunity to join us at day one of building the platform which is the basis for all new EC2 VPC features in the years to come.
Your responsibilities will include:
- Being the lead engineer on a small team, mentoring junior engineers, ensuring the right development practices are followed.
- Be very hands-on; work with the engineering team to manage the day-to-day development activities by leading architecture decisions, participating in designs, design review, code review, and implementation.
- Maintain current technical knowledge to support rapidly changing technology, always on a look out for new technologies and work with management and development team in bringing new technologies.
- Communicating with users, other technical teams, and senior management to collect requirements, describe software product features, technical designs, and product strategy
About the team
Our team values work-life balance. Striking a healthy balance between your personal and professional life is crucial to your happiness and success here.
Our team is dedicated to supporting new team members. Our team has a broad mix of experience levels and Amazon tenures, and we foster an environment that celebrates knowledge sharing. Our senior engineers truly enjoy mentoring more junior engineers and engineers from non-traditional backgrounds through one-on-one mentoring and thorough, but kind, code reviews. We care about your career growth. We try to assign projects and tasks based on what will help you develop into a well-rounded engineer.
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS
- 5+ years of non-internship professional software development experience
- 5+ years of programming with at least one software programming language experience
- 5+ years of leading design or architecture (design patterns, reliability and scaling) of new and existing systems experience
- Experience as a mentor, tech lead or leading an engineering team
- 1+ years experience in leading a team in terms of architecture, mentoring and pushing best software development practices
- Bachelor's degree in Computer Science or equivalent
- Experience developing in C or C++
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
- 5+ years of full software development life cycle, including coding standards, code reviews, source control management, build processes, testing, and operations experience
- Bachelor's degree in computer science or equivalent
- Effective verbal and written communication skills
- Proficiency in design and analysis of algorithms and data structures
- Linux operating system knowledge + development experience
- In-depth knowledge of TCP/IP
- Kernel or embedded development, particularly Linux kernel
- Knowledge of professional software engineering practices & best practices for the full software development life cycle, including coding standards, code reviews, source control management, build processes, testing, and operations
- Experience influencing software engineers best practices within your team
- Scripting (Ruby/Python)
Amazon is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of protected veteran status, disability, or other legally protected status.
Los Angeles County applicants: Job duties for this position include: work safely and cooperatively with other employees, supervisors, and staff; adhere to standards of excellence despite stressful conditions; communicate effectively and respectfully with employees, supervisors, and staff to ensure exceptional customer service; and follow all federal, state, and local laws and Company policies. Criminal history may have a direct, adverse, and negative relationship with some of the material job duties of this position. These include the duties and responsibilities listed above, as well as the abilities to adhere to company policies, exercise sound judgment, effectively manage stress and work safely and respectfully with others, exhibit trustworthiness and professionalism, and safeguard business operations and the Company's reputation. Pursuant to the Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.
Our inclusive culture empowers Amazonians to deliver the best results for our customers. If you have a disability and need a workplace accommodation or adjustment during the application and hiring process, including support for the interview or onboarding process, please visit https://amazon.jobs/content/en/how-we-hire/accommodations for more information. If the country/region you're applying in isn't listed, please contact your Recruiting Partner.
The base salary range for this position is listed below. Your Amazon package will include sign-on payments and restricted stock units (RSUs). Final compensation will be determined based on factors including experience, qualifications, and location. Amazon also offers comprehensive benefits including health insurance (medical, dental, vision, prescription, Basic Life & AD&D insurance and option for Supplemental life plans, EAP, Mental Health Support, Medical Advice Line, Flexible Spending Accounts, Adoption and Surrogacy Reimbursement coverage), 401(k) matching, paid time off, and parental leave. Learn more about our benefits at https://amazon.jobs/en/benefits.
USA, CA, San Diego - 168,100.00 - 227,400.00 USD annually

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About Amazon

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Amazon.com, Inc., commonly known as Amazon, is an American multinational technology company. It was founded by Jeff Bezos in 1994 and initially started as an online marketplace for books. Since then, Amazon has expanded its operations and become one of the largest e-commerce companies in the world. Amazon's primary business is its online retail platform, where customers can purchase a vast array of products, including electronics, clothing, books, home goods, and much more. The company offers a convenient and user-friendly shopping experience, with features such as fast shipping, customer reviews, and personalized recommendations. In addition to its e-commerce platform, Amazon has diversified its business into various other areas. One of its notable ventures is Amazon Web Services (AWS), a comprehensive cloud computing platform that provides services such as storage, compute power, and database management to individuals and businesses. AWS has become a leader in the cloud computing industry, powering many websites and applications worldwide. Amazon has also developed its own consumer electronics, including the popular Amazon Kindle e-reader, Fire tablets, Fire TV streaming devices, and the Alexa-powered Echo smart speakers. The Alexa voice assistant, integrated into these devices, allows users to interact with their devices using voice commands, perform tasks, and access information. Furthermore, Amazon has expanded into media and entertainment. It operates Prime Video, a streaming service that offers a wide range of movies, TV shows, and original content. Amazon Music provides a platform for streaming and purchasing digital music, while Audible offers audiobooks and other audio content. The company's commitment to customer satisfaction and convenience is demonstrated by its membership program, Amazon Prime. Prime members receive various benefits, including free two-day shipping, access to streaming services, exclusive deals, and more.

Industry

It services, book publishers, retail, real estate and computer and electronic product manufacturing

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Seattle, WA, US