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Packet Processing Jobs (NOW HIRING)

You'll work on network virtualization protocols, packet processing pipelines, and availability mechanisms that must perform correctly at massive scale with sub-second latency requirements. You'll ...

You'll work on network virtualization protocols, packet processing pipelines, and availability mechanisms that must perform correctly at massive scale with sub-second latency requirements. You'll ...

You'll work on network virtualization protocols, packet processing pipelines, and availability mechanisms that must perform correctly at massive scale with sub-second latency requirements. You'll ...

Some experience with fast-packet processing in user space and common kernel-bypass implementations would be ideal (such as Solarflare OpenOnload/TCPDirect/ef_vi, Exablaze, InfiniBand verbs, DPDK)

You'll work on network virtualization protocols, packet processing pipelines, and availability mechanisms that must perform correctly at massive scale with sub-second latency requirements. You'll ...

You'll work on network virtualization protocols, packet processing pipelines, and availability mechanisms that must perform correctly at massive scale with sub-second latency requirements. You'll ...

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Packet Processing information

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$13

$21

$28

How much do packet processing jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 8, 2026, the average hourly pay for packet processing in the United States is $21.18, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.99 and $24.04 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Packet Processing vs Network Technician?

AspectPacket ProcessingNetwork Technician
Required CredentialsNetworking certifications (e.g., Cisco CCNA), knowledge of protocolsNetworking certifications, basic troubleshooting skills
Work EnvironmentData centers, network operations centers, enterprise networksOffice settings, client sites, network infrastructure environments
Employer & Industry UsageTelecommunications, data service providers, large enterprisesIT service providers, corporate IT departments, telecom companies

Packet Processing involves managing and analyzing data packets within networks, focusing on data flow and protocol handling. Network Technicians perform hands-on troubleshooting, installing, and maintaining network hardware and connections. While both roles require networking knowledge and certifications, Packet Processing is more specialized in data flow management, whereas Network Technicians focus on hardware and connectivity issues.

What is packet processing in networking?

Packet processing refers to the techniques and operations used to examine, modify, and forward data packets as they travel through a network. This process is essential for routing, switching, security filtering, and traffic management. Packet processing can be performed in software, hardware, or a combination of both, depending on the requirements for speed and flexibility. It is a key function in network devices such as routers, firewalls, and load balancers, ensuring that data moves efficiently and securely between devices.

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

To thrive as a Packet Processing Engineer, you need strong expertise in computer networking, knowledge of protocols (such as TCP/IP), and a background in computer science or electrical engineering. Familiarity with tools and platforms like Wireshark, DPDK, Netfilter, and programming languages such as C or Python is typically required. Analytical thinking, problem-solving, and effective communication are crucial soft skills for diagnosing network issues and collaborating with cross-functional teams. These abilities ensure efficient network performance, secure data transmission, and robust troubleshooting in complex networking environments.

What are some typical challenges faced by professionals working in packet processing roles?

Professionals in packet processing often encounter challenges such as maintaining low latency while handling high volumes of network traffic, ensuring security against evolving threats, and optimizing throughput in resource-constrained environments. Collaboration with network engineers and software developers is common, as solutions frequently require cross-functional input. Additionally, adapting to rapidly changing networking protocols and hardware advancements is essential for ongoing success in packet processing roles.
Infographic showing various Packet Processing job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 84% Full Time, 15% Part Time, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 94% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $44,052 per year, or $21.2 per hour.
Software Enabling and Optimization Engineer

Software Enabling and Optimization Engineer

Intel

Santa Clara, CA

Full-time

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Posted 6 days ago


Intel rating

8.8

Company rating: 8.8 out of 10

Based on 143 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

8th of 139 rated electronics manufacturers


Job description

Job Details:Job Description: 

Join an enthusiastic team of engineers in Intel's Networking Solutions Group (NSG) focused on enabling next generation programmable Infrastructure Processing Units (IPUs) with our lead customers as part of the Customer Experience Support (CES) organization. Intel brings decades of leadership in networking, virtualization, packet processing, storage, and security to a new class of IPU products that accelerate host networking functions and support emerging use cases such as security, virtualization, storage, load balancing, and data path optimization.
Working closely with major cloud service providers and Intel development teams, you will help deliver customized IPU based solutions that enhance isolation, security, performance, and system management for our customers.

Projects and Responsibilities:

  • Define and develop targeted IPU solutions to meet cloud service providers' requirements and support their deployment into production environments.
  • Develop and execute system level use case and workload testing, including debugging and verification of IPU software packages across platforms and OS versions.
  • Collaborate closely with engineering teams and customers to enable rapid debugging and issue resolution.
  • Create technical collaterals such as release notes, application notes, user guides, and white papers to simplify customer design and adoption of Intel IPU solutions.
  • Engage with technologists across Intel and the broader industry, developers, and project managers to evaluate requirement feasibility, set development priorities, communicate solutions, and identify customer gaps that influence engineering direction
Qualifications:

You must possess the below minimum qualifications to be initially considered for this position. Preferred qualifications are in addition to the minimum requirements and are considered a plus factor in identifying top candidates. Requirements listed would be obtained through a combination of industry relevant job experience, internship experiences and or schoolwork/classes/research.

Minimum Qualifications:

  • Bachelor's degree with 4+ years of industry experience, or master's degree with 2+ years of industry experience in Computer Science or Computer Engineering.

2+ Years of experience with the following technical skills:

  • Proven knowledge and experience with object-oriented programming and Python, including strong analytical, debugging, and problem-solving skills.
  • Experience with build and development tools and systems such as git, GitHub, RPM, makefiles, shell scripting, Docker, and Jenkins.
  • Working knowledge of at least one major Linux distribution (e.g., Ubuntu or Red Hat), including networking stacks and drivers.

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Strong communication and influencing skills with a customer-focused attitude and mindset.
  • Motivation to take on new product enablement challenges, with demonstrated experience supporting customers directly.
  • Experience with system level server or network debugging across hardware, software, and firmware.
  • Comprehensive knowledge of Ethernet products and ecosystems for enterprise and datacenter environments.
  • Broad system level experience with P4 and/or DPDK software development environments.
  • Experience implementing datacenter storage, packet processing, and/or RDMA technologies.
  • System admin or network admin-level experience with largescale datacenter workloads (e.g., databases, load balancers, web servers, switch configuration) is a plus.
Job Type:Experienced HireShift:Shift 1 (United States of America)Primary Location: US, Oregon, HillsboroAdditional Locations:US, California, Santa ClaraBusiness group:The Central Engineering Group (CEG) is Intel's data-driven organization that builds scalable engineering solutions across three pillars: Product Enablement (IP, tools, and methodologies), Custom ASIC (leveraging existing IP for custom silicon), and Foundry Enablement (supporting top customers and validating technologies). The team focuses on customer-driven, end-to-end solutions with short development cycles to deliver measurable business impact across Intel's product and foundry businesses.Posting Statement:All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, religious creed, sex, national origin, ancestry, age, physical or mental disability, medical condition, genetic information, military and veteran status, marital status, pregnancy, gender, gender expression, gender identity, sexual orientation, or any other characteristic protected by local law, regulation, or ordinance.Position of TrustN/ABenefits

We offer a total compensation package that ranks among the best in the industry. It consists of competitive pay, stock bonuses, and benefit programs which include health, retirement, and vacation. Find out more about the benefits of working at Intel.

Annual Salary Range for jobs which could be performed in the US: $111,030.00-211,200.00 USDThe range displayed on this job posting reflects the minimum and maximum target compensation for the position across all US locations. Within the range, individual pay is determined by work location and additional factors, including job-related skills, experience, and relevant education or training. Your recruiter can share more about the specific compensation range for your preferred location during the hiring process.

Work Model for this Role

This role will require an on-site presence. * Job posting details (such as work model, location or time type) are subject to change.

*

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: Intel is committed to Responsible Business Alliance (RBA) compliance and ethical hiring practices. We do not charge any fees during our hiring process. Candidates should never be required to pay recruitment fees, medical examination fees, or any other charges as a condition of employment. If you are asked to pay any fees during our hiring process, please report this immediately to your recruiter.

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About Intel

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Intel strives to make every facet of semiconductor manufacturing state-of-the-art -- from semiconductor process development and manufacturing, through yield improvement to packaging, final test and optimization, and world class Supply Chain and facilities support. Employees in the Technology and Manufacturing Group are part of a worldwide network of design, development, manufacturing, and assembly/test facilities, all focused on utilizing the power of Moore's Law to bring smart, connected devices to every person on Earth

Industry

Manufacturing

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Santa Clara, CA, US

Year founded

1968