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Sdn Developer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Crusoe

Principal Network Architect

San Francisco, CA · On-site

Design and evolve SDN control plane architectures for programmable underlay and overlay networking across multi-vendor hardware environments. * Kubernetes Networking: Define CNI selection, network ...

Crusoe

Principal Network Architect

San Francisco, CA · On-site

Design and evolve SDN control plane architectures for programmable underlay and overlay networking across multi-vendor hardware environments. * Kubernetes Networking: Define CNI selection, network ...

Zenlayer

Network Support Engineer

Diamond Bar, CA · Hybrid

Zenlayer is seeking a customer service oriented Network Support Engineer to join our Global ... In this role, you will be on the front lines of supporting Zenlayer's global network and SDN ...

Sonsoft Inc

SDN & Networking

Sunnyvale, CA · On-site

Company Description Sonsoft , Inc. is a USA based corporation duly organized under the laws of the Commonwealth of Georgia. Sonsoft Inc. is growing at a steady pace specializing in the fields of ...

Neros Technologies

Network Operations Engineer

Torrance, CA · On-site

$13K - $190K/yr

We're hiring engineers, operators, and builders who want to move fast, take on extreme ownership ... Lead migration initiatives from traditional networking to SDN architectures while maintaining zero ...

Neros Technologies

Network Operations Engineer

Torrance, CA · On-site

$13K - $190K/yr

We're hiring engineers, operators, and builders who want to move fast, take on extreme ownership ... Lead migration initiatives from traditional networking to SDN architectures while maintaining zero ...

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$39.5K

$127.7K

$156.4K

How much do sdn developer jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 14, 2026, the average yearly pay for sdn developer in California is $127,654.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $104,600.00 and $154,900.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an SDN Developer job?

An SDN (Software-Defined Networking) Developer is responsible for designing, implementing, and maintaining network solutions using software-defined networking technologies. They work with network controllers, APIs, automation frameworks, and scripting languages to optimize and manage network infrastructure. SDN Developers collaborate with network engineers and software teams to create scalable, programmable, and efficient network solutions that enhance performance, security, and flexibility. Proficiency in programming languages like Python, Go, or Java, along with experience in networking protocols and cloud platforms, is essential for this role.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Sdn Developer position, and why are they important?

To thrive as an SDN Developer, you need a solid understanding of software development, networking protocols, and systems integration, typically backed by a degree in computer science, information technology, or a related field. Familiarity with programming languages like Python, Java, or C++, along with hands-on experience using SDN controllers such as OpenDaylight, ONOS, or Cisco ACI, is highly valuable; relevant certifications like Cisco CCNP or SDN-specific credentials are advantageous. Strong problem-solving, collaboration, and effective communication skills enable SDN Developers to work seamlessly in multidisciplinary teams and adapt to evolving network requirements. These skills are essential to build scalable, automated network solutions and drive innovation in dynamic IT environments.

What are common challenges faced by SDN Developers, and how can they be addressed?

SDN Developers often encounter challenges such as integrating new solutions with legacy network infrastructure, ensuring security across programmable networks, and keeping up with rapid technology changes in the field. Successful developers stay current by continuous learning, collaborating closely with network engineers and IT teams, and proactively testing solutions in controlled lab environments before deployment. Many organizations support SDN Developers through professional development opportunities and cross-functional teamwork, which helps address these challenges collaboratively. By maintaining adaptability and focusing on robust documentation and security best practices, SDN Developers can effectively navigate the complexities of modern network environments.

What are popular job titles related to Sdn Developer jobs in California? For Sdn Developer jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Sdn Developer jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Sdn Developer jobs in California are:
Sdn Developer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Sdn Developer job openings in California as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 84% Full Time, 5% Part Time, 2% Temporary, and 9% Contract. Highlights an 82% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 15% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $127,654 per year, or $61.4 per hour.

Principal Network Architect

Crusoe

San Francisco, CA • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 8 days ago

Job description

Crusoe is on a mission to accelerate the abundance of energy and intelligence. As the only vertically integrated AI infrastructure company built from the ground up, we own and operate each layer of the stack - from electrons to tokens - to power the world's most ambitious AI workloads. When you join Crusoe, you join a team that is building the future, faster.
We're in the midst of the greatest industrial revolution of our time. The demand for AI compute is boundless, and power is a bottleneck. We're solving that - with an energy-first approach that makes AI infrastructure better for the world and faster for the people innovating with AI.
We're looking for problem-solving, opportunity-finding teammates with a sense of urgency, who believe in the scale of our ambition and thrive on a path not fully paved - people who want to grow their careers alongside a team of experts across energy, manufacturing, data center construction, and cloud services.
If you want to do the most meaningful work of your career, help our customers and partners advance their AI strategies, and be part of a high-performing team that believes in each other, come build with us at Crusoe.
About This Role:
Crusoe is looking for a Principal Network Architect to define and own the network architecture strategy across our entire infrastructure stack, spanning bare-metal data center switching fabrics and RDMA interconnects to SDN control planes, Kubernetes networking, and cloud-layer overlays. As the industry's first vertically integrated AI infrastructure provider, Crusoe operates at a scale that few companies can match, including a 1.2 GW hyperscale campus in Abilene, TX powering the Stargate project. This is a high-impact, principal-level individual contributor role reporting directly to the Director of Networking, with broad technical authority and cross-organizational influence.
In this role, you'll do more than solve today's problems; you'll build the architecture that runs the AI infrastructure of tomorrow. You'll introduce and institutionalize modern networking paradigms like intent-based networking, declarative configuration management, and network source of truth, transforming how Crusoe designs, provisions, and operates its network at hyperscale.
What You'll Be Working On:
  • Hyperscale Data Center Architecture: Own end-to-end network architecture for Crusoe's AI data centers, including spine-leaf fabrics, out-of-band management, RDMA (RoCEv2/InfiniBand), and inter-campus WAN design.
  • SDN Control Plane Design: Design and evolve SDN control plane architectures for programmable underlay and overlay networking across multi-vendor hardware environments.
  • Kubernetes Networking: Define CNI selection, network policies, multi-cluster service mesh, and BGP peering architecture across Crusoe's Managed Kubernetes platform.
  • Intent-Based Networking: Architect IBN frameworks that translate high-level business and operational goals into validated, auto-generated device configurations.
  • Declarative Networking and GitOps: Establish infrastructure-as-code practices, GitOps-driven network provisioning, and continuous validation pipelines for network state.
  • Network Source of Truth: Build and own Crusoe's SoT strategy, defining authoritative data models (IPAM, DCIM, CMDB) and ensuring all devices, links, and policies are version-controlled and consistently sourced.
  • Automation Workflows: Design day-0/1/2 automation using tools like Ansible, Nornir, or Terraform, driven by the network source of truth.
  • Observability and Telemetry: Define streaming telemetry architecture (gNMI/gRPC), intent verification, and closed-loop remediation pipelines.
  • Standards and Cross-Functional Leadership: Establish engineering standards and reference architectures, lead architecture reviews, author design documents, and present proposals to senior leadership.
  • Team Mentorship: Mentor senior and staff network engineers, growing the technical depth and breadth of the broader network engineering team.

What You'll Bring to the Team:
  • 12+ years of progressive network engineering and architecture experience, with at least 5 years in leadership role.
  • Large-scale data center expertise with a proven track record designing networks at 500+ switches across multi-campus environments.
  • Expert-level routing knowledge including deep proficiency in BGP, EVPN/VXLAN, OSPF, ECMP, BFD, and modern data center routing design.
  • SDN and programmability experience with production-level work using an SDN controller (OpenDaylight, ONOS, Apstra, Contrail, or equivalent) and network programmability via NETCONF/YANG, RESTCONF, or gNMI.
  • Kubernetes networking proficiency with hands-on experience in CNI selection (Calico, Cilium, Flannel, Multus), network policies, and BGP integration.
  • RDMA and HPC networking understanding including familiarity with RoCEv2, InfiniBand, PFC, ECN, and lossless fabric design for AI/ML workloads.
  • Software engineering fundamentals including strong command of Git, CI/CD, code review, and infrastructure-as-code tooling (Terraform, Ansible, Nornir).
  • Communication and influence with exceptional written and verbal skills and the ability to write crisp design documents and drive alignment across engineering and product leadership.

Bonus Points:
  • Experience at a hyperscaler, AI cloud provider, HPC center, or large-scale co-location operator.
  • Hands-on experience with SONiC OS, P4 programmable data planes, SRv6, or silicon-level knowledge of Broadcom Tomahawk/Trident.
  • Open source contributions to networking projects such as SONiC, NetBox, FRR, or Cilium.
  • Familiarity with formal network verification tools like Batfish or Minesweeper, or eBPF-based networking and observability.
  • Relevant certifications including CCIE (DC/SP), JNCIE, or vendor-specific SDN/cloud certifications.

Benefits:
  • Competitive compensation and equity packages
  • Restricted Stock Units
  • Paid time off, paid holidays & leave of absence programs
  • Comprehensive health, dental & vision insurance
  • Employer contributions to HSA account
  • Paid parental leave
  • Paid life insurance, short-term and long-term disability
  • Professional development & tuition reimbursement
  • Mental health & wellness support
  • Commuter benefits (parking & transit)
  • Cell phone stipend
  • 401(k) Retirement plan with company match up to 4% of salary
  • Volunteer time off
  • Global travel insurance & emergency assistance
  • Daily meals allowance
  • Additional perks & programs specific to location

Compensation Range
Compensation will be paid in the range of up to $265,000 -$310,000 + Bonus. Restricted Stock Units are included in all offers. Compensation to be determined by the applicant's knowledge, education, and abilities, as well as internal equity and alignment with market data.
Crusoe is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, disability, genetic information, pregnancy, citizenship, marital status, sex/gender, sexual preference/ orientation, gender identity, age, veteran status, national origin, or any other status protected by law or regulation.

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