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Software Defined Networking Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Software-defined networking (SD) * Ability to provide technical guidance and mentorship to junior engineers * Experience with creating technical documentation, such as design documents ...

Senior Network Engineer

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$122.50K - $167.90K/yr

... software-defined networking solutions. Responsibilities : • Be the customer's first point of contact to establish network connectivity • Monitor network services to ensure they are performant and ...

SDN (Software-defined networking) * Network Development or Programming. * Linux * C++, Java, Python Additional Information All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.

Senior Network Engineer

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$122.50K - $167.90K/yr

... networking strategy and developing software-defined networking solutions. Responsibilities : • Be the customer's first point of contact to establish network connectivity • Monitor network ...

The Network Engineer will be responsible to design, implement, and maintain complex network ... Familiarity with Software defined networking (SDN) Network Disaggregation technologies and ...

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Software Defined Networking Engineer information

See salary details

$63.5K

$147.5K

$205.5K

How much do software defined networking engineer jobs pay per year?

As of May 31, 2026, the average yearly pay for software defined networking engineer in the United States is $147,524.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $120,000.00 and $173,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Software Defined Networking Engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Software Defined Networking (SDN) Engineer, you need a solid understanding of networking protocols, network architecture, and programming skills—typically backed by a degree in computer science or related field. Familiarity with SDN controllers (like OpenDaylight), virtualization platforms, network automation tools, and certifications such as Cisco CCNP or VMware NSX are highly valued. Strong problem-solving, analytical thinking, and effective communication skills help set candidates apart in this role. These competencies are crucial for designing, implementing, and troubleshooting dynamic, scalable network solutions that meet evolving business needs.

What are some common challenges Software Defined Networking Engineers face when integrating SDN solutions into existing network infrastructures?

Software Defined Networking Engineers often encounter challenges such as ensuring compatibility between legacy hardware and new SDN controllers, minimizing network downtime during migration, and managing the learning curve associated with new SDN tools and protocols. Additionally, they must address security concerns unique to programmable networks and work closely with cross-functional teams to align SDN deployments with organizational goals. Effective communication and thorough planning are key to overcoming these obstacles and ensuring a smooth transition to SDN environments.

What is a Software Defined Networking (SDN) Engineer?

A Software Defined Networking (SDN) Engineer is an IT professional who designs, implements, and manages networks using SDN technologies. Unlike traditional networking, SDN separates the network's control plane from the data plane, allowing engineers to programmatically control network behavior through software. SDN Engineers work with controllers, APIs, and network protocols to create flexible, scalable, and automated network environments. Their responsibilities often include integrating SDN solutions with existing infrastructure, troubleshooting network issues, and optimizing performance. This role is essential for organizations looking to modernize their networks and improve efficiency.

What is the difference between Software Defined Networking Engineer vs Network Engineer?

AspectSoftware Defined Networking EngineerNetwork Engineer
CertificationsCCNA, CCNP, Cisco DevNet, SDN-specific certificationsCCNA, CCNP, CompTIA Network+
Work EnvironmentData centers, cloud environments, SDN platformsCorporate networks, ISPs, enterprise infrastructure
Industry UsageCloud providers, telecoms, large enterprises adopting SDNTraditional network infrastructure across various industries

Software Defined Networking Engineers focus on designing and implementing SDN solutions, leveraging automation and virtualization to manage networks. Network Engineers maintain and troubleshoot traditional network infrastructure. While both roles require networking knowledge, SDN Engineers specialize in software-based network control, making their skills more aligned with modern, programmable networks.

More about Software Defined Networking Engineer jobs
What job categories do people searching Software Defined Networking Engineer jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Software Defined Networking Engineer jobs are:
Infographic showing various Software Defined Networking Engineer job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 83% Full Time, 5% Part Time, and 12% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 11% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $147,524 per year, or $70.9 per hour.
Senior GoLang DevOps Engineer (Fully Remote)

Senior GoLang DevOps Engineer (Fully Remote)

Embtel Inc

Seattle, WA • On-site

$147.90K - $190K/yr

Other

Posted 18 days ago


Job description

We EMBTEL, Inc one of the fastest growing IT Staffing & Recruitment Company in the US. We are U.S. Federal Govt. approved vendor and Certified Minority Business Enterprise (MBE) company. We have an urgent requirement with our client/Implementation partner. The job details are given below - https://embtel.com/careers/
https://www.linkedin.com/jobs/search/?f_C=15556444&geoId=92000000
Job Title: Senior GoLang DevOps Engineer
Location Seattle, WA 100% remote role
Duration: 6-12 + Months C2C / C2H / Fulltime

JOB DESCRIPTION: The Software Engineer within Client Customer Experience delivers the software solution architecture and consulting services to meet customers' requirements. You will drive the Solutions Architecture, design, and connect with customer and internal Client teams many times starting from the RFP / solutions / scoping (presales) stage of engagement to successful solution implementation. With a seasoned mix of broad networking knowledge and specific area expertise, as well as excellent customer relationship management skills, you're well-positioned to become a trusted advisor capable of building solid, long-term relationships with customers.

In this role, you will be "Client's face to the customer," thriving in the fast-paced, high-impact environment as a visible contributor delivering on our commitments. You will work cross-functionally with multiple business units and solution teams, as well as third-party OSS, BSS, NMS, Cloud, and SW, defined technologies in creating end-to-end and vertical-specific solutions for our customers.

Minimum Qualifications:

  • 6+ years of experience in software development, DevOps, or network engineering roles
  • Professional software development experience in Go
  • Professional software development experience in Python Language is a plus
  • Experience working in a Web development organization or developing Web-oriented software
  • Experience with Agile development and DevOps working models
  • Demonstrated experience designing and creating new software solutions (apps, services, open-source tools)
  • DevOps tools experience, including Containers: Docker, Kubernetes, Jenkins CI/CD, Ansible
  • Network engineering experience, including Routing protocols (BGP, OSPF, ISIS, etc.)
  • Network operating systems: Cisco IOS XE, IOS XR, NX-OS, Arista eOS, OCP SONiC
  • Software Defined Networking (SDN)-- Network programmability experience, including Model-driven Programmability: YANG models, NETCONF, RESTCONF, gRPC, gNMI, Python network automation: Netmiko, NAPALM, ncclient, PyATS, Nornir, Software-defined Networking, Zero-touch Provisioning, App Hosting
  • Strong debugging skills
  • Experience in resolving critical customer issues
  • Experience with SDLC (Design, Development, Testing, Debugging and Bug fixing)
  • Practical "DevOps" experience is highly desirable
  • Experience implementing SONiC network operating system in a production network is highly desirable

We EMBTEL, Inc one of the fastest growing IT Staffing & Recruitment Company in the US. We are U.S. Federal Govt. approved vendor and Certified Minority Business Enterprise (MBE) company. We have an urgent requirement with our client/Implementation partner. (https://embtel.com/careers/ https://www.linkedin.com/jobs/search/?f_C=15556444&geoId=92000000)


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About EMBTEL

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Embtel, Inc was established in year 2011. Embtel isn’t just any IT staffing and recruiting firm. We firmly believe in the importance of people. Personal relationships are incredibly valuable to what we do. To that end, we work hard to make sure both clients and employees are satisfied with their placement. We want our employees to shine and our clients to be satisfied. The climate in our office is a positive one. We work hard. We have fun. We exchange the occasional high five. We believe a positive atmosphere leads to positive results. We trust our employees. We understand their needs. We make things happen. We’ve been excelling in IT solutions since 2005. Our organized, unique approach has yielded quality results time after time. And, we’ll continue to do it this way.

Industry

Recruiting and staffing services

Company size

11 - 50 Employees

Headquarters location

Fremont, CA, US

Year founded

2011

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