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Software Defined Networking Jobs in New York (NOW HIRING)

Software Engineer, Infrastructure

Manhattan, NY · On-site

$190K - $225K/yr

Responsibilities : • Develop and maintain a streamlined process for engineers to effortlessly build and deploy scalable and reliable software-defined networking solutions on AWS. • Enhance our ...

Software-defined networking for cyber defense and deception * Artificial intelligence (reasoning, probabilistic inference, machine learning) Peraton Labs is seeking a talented Software Research ...

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Software-defined networking for cyber defense and deception * Artificial intelligence (reasoning, probabilistic inference, machine learning) Peraton Labs is seeking a talented Software Research ...

New

... the Software-Defined Networking space to help transform the telecom industry. We are working with the top Service Providers in the world to accelerate their virtualization journey, and we are ...

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Software Defined Networking information

See New York salary details

$33.4K

$49.6K

$66.7K

How much do software defined networking jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 30, 2026, the average yearly pay for software defined networking in New York is $49,572.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $44,300.00 and $53,100.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does software-defined networking do?

Software-defined networking (SDN) is a technology that separates the control plane from the data plane in network devices, allowing centralized management and dynamic configuration of network resources. SDN enables more flexible, efficient, and programmable networks, often using open protocols like OpenFlow. Network engineers working with SDN need skills in programming, network architecture, and familiarity with network management tools.

What is Software Defined Networking (SDN)?

Software Defined Networking (SDN) is a network architecture approach that separates the control plane from the data plane in networking equipment. This means that the network intelligence and policy-making are centralized in a software-based SDN controller, rather than being distributed across individual hardware devices. SDN allows for easier network management, programmability, and automation, making it possible to quickly adapt to changing business needs and optimize network resources. Organizations use SDN to improve network efficiency, reduce operational costs, and enable innovation in network services.

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

AspectSoftware Defined NetworkingNetwork Engineer
Primary FocusAutomating and centralizing network management through softwareDesigning, implementing, and maintaining physical and virtual networks
Required SkillsNetworking protocols, virtualization, scripting, software developmentNetworking protocols, hardware configuration, troubleshooting
CertificationsCisco CCNA/CCNP, VMware, Cisco DevNetCCNA, CCNP, CompTIA Network+
Work EnvironmentData centers, cloud environments, software development teamsCorporate offices, data centers, client sites

While Software Defined Networking focuses on software-based network management and automation, Network Engineers handle the physical and virtual network infrastructure. Both roles require networking knowledge, but SDN emphasizes programming and software skills, whereas Network Engineers focus on hardware and network configuration.

What are some common challenges faced by professionals working in Software Defined Networking (SDN)?

Professionals in Software Defined Networking often encounter challenges such as integrating SDN solutions with existing legacy infrastructure, ensuring network security in dynamically programmable environments, and keeping up with rapidly evolving protocols and technologies. Collaboration between network engineers, software developers, and IT security teams is critical for successful deployment and management of SDN systems. Staying current with industry standards and effective troubleshooting are also important daily aspects of the role.

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

To thrive as a Software Defined Networking (SDN) Engineer, you need a strong background in computer networking, programming (such as Python or Java), and a relevant degree in computer science, information technology, or a related field. Familiarity with SDN controllers (like OpenDaylight or ONOS), virtualization platforms, and certifications such as Cisco CCNP or equivalent are highly valued. Excellent problem-solving, collaboration, and communication skills help set professionals apart in designing and managing complex, dynamic networks. These skills and qualifications are vital for building scalable, automated networks that support business agility and innovation.

Will AI replace networking?

Software Defined Networking (SDN) professionals focus on managing and automating network infrastructure through software. While AI can enhance network management, it is unlikely to fully replace networking roles, as human expertise is essential for designing, implementing, and maintaining complex networks. AI tools are more likely to serve as complementary technologies that improve efficiency and security.

What engineer makes $500,000 a year?

In the field of Software Defined Networking, senior engineers or architects with extensive experience, specialized skills, and certifications can earn salaries approaching or exceeding $500,000 annually, especially in high-cost-of-living areas or within large tech companies. These roles often require expertise in network architecture, security, and advanced networking tools, along with leadership responsibilities. Compensation varies based on location, company size, and individual expertise.

What is the highest paying networking job?

In the field of Software Defined Networking, senior roles such as Network Architects or Network Engineering Managers tend to have the highest salaries, often exceeding six figures. These positions typically require advanced skills in network design, security, and certifications like Cisco CCIE or Cisco DevNet, along with extensive experience in managing complex network environments.
What job categories do people searching Software Defined Networking jobs in New York look for? The top searched job categories for Software Defined Networking jobs in New York are:
What cities in New York are hiring for Software Defined Networking jobs? Cities in New York with the most Software Defined Networking job openings:
Infographic showing various Software Defined Networking job openings in New York as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 87% Full Time, 10% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 95% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $49,572 per year, or $23.8 per hour.

Senior Software Engineer - Network Automation

Elliot Partnership

New York, NY • On-site

$113K - $155K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 23 days ago


Job description

Job Title: Senior Software Engineer, Network Automation Platforms
Location: NYC (Hybrid)
Compensation: Exceptionally Generous + Bonus + Benefits
The Opportunity
Join an elite, world-class engineering team at a leading quantitative investment firm where technology is the key to their success. We are seeking an exceptional Software Engineer to architect, design, and develop the next generation of their network automation platform. This isn't a role for network administrators who use scripts; this is for software engineers who build the engine that drives the entire network.
You will be at the heart of their infrastructure, creating the systems that provide the ultra-low latency, high availability, and extreme reliability required to power global trading operations. Working alongside some of the brightest minds in technology and finance, you will tackle complex challenges at a massive scale, with a direct and measurable impact on the business. If you are passionate about building robust, high-performance distributed systems to solve complex networking problems, we want to talk to you.
Your responsibilities:
  • Take a primary role in the architecture, design, and development of their in-house network automation and traffic engineering systems.
  • Write clean, high-performance, and scalable code in Go and Python to build microservices and tooling that form our network control plane.
  • Apply software-defined networking (SDN) principles to abstract and automate our complex global network infrastructure.
  • Develop systems for automated provisioning, configuration management, telemetry, and network observability.
  • Collaborate closely with network engineers to understand their challenges and build the software solutions that empower them.
  • Ensure the reliability, scalability, and performance of the automation platform through rigorous testing and robust engineering practices.

What you'll bring:
  • A strong software engineering background with a proven track record of building and owning complex, distributed systems.
  • Expert-level proficiency in Go and/or Python for systems development.
  • Deep understanding of Linux/UNIX operating systems.
  • Solid computer science fundamentals, including data structures, algorithms, and distributed systems design.
  • Familiarity with computer networking concepts (TCP/IP, BGP, DNS) and a genuine interest in solving networking challenges through software.
  • Experience building automation frameworks, SDN controllers, or large-scale infrastructure management tools is a significant plus.
  • A bachelor's, master's, or PhD in Computer Science or a related technical field.