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Software Defined Networking Jobs in Seattle, WA (NOW HIRING)

Lead the development, implementation, and delivery of software-defined networking (SDN) solutions for software-defined datacenters, ensuring timelines, technical requirements, and network performance ...

Sr. Lead Software Engineer

Seattle, WA · On-site

$171K - $260K/yr

Lead the development, implementation, and delivery of software-defined networking (SDN) solutions for software-defined datacenters, ensuring timelines, technical requirements, and network performance ...

Lead the development, implementation, and delivery of software-defined networking (SDN) solutions for software-defined datacenters, ensuring timelines, technical requirements, and network performance ...

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Software Defined Networking information

See Seattle, WA salary details

$34.7K

$51.6K

$69.4K

How much do software defined networking jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 16, 2026, the average yearly pay for software defined networking in Seattle, WA is $51,565.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $46,100.00 and $55,200.00 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 are popular job titles related to Software Defined Networking jobs in Seattle, WA? For Software Defined Networking jobs in Seattle, WA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Software Defined Networking jobs in Seattle, WA look for? The top searched job categories for Software Defined Networking jobs in Seattle, WA are:
Software Development Engineer, EC2 Software Defined Networking, VPC Core

Software Development Engineer, EC2 Software Defined Networking, VPC Core

Amazon

Seattle, WA • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 9 days ago


Amazon rating

7.4

Company rating: 7.4 out of 10

Based on 6,972 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

6th of 39 rated national retailers


Job description

AWS Infrastructure Services owns the design, planning, delivery, and operation of all AWS global infrastructure. In other words, we're the people who keep the cloud running. We support all AWS data centers and all of the servers, storage, networking, power, and cooling equipment that ensure our customers have continual access to the innovation they rely on. We work on the most challenging problems, with thousands of variables impacting the supply chain - and we're looking for talented people who want to help.
You'll join a diverse team of software, hardware, and network engineers, supply chain specialists, security experts, operations managers, and other vital roles. You'll collaborate with people across AWS to help us deliver the highest standards for safety and security while providing seemingly infinite capacity at the lowest possible cost for our customers. And you'll experience an inclusive culture that welcomes bold ideas and empowers you to own them to completion.
Do opportunities to work on ambiguous and never-solved-before problems excite you?
Are you interested in scaling challenges that are constantly evolving? Would you like to *really* contribute, both technically and as a leader in a team?
The Amazon Elastic Compute Cloud (EC2) Networking team is looking for software engineers who have a passion for diving deep while also being able to see the big picture. We are re-engineering our virtual networking control plane as part of Amazon's initiative to get EC2 performance to be as close as possible to that of bare metal. This role would involve being part of the team that owns building, scaling, and maintaining high performance software to streamline the management of millions of Virtual Private Cloud (VPC) configurations.
If you are a Software Engineer with a strong background coding in Linux, a passion for improving quality, solving challenging problems and curiosity about virtual networking, then this is your opportunity to own major deliverables and all aspects of the development cycle: scoping, design, implementation, and testing. You will be encouraged to exercise judgment in proactively determining and recommending the best features, designs, and support models based on business objectives, timelines, and resource constraints.
What makes this team a great place to work? - Core VPC Team - Our services underpin the fabric of the EC2 cloud. You have the opportunity to make a large impact and drive the road map for the Amazon cloud.
Opportunities for growth and leadership - You will have the opportunity to work around both principal engineers and mentor more junior engineers, as well as influence and shape the direction of the service.
Direct Customer Contact - The Amazon way is to maintain and enhance what you build. This gives you the opportunity to work directly with customers to understand and guide their needs.
Scale New Heights - With cloud adoption accelerating, we are challenged with fun, complex problems to think about scale and grow the service to meet ever increasing demands.
Key job responsibilities
- Design, develop, and maintain scalable systems and services for Amazon EC2 (VPC), ensuring high availability and performance for millions of customers worldwide
- Build and optimize networking infrastructure components including subnets, route tables, security groups, and network ACLs to enhance customer experience and system reliability
- Collaborate with cross-functional teams to define technical requirements, architect solutions, and deliver features that improve VPC functionality and customer workflows
- Write clean, maintainable code and conduct thorough code reviews to maintain high engineering standards across the team
- Troubleshoot complex distributed systems issues, perform root cause analysis, and implement long-term solutions to prevent recurrence
- Participate in on-call rotations to ensure 24/7 operational excellence and rapid incident response for VPC services
- Mentor junior engineers through code reviews, design discussions, and knowledge sharing sessions
- Contribute to technical documentation, design documents, and operational runbooks to support team knowledge and service maintainability
- Drive continuous improvement initiatives to reduce operational burden, improve system performance, and enhance monitoring and alerting capabilities
About the team
The EC2 VPC team builds and operates the foundational networking infrastructure that powers Amazon's cloud computing platform. We design and maintain highly scalable, reliable systems that enable customers to create isolated virtual networks within AWS. Our team is responsible for core networking components including subnets, route tables, security groups, and network ACLs that serve millions of customers globally. We focus on delivering exceptional customer experiences through continuous innovation, operational excellence, and building robust distributed systems. Our engineers collaborate across Amazon to solve complex technical challenges while maintaining the highest standards for availability, performance, and security.
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS
- 3+ years of non-internship professional software development experience
- 2+ years of non-internship design or architecture (design patterns, reliability and scaling) of new and existing systems experience
- Experience programming with at least one software programming language
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
- 3+ 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
- Experience working effectively across cross-functional teams and partnering well with people at all levels within an organization
- Experience working with technical and product stakeholders to define requirements, prioritize features, and influence product roadmaps
Amazon is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of protected veteran status, disability, or other legally protected status.
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, WA, Seattle - 143,700.00 - 194,400.00 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