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

Develop and execute the roadmap for Crusoe Cloud's Software Defined Networking strategy. * Lead the engineering team through all phases of the software development lifecycle, including architecture ...

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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 Sep 2, 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 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 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.

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 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:

Infographic showing various Software Defined Networking job openings in Seattle, WA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $51,565 per year, or $24.8 per hour.

Senior Product Manager, AI Software Defined Networking

Nvidia

Seattle, WA • Hybrid

$144K - $190K/yr

Full-time

Posted 13 days ago


Nvidia rating

9.6

Company rating: 9.6 out of 10

Based on 18 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

6th of 247 rated software companies


Job description

NVIDIA has been transforming computer graphics, PC gaming, and accelerated computing for more than 25 years. It's a unique legacy of innovation that's fueled by great technology-and amazing people. Today, we're tapping into the unlimited potential of AI to define the next era of computing. An era in which our GPU acts as the brains of computers, robots, and self-driving cars that can understand the world. Doing what's never been done before takes vision, innovation, and the world's best talent. As an NVIDIAN, you'll be immersed in a diverse, supportive environment where everyone is inspired to do their best work. Come join the team and see how you can make a lasting impact on the world.

NVIDIA is building the software-defined network for the AI factory. Our SDN team is building an open, upstream-first stack that delivers bare-metal-class network performance and multi-tenant isolation to VMs, Kubernetes pods, and bare-metal hosts. The stack is built on OVN, OVS, and OVN-Kubernetes, and ships across NVIDIA and NVIDIA Cloud Partner (NCP) DSX deployments. This is a networking product role. The product manager will help develop our AI Factory SDN stack throughout its entire scope: North/South tenant networking, East/West GPUDirect networking over Spectrum-X, the OVN-Kubernetes CNI, and OVN host networking. Our team is a core contributor to upstream OVN, OVS, and OVN-Kubernetes, so the role helps steer where the ecosystem goes: deciding which capabilities land upstream, guiding that development, and aligning it with NVIDIA's own releases. The ideal candidate is as comfortable in an EVPN control-plane trade-off or a DPU offload decision as in a strategy narrative or a partner brief. Curious what it takes to move a feature from an internal build into upstream? We'd love to hear from you!

What You'll be doing:

  • You will partner with engineering, NVIDIA ISV and cloud partners, and the open-source community to bring SDN to the AI Factory. Core responsibilities include:

  • Setting the product strategy and multi-quarter roadmap for our AI Factory SDN open-source projects.

  • Guiding upstream development across OVN, OVS, and OVN-Kubernetes: identifying which features should land upstream, deciding what ships where, and aligning NVIDIA's work with the community's.

  • Defining requirements and priorities, and making the trade-off calls that keep the roadmap focused and shippable.

  • Surfacing the key product and architecture decisions and resolving them with engineering partners.

  • Mapping dependencies across internal DPU, fabric, and virtualization teams and upstream releases, flagging risks early and keeping the critical path clear.

  • Working with NCP operators and ISVs to translate their needs into the roadmap, ready reference deployments, and represent the work to the community and to leadership.

What We Need to See:

  • We're looking for a product manager who can lead a technical product end to end and go deep with engineering.

  • A background in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, or equivalent experience sets a strong foundation, along with:

  • 12+ years in technical product management, grounded in networking: SDN, data center networking, or cloud network infrastructure.

  • Depth in network fundamentals: overlays/underlays, VRF, VxLAN, BGP/EVPN, ACLs, NAT, routing, and load balancing.

  • Familiarity with OVN/OVS, and how logical networking maps to a hardware-offloaded data plane on a DPU or SmartNIC.

  • Comfort with Kubernetes as a networking delivery surface: the CNI model, CRDs, and how pod and VM networking is provisioned and isolated.

  • A track record of crafting multi-quarter product vision and shipping networking or infrastructure products together with engineering teams.

  • Experience in or alongside open-source communities, and with cloud service providers or platform partners.

  • Bachelor's degree, equivalent experience

Ways to stand out from the crowd:

  • Hands-on work with OVN, OVS, or OVN-Kubernetes, and the upstream cloud-native community (CNCF, Kubernetes SIGs).

  • DPU/SmartNIC-accelerated networking, hardware offload, or data-plane acceleration.

  • BGP/EVPN control-plane design and VRF/VxLAN multi-tenant isolation in production fabrics.

  • GPU or HPC cluster networking: GPUDirect, RoCE, or Spectrum-X fabrics.

  • Experience taking a project into open source, including defining community and contribution strategy.

Widely considered to be one of the technology world's most desirable employers, NVIDIA offers highly competitive salaries and a comprehensive benefits package. As you plan your future, see what we can offer to you and your family www.nvidiabenefits.com/

#LI-Hybrid

Your base salary will be determined based on your location, experience, and the pay of employees in similar positions. The base salary range is 208,000 USD - 327,750 USD for Level 5, and 240,000 USD - 379,500 USD for Level 6.

You will also be eligible for equity and benefits.

Applications for this job will be accepted at least until August 24, 2026.

This posting is for an existing vacancy.

NVIDIA uses AI tools in its recruiting processes.

NVIDIA is committed to fostering an inclusive work environment and proud to be an equal opportunity employer. As we highly value diversity in our current and future employees, we do not discriminate (including in our hiring and promotion practices) on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, gender expression, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, disability status or any other characteristic protected by law.

What Nvidia employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom


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About Nvidia

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

NVIDIA has been transforming computer graphics, PC gaming, and accelerated computing for more than 25 years. It's a unique legacy of innovation that's fueled by great technology--and amazing people. Today, we're tapping into the unlimited potential of AI to define the next era of computing. An era in which our GPU acts as the brains of computers, robots, and self-driving cars that can understand the world. Doing what's never been done before takes vision, innovation, and the world's best talent.

Industry

Computer and electronic product manufacturing

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Santa Clara, CA, US