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Software Defined Networking Jobs (NOW HIRING)

$51.25 - $68.50/hr

The ideal candidate will have deep hands-on experience with cloud networking, software-defined networking (SDN), and container-native networking solutions, particularly within Kubernetes environments.

Cloud Network Engineer

Huntsville, AL · On-site

$91K - $108K/yr

The ideal candidate will have deep hands-on experience with cloud networking, software-defined networking (SDN), and container-native networking solutions, particularly within Kubernetes environments.

Sr. Software Development Engineer, MONA

Santa Clara, CA · On-site

$143K - $189K/yr

We build the in-house software that solves our hardest network business problems - controllers, software-defined networking (SDN), and planning systems. For example, we own a controller for agentic ...

Sr. Software Development Engineer, MONA

Santa Clara, CA · On-site

$143K - $189K/yr

We build the in-house software that solves our hardest network business problems - controllers, software-defined networking (SDN), and planning systems. For example, we own a controller for agentic ...

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 ...

Showing results 41-60

Software Defined Networking information

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$30.5K

$45.3K

$61K

How much do software defined networking jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 13, 2026, the average yearly pay for software defined networking in the United States is $45,311.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $40,500.00 and $48,500.00 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.

More about Software Defined Networking jobs

What cities are hiring for Software Defined Networking jobs?

Cities with the most Software Defined Networking job openings:

What states have the most Software Defined Networking jobs?

States with the most job openings for Software Defined Networking jobs include:

What job categories do people searching Software Defined Networking jobs look for?

The top searched job categories for Software Defined Networking jobs are:

Infographic showing various Software Defined Networking job openings in the United States as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 20% Internship, and 80% Full Time. Highlights an 80% In-person, and 20% Hybrid job distribution, with an average salary of $45,311 per year, or $21.8 per hour.

Software Dev Engineer II, AWS Networking (MONA)

Seattle, WA • On-site

Amazon
IT Services • 10K+ employees

$111K - $151K/yr

Full-time

Posted 20 days ago


Amazon rating

7.4

Company rating: 7.4 out of 10

Based on 7,177 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

AWS runs one of the largest networks in the world, and MONA (Management, Out-of-Band Networks, and Automation) alone owns the full lifecycle of over one million physical devices. We are in the critical path for every new data center powering the AI revolution.
Everything we run, we build in-house: controllers, software-defined networking (SDN), and planning software. For example, we own a controller for agentic network auto-remediation, and the planning software that plans every new data center down to capacity and ports

We are looking for a Software Development Engineer II to own the design and delivery of core components of these systems end-to-end - from design through production - and to keep growing your technical scope. You do not need a networking background up front; strong engineers learn our domain here, on a team that invests in your growth and gives you real ownership at a scale almost nowhere else can offer.
Key job responsibilities
- Own the design, implementation, and operation of well-scoped components and features of our in-house network software - controllers, SDN, planning software, and out-of-band systems - end-to-end.
- Turn ambiguous requirements into high-quality, well-tested, scalable code; contribute to design docs and design reviews.
- Operate your services in production and uphold high operational standards, improving monitoring and alarming as you go.
- Drive correctness and safety for automation that acts on production networks: idempotency, guardrails, and observability that proves work actually happened.
- Collaborate with your team and partner teams to evolve the product and continuously improve code, processes, and quality.
- Mentor junior engineers and contribute to the team through thoughtful code reviews.
- Participate in the on-call rotation for the services you own.
A day in the life
You own a component end-to-end: you write the design, build it, ship it, and operate it. One morning you are extending our controller for agentic network auto-remediation; the next you are improving how the planning software allocates ports and capacity for a new data center build

You will make a teammate's change better in review, tighten operational excellence on your service, and help a junior engineer level up - all on systems that run at a scale almost nowhere else can offer, with real ownership and teammates sharp enough to make you better.
About the team
MONA (Management, Out-of-Band Networks, and Automation) is part of AWS Networking. We are a highly motivated team of software, systems, and network developers who thrive on solving challenging problems and building large-scale distributed systems. AWS runs one of the largest networks in the world, and MONA alone owns the full lifecycle of over a million physical devices

Everything we run we build in-house: controllers, software-defined networking, planning software, and out-of-band management systems.


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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, computer and electronic product manufacturing and software development

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Seattle, WA, US