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Switch Engineer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Nvidia

Senior Switch Software Architect

Santa Clara, CA

$152K - $206K/yr

Our technology is essential for global innovators, scientists, researchers, and engineers ... You will play a key role in defining switching software stacks and Linux kernel networking and help ...

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How much do switch engineer jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 20, 2026, the average hourly pay for switch engineer in California is $61.79, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $59.86 and $63.70 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a switch engineer?

A Switch Engineer is responsible for installing, maintaining, and troubleshooting telecommunications switching systems. They ensure network switches operate efficiently, manage configurations, and resolve connectivity issues. This role involves working with hardware and software components to optimize performance and support telecommunications infrastructure. Switch Engineers collaborate with network teams to enhance communication systems and prevent service disruptions.

What does a switch engineer do?

Day-to-day, a Switch Engineer is responsible for configuring, monitoring, and maintaining network switches to ensure optimal performance and reliability. This can include troubleshooting hardware or software issues, performing upgrades and patches, and responding to network faults or outages. Switch Engineers often collaborate closely with network architects, field technicians, and support teams to implement new technologies and resolve escalated issues. Regular documentation and reporting are also part of the role to track network health and support ongoing improvements.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the switch engineer position, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Switch Engineer, you need strong knowledge of telecommunications networks, switching protocols, and troubleshooting methodologies, typically supported by a degree in electrical engineering, computer science, or related fields. Familiarity with network management systems, VoIP technologies, and certifications like CCNA or Juniper JNCIA are commonly required. Excellent problem-solving abilities, attention to detail, and effective communication skills help professionals excel in this role. These competencies are crucial for maintaining network reliability, resolving complex technical issues, and ensuring seamless connectivity within large-scale communication infrastructures.

What are popular job titles related to Switch Engineer jobs in California?

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What are popular job titles related to Switch Engineer jobs in CA?

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Switch Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Switch Engineer job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 95% Full Time, 2% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 85% Physical, 6% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $128,526 per year, or $61.8 per hour.

Member of Technical Staff - Switch Systems Test Engineer

The Hiring Method, LLC

Fremont, CA • On-site

$182K - $254K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement

Re-posted 6 days ago

Job description

Work Setting: Onsite – Fremont, CA

Travel: Light travel, including occasional international travel to Asia (approximately 2–4 trips per year)

Compensation: $182,000 to $254,000 base salary, 15% target annual bonus, and RSU/equity opportunity

Benefits: Comprehensive medical, dental, vision, 401(k), annual bonus, equity eligibility, and comprehensive employee benefits package


Position Summary

A global leader in optical communications technology is seeking a Member of Technical Staff - Switch Systems Test Engineer to help build and standardize next-generation system-level validation for high-speed optical transceivers used in AI infrastructure, hyperscale data centers, and high-performance networking.

This is a highly visible individual contributor role on a newly formed engineering team responsible for improving product quality by identifying system-level issues before products reach customers. The ideal candidate will bring expertise in both switch-level validation and optical transceiver testing, with the ability to debug complex interoperability, performance, and link stability issues across hardware, firmware, and networking environments.

This is an excellent opportunity for an engineer who enjoys working at the intersection of optics, networking, automation, and system integration while helping shape the validation strategy for next-generation 800G, 1.6T, and future 3.2T optical products.


Key Responsibilities

• Lead system-level validation for high-speed optical transceivers in switch and rack environments

• Develop and improve DVT/XDVT test methodologies, automation, and validation coverage

• Debug link stability, interoperability, and performance issues with internal teams, switch vendors, DSP suppliers, and customers

• Support qualification of 800G, 1.6T, and next-generation optical transceiver products

• Develop Python-based test automation and improve global validation platforms

• Bring up switches, NICs, traffic generators, and other system-level test equipment

• Partner with hardware, firmware, optics, product, and quality teams to improve product reliability and customer readiness

• Support failure analysis, characterization, and continuous improvement of system-level test processes


Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering or a related field (Master's preferred)

• 7+ years of experience in system validation, hardware validation, or optical transceiver testing

• Experience validating optical transceivers within switch or rack-level environments

• Strong understanding of high-speed networking, fiber optics, and optical transceiver technologies

• Python programming experience for automation and test development

• Hands-on experience with optical and electrical lab equipment such as DCA, OSA, BERT, or similar instrumentation

• Strong troubleshooting, debugging, and cross-functional communication skills

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with 800G, 1.6T, or other high-speed optical interconnect products

• Experience with switch operating systems such as SONiC, Cumulus, VEOS, or similar platforms

• Background in datacenter networking, rack-level integration, or hyperscale infrastructure

• Experience working with switch vendors, DSP vendors, or hyperscale cloud providers

• Familiarity with LPO, LRO, XPO, CPO, or related optical technologies

• Experience using SQL, JMP, or advanced data analysis tools


Why This Opportunity

• Join a newly established engineering team with significant visibility and technical influence

• Work on next-generation optical technologies powering AI, cloud computing, and hyperscale networking

• Collaborate directly with switch vendors, DSP partners, and leading hyperscale customers

• Help define and standardize global system-level validation strategies

• Exposure to cutting-edge technologies including 1.6T and future 3.2T optical transceivers

• Competitive compensation, annual bonus, equity opportunity, and excellent long-term career growth

• Opportunity to solve complex engineering challenges at the intersection of optics, networking, and AI infrastructure


Work Authorization: Qualified candidates requiring a TN-1 visa or H-1B transfer are encouraged to apply. New H-1B sponsorship is not available for this opportunity.