Cisco

Principal Software Engineer

Cisco$250K — $362K *
Information Technology
11 - 15 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Bachelors + 15 years, Masters + 12 years, PhD + 8 years related experience, or equivalent work experience
  • 10+ years in software engineering focusing on backend, platform, infrastructure, or distributed systems
  • 5+ years in designing, building, or operating production distributed systems
  • 2+ years of hands-on experience with Kubernetes, including workload orchestration

Responsibilities

  • Lead technical direction for a Kubernetes-based platform architecture
  • Translate complex requirements into practical designs and engineering contracts
  • Collaborate with key teams to align on reusable architecture
  • Identify dependencies, failure modes, and migration risks proactively
  • Drive modernization of a mature enterprise platform while maintaining quality

Benefits

  • Comprehensive health insurance
  • Retirement savings plan
  • Flexible work hours and remote work options
  • Professional development opportunities
  • Collaborative and inclusive company culture
Full Job Description
The application window is expected to close on: 09/29/2026

Your Impact

Lead technical direction for Kubernetes-based platform architecture that makes Splunk easier to deploy, operate, upgrade, diagnose, and evolve. Translate complex product, customer, and feature-team requirements into practical designs, engineering contracts, and implementation plans. Partner across core runtime, Kubernetes operator, configuration, application platform, search, security, cloud, and product teams to align execution around reusable architecture. Identify cross-component dependencies, failure modes, lifecycle gaps, and migration risks before they become release or customer-impacting issues. Drive incremental modernization of a mature enterprise platform while preserving customer trust, compatibility, and operational quality.

Minimum Qualifications
  • Bachelors + 15 years of related experience, or Masters + 12 years of related experience, or PhD + 8 years of related experience, or equivalent related work experience
  • 10+ years of professional software engineering experience building backend, platform, infrastructure, or distributed systems.
  • 5+ years of experience designing, building, or operating production distributed systems.
  • 2+ years of hands-on Kubernetes experience, including workload orchestration, operators/controllers, or cloud-native deployment patterns.


Preferred Qualifications
  • Prior experience designing production APIs, lifecycle orchestration, configuration systems, upgrade systems, or platform services.
  • Applied experience with at least one backend/platform programming language such as Go, C++, Java, Python
  • Prior experience with Kubernetes operators, control planes, developer platforms, infrastructure automation, or large-scale platform services.
  • Prior experience modernizing legacy or monolithic enterprise systems toward cloud-native operating models.
  • Applied experience with enterprise customer commitments, regulated environments, cloud/on-prem deployment variance, and long-lived compatibility expectations.
  • Previous background with the ability to synthesize ambiguous cross-team requirements into clear technical direction, tradeoffs, and execution plans.
  • Applied experience using AI-assisted engineering tools responsibly for code comprehension, review preparation, test planning, incident triage, documentation, or migration analysis.

About Cisco

Cisco Careers

Join the vibrant team at Cisco, a global leader in networking and cybersecurity solutions, where innovation and leadership thrive. Cisco offers a plethora of job opportunities that cater to a range of skills and experiences, making it an ideal place for both seasoned professionals and those seeking an internship to jumpstart their career. Work You’ll Do At Cisco, you’ll be part of a culture that values diversity, leadership, and professional growth. Engage in work that matters with a team that combines technology, creativity, and the power of human connection to redefine networking. Cisco’s commitment to innovation isn’t just about technology, but also about transforming the way we work and collaborate. Cisco’s employment philosophy supports career advancement and nurtures a leadership pipeline that is equipped with diversity training and opportunities for growth. Whether you’re applying your skills to drive our latest innovations or using our vast networking capabilities to solve complex problems, at Cisco, every role is impactful. Join Our Dynamic Team Explore job opportunities in areas ranging from engineering to marketing, sales to cybersecurity. Cisco is hiring individuals who are passionate, curious, and ready to drive change. Positions at Cisco offer competitive benefits, a supportive culture, and the chance to work with cutting-edge technology. Internship Programs Kickstart your career with a Cisco internship. Gain invaluable industry experience, enhance your resume, and build professional networks that last a lifetime. Our internships provide hands-on experience and the chance to work on projects that matter. Leadership and Development Cisco is committed to fostering leadership skills and providing employees with the training needed to succeed. Our leadership programs help you develop new skills, manage teams effectively, and lead with confidence. Cisco’s commitment to professional development ensures that your career path is as dynamic as our technologies. Benefits and Culture Cisco understands the importance of a balanced life. Our benefits package is designed to ensure that our team members are healthy, happy, and secure. At Cisco, you’ll find a supportive culture that encourages open communication, teamwork, and mutual respect. Stay Connected Join Cisco’s Talent Network Stay informed about new positions that match your skills and interests. At Cisco, we value the curiosity and unique perspectives of our team members. Subscribe to receive personalized job alerts and insider tips directly from our hiring managers. Explore Cisco Jobs Ready to advance your career at Cisco? Search open positions, prepare your resume, and get ready for an interview that could lead to your next big opportunity. At Cisco, we’re not just filling positions—we’re investing in leaders. Keep Up to Date Stay ahead with career tips, insider perspectives, and industry-leading insights you can put to use today—all from the people who work here. READ CAREERS BLOG Job Alert Emails Customize your subscription to receive job alerts, the latest news, and insider tips tailored to your preferences. Discover the exciting and rewarding career opportunities that await you at Cisco.
Learn more about Cisco
Size
79,500 employees
Market Cap
$194.5 billion
Industry
Net Income
$10.1 billion
Founded
2014
5 Year Trend
+1.4%
Revenue
$48 billion
NASDAQ

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