Cisco

Senior Software Engineer

Cisco$167K — $245K *
Information Technology
5 - 7 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Bachelors + 7 years or Masters + 4 years or PhD + 1 year of relevant experience
  • 5 years of software development experience
  • 3 years of experience with Linux-based systems and system-level programming (C/C++/Python)
  • 3+ years of debugging tools and development experience in distributed or embedded systems

Responsibilities

  • Develop software modules in SONiC for optics subsystems, including CPO
  • Contribute to platform adaptation layers interfacing SONiC with hardware components
  • Implement and maintain drivers and APIs for optics management
  • Debug and resolve system-level issues across software and hardware boundaries
  • Support integration of CPO technologies into SONiC platforms
  • Validate performance and reliability of optics solutions
  • Design scalable software components for optics management

Benefits

  • Hybrid working model with 3 days per week in the Milpitas office
  • Work in a fast-paced and innovative environment
  • Opportunity to engage in cutting-edge networking technologies
  • Collaborative atmosphere with talented engineers and open-source community
  • Career growth potential in a leading tech company
Full Job Description
The application window is expected to close on: 10/29/2026
Job posting may be removed earlier if the position is filled or if a sufficient number of applications are received.

This is a Hybrid role with 3 day/ week in Milpitas, CA office.

Meet the Team

The Cisco Distributed System Engineering (DSE) group is at the forefront of building next-generation networking systems that power the largest and most demanding infrastructures in the world. As the industry evolves to support AI/ML workloads and ever-increasing bandwidth demands, innovations such as Co-Packaged Optics (CPO) are becoming critical to scaling performance, efficiency, and power optimization.

The SONiC Optics team is passionate about enabling and productizing optics solutions-including CPO-within Cisco's network operating systems. We work at the intersection of hardware, optics, and software, integrating innovative optical technologies into SONiC-based platforms.

You will join a team of engineers passionate about distributed systems, open-source networking, and next-generation optical architectures. This is a fast-paced environment where you will contribute to product development and help bring CPO-based solutions to production.

Your Impact

Software Development & Integration
  • Develop and improve software modules within SONiC to support optical subsystems, including pluggable optics and Co-Packaged Optics (CPO).
  • Contribute to platform adaptation layers that interface SONiC with hardware components such as ASICs, optical engines, and BMCs.
  • Implement and maintain drivers, APIs, and services for optics monitoring, configuration, and lifecycle management.
  • Participate in debugging and resolving system-level issues across software and hardware boundaries.

Optics & Platform Enablement
  • Support integration of CPO technologies into SONiC-based platforms, including telemetry, diagnostics, and control-plane interactions.
  • Work closely with hardware and optics teams to understand device capabilities and expose them through software interfaces.
  • Assist in validating performance, reliability, and thermal/power characteristics of optics solutions.

System Design & Quality
  • Contribute to the design of scalable and maintainable software components for optics management.
  • Help implement telemetry and monitoring solutions for optical modules and CPO subsystems.
  • Participate in unit testing, system testing, and automation efforts to ensure high-quality work.

Collaboration & Open Source
  • Collaborate with multi-functional teams including hardware, QA, and system integration.
  • Engage with the SONiC open-source community, contributing to optics-related features and improvements where applicable.
  • Support CI/CD workflows and participate in improving development and test processes.


Minimum Qualifications

  • Bachelors + 7 years of related experience OR Masters + 4 years of related experience OR PhD + 1 year of related experience.
  • 5 years of experience in software development
  • Minimum 3 years of experience with Linux-based systems and system-level programming (C/C++/Python)
  • 3+ years of experience with debugging tools and development in distributed or embedded systems environments


Preferred Qualifications
  • Experience with networking protocols (L2/L3, switching, routing)
  • Exposure to network operating systems such as SONiC or similar platforms
  • Understanding of optics technologies (e.g., QSFP, OSFP, or CPO concepts)
  • Experience with hardware-software interfaces (drivers, SDKs, or platform abstraction layers)
  • Familiarity with containerization technologies (Docker, Kubernetes)
  • Knowledge of telemetry, monitoring systems, or data plane/control plane interactions
  • Experience with CI/CD pipelines and automated testing

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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