Cisco

Software Engineer, DPU Networking stack

Cisco$165K — $241K *
Telecommunications & Hardware
5 - 7 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree with 7+ years of related experience, or Master's with 4+ years, or PhD with 1+ year
  • Proficient systems programming skills in C/C++, Go, Rust, Python, or similar languages
  • Experience in production networking, packet-processing, security, infrastructure, or systems software
  • Practical understanding of Linux networking and complex Linux system debugging
  • Ability to take ownership of medium-sized technical features from design to delivery

Responsibilities

  • Design and implement DPU-based packet-processing pipelines for security and networking
  • Utilize DPU SDKs and P4 models for vendor-specific offload capabilities
  • Develop functionalities for policy enforcement, packet classification, and routing
  • Create software that interfaces with DPU firmware/SDKs, host drivers, and user-space components
  • Debug issues across host systems, DPU, SDK, and user-space boundaries
  • Validate performance metrics such as throughput and latency
  • Lead medium-sized features from design through testing and rollout

Benefits

  • Flexible hybrid working environment with in-office days
  • Opportunity to work with cutting-edge technologies in AI and DPU networking
  • Engagement in a collaborative team focused on innovative infrastructure solutions
  • Involvement in design reviews and mentoring opportunities
Full Job Description
The application window is expected to close on: 07/31/2026
Job posting may be removed earlier if the position is filled or if a sufficient number of applications are received.

This is a hybrid position located in Milpitas, CA. Ideally 3 days per week in office.

Meet the Team

Cisco is building a next-generation DPU-enabled networking platform for secure, high-performance infrastructure and large-scale AI clusters. Our team is responsible for designing the foundational networking, security, and programmable services that span host systems, DPUs, SmartNICs, and cloud-scale control planes. We work at the intersection of systems software, hardware acceleration, distributed security, and AI infrastructure, creating platforms that deliver line-rate performance, strong isolation, operational reliability, and simplified deployment across modern data center environments.

We are looking for a senior software engineer to develop programmable packet processing pipelines and DPU SDK integrations across modern SmartNIC/DPU platforms, including NVIDIA BlueField, AMD Pensando, and similar architectures .This role focuses on the lower layers of the DPU networking stack: P4 or P4-like pipeline development, vendor SDKs, packet classification, policy enforcement, host networking offload, telemetry, and performance validation. The ideal candidate has strong systems programming skills, deep networking fundamentals, and hands-on experience building or integrating hardware-accelerated data paths.

Your Impact
  • Design and implement DPU-based packet-processing pipelines for security, host networking, and network services.
  • Work with DPU SDKs, P4 or programmable pipeline models, and vendor-specific offload capabilities.
  • Build capabilities for firewall policy enforcement, ACLs, packet classification, metering, telemetry, tunneling, routing, NAT, and load-balancing primitives.
  • Develop software across DPU firmware/SDK interfaces, host drivers, Arm-side services, and user-space control components.
  • Create portable abstractions across heterogeneous DPU and SmartNIC architectures while preserving platform-specific performance advantages.
  • Debug complex issues across host, DPU, SDK, firmware, driver, kernel, and user-space boundaries.
  • Validate throughput, latency, scale, offload correctness, failure behavior, and operational visibility.
  • Own well-scoped features from design through implementation, testing, performance validation, documentation, and rollout.
  • Contribute to design reviews, code reviews, threat modeling, production readiness, and mentoring of other engineers.


Minimum Qualifications
  • Bachelor's degree with 7+ years of related experience, Master's with 4+ years, or PhD with 1+ year.
  • Proficient systems programming experience in C/C++, Go, Rust, Python, or similar languages.
  • Experience building production networking, packet-processing, security, infrastructure, or systems software.
  • Practical knowledge of Linux networking and debugging complex Linux-based systems.
  • Ability to independently own medium-sized technical features from design through delivery.

Preferred Qualifications
  • Hands-on experience with DPU, SmartNIC, FPGA, ASIC, NPU, or hardware-offloaded networking platforms.
  • Experience with NVIDIA BlueField SDKs, AMD Pensando SDKs, P4, programmable packet pipelines, or equivalent data-plane programming models.
  • Familiarity with DPDK, OVS, TC flower, eBPF/XDP, SR-IOV, VF/PF, kernel bypass, hardware offload, or packet-processing acceleration.
  • Experience with firewall, ACL, segmentation, host networking, tunneling, NAT, VTEP, load balancing, or service chaining.
  • Experience profiling and optimizing packet-processing systems for throughput, latency, scale, and reliability


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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