Cisco

Software Engineering Technical Leader

Cisco$183K — $263K *
Aerospace & Defense
8 - 10 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • 8+ years of experience in a relevant role with a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in STEM
  • Strong hands-on experience in high-performance networking
  • Proficient in C/C++ and Python for tooling and automation
  • Familiarity with BSP/SDK stacks and SAI abstractions
  • Proven skills in troubleshooting complex, timing-sensitive bring-up issues

Responsibilities

  • Own platform and system infrastructure for Cygnus-based platforms from power-on to launch
  • Design and implement features as per customer requirements on the platform
  • Enhance applications on Cygnus platforms and drive critical infrastructure improvements
  • Develop comprehensive diagnostics and telemetry hooks to improve system robustness
  • Integrate code into CI/CD pipelines for efficient automation and system validation
  • Debug issues using custom tools and on-chip traces
  • Collaborate with vendors and cross-functional teams while mentoring junior engineers

Benefits

  • Medical, dental, and vision insurance
  • 401(k) plan with Cisco matching contribution
  • Paid parental leave and disability coverage
  • Flexible vacation policy with no defined limit for exempt employees
  • 16 days of paid vacation for non-exempt employees, plus additional personal wellness days
  • 10 paid days per year to volunteer
  • Employees can access grants of restricted stock units
Full Job Description
The application window is expected to close on: 07/06/2026
Job posting may be removed earlier if the position is filled or if a sufficient number of applications are received.

***We are looking for candidates local to Milpitas, CA due to this being a hybrid role requiring at least 3 days in the office per week***
Meet the Team
Cisco's Silicon One™ architecture is changing the economics of high-performance networking. The Cygnus BSP group is at the foundation of the software stack-right next to the silicon-turning bleeding-edge ASICs into production-ready platforms. If you enjoy developing new infrastructure, register-level programming, timing-critical bring-up, and passionate on AI driven development you'll fit right in.

Your Impact
  • Own the platform and system infrastructure for multiple Cygnus-based platforms, from first power-on through full system launch
  • Design and implement customer required features on platform
  • Work on apps on the Cygnus-based platforms and critical infrastructure improvements
  • Develop robust diagnostics, counters, and telemetry hooks that replace fragile one-off scripts
  • Integrate your code into CI/CD pipelines and at-scale automation that keep bring-up cycles fast, repeatable, and auditable
  • Debug initialization and bring-up issues using on-chip traces, and custom tools
  • Partner with vendors, ASIC architects, hardware designers, and NOS/platform teams; mentor junior engineers and champion best practices across the organization


Minimum Qualifications:
  • 8+ years of experience along with a Bachelor's or Master's degree in STEM
  • Hands-on experience with high-performance networking
  • C/C++ development skills, and Python for tooling, automation, and test
  • Experience with BSP/SDK stacks and abstractions such as SAI
  • Proven ability to troubleshoot complex, timing-dependent bring-up problems in lab environments


Preferred Qualifications:
  • Background in fabric or distributed-chassis architectures
  • Contributions to open-source networking projects (SDK, SAI, SONiC, DPDK, etc.)
  • Deep knowledge of datapath initialization, low-level register programming, and performance tuning
  • Experience mentoring or leading small teams


Message to applicants applying to work in the U.S. and/or Canada:

The starting salary range posted for this position is $183,800.00 to $263,600.00 and reflects the projected salary range for new hires in this position in U.S. and/or Canada locations, not including incentive compensation*, equity, or benefits.

Individual pay is determined by the candidate's hiring location, market conditions, job-related skillset, experience, qualifications, education, certifications, and/or training. The full salary range for certain locations is listed below. For locations not listed below, the recruiter can share more details about compensation for the role in your location during the hiring process.

U.S. employees are offered benefits, subject to Cisco's plan eligibility rules, which include medical, dental and vision insurance, a 401(k) plan with a Cisco matching contribution, paid parental leave, short and long-term disability coverage, and basic life insurance. Please see the Cisco careers site to discover more benefits and perks. Employees may be eligible to receive grants of Cisco restricted stock units, which vest following continued employment with Cisco for defined periods of time.

U.S. employees are eligible for paid time away as described below, subject to Cisco's policies:
  • 10 paid holidays per full calendar year, plus 1 floating holiday for non-exempt employees
  • 1 paid day off for employee's birthday, paid year-end holiday shutdown, and 4 paid days off for personal wellness determined by Cisco
  • Non-exempt employees** receive 16 days of paid vacation time per full calendar year, accrued at rate of 4.92 hours per pay period for full-time employees
  • Exempt employees participate in Cisco's flexible vacation time off program, which has no defined limit on how much vacation time eligible employees may use (subject to availability and some business limitations)
  • 80 hours of sick time off provided on hire date and each January 1st thereafter, and up to 80 hours of unused sick time carried forward from one calendar year to the next
  • Additional paid time away may be requested to deal with critical or emergency issues for family members
  • Optional 10 paid days per full calendar year to volunteer


For non-sales roles, employees are also eligible to earn annual bonuses subject to Cisco's policies.

Employees on sales plans earn performance-based incentive pay on top of their base salary, which is split between quota and non-quota components, subject to the applicable Cisco plan. For quota-based incentive pay, Cisco typically pays as follows:
  • .75% of incentive target for each 1% of revenue attainment up to 50% of quota;
  • 1.5% of incentive target for each 1% of attainment between 50% and 75%;
  • 1% of incentive target for each 1% of attainment between 75% and 100%; and
  • Once performance exceeds 100% attainment, incentive rates are at or above 1% for each 1% of attainment with no cap on incentive compensation.


For non-quota-based sales performance elements such as strategic sales objectives, Cisco may pay 0% up to 125% of target. Cisco sales plans do not have a minimum threshold of performance for sales incentive compensation to be paid.

The applicable full salary ranges for this position, by specific state, are listed below:

New York City Metro Area:
$183,800.00 - $303,100.00

Non-Metro New York state & Washington state:
$163,600.00 - $269,800.00

* For quota-based sales roles on Cisco's sales plan, the ranges provided in this posting include base pay and sales target incentive compensation combined.

** Employees in Illinois, whether exempt or non-exempt, will participate in a unique time off program to meet local requirements.

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
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