Cisco

Software Engineering Technical Leader

Cisco$149K — $218K *
Telecommunications & Hardware
8 - 10 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Bachelors in STEM with 8+ years of relevant experience
  • Strong experience in developing automation tools and test frameworks using Python
  • Hands-on expertise in Layer 2/Layer 3 networking protocols (BGP, OSPF, MPLS)
  • Experience in network automation and software quality assurance
  • Proven ability to reproduce customer environments and deliver solutions for service providers

Responsibilities

  • Design and automate customer use cases based on IOS-XR
  • Develop innovative test frameworks and web-based GUIs leveraging analytics
  • Collaborate with internal teams to align on customer use cases
  • Replicate customer environments in Cisco labs for testing
  • Monitor and optimize performance of customer network environments

Benefits

  • Medical, dental, and vision insurance
  • 401(k) plan with Cisco matching contributions
  • Paid parental leave and disability coverage
  • Flexible vacation time off for exempt employees
  • Paid volunteer time of 80 hours per year
Full Job Description
The application window is expected to close on: 06/01/2026
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 RTP as this is a hybrid role requiring at least 3 days per week onsite in the office***

Meet the Team

The Customer Validation Testing (CVT) team is at the forefront of developing solutions that power the largest networks in the world. Engineers on this team will collaborate with dedicated, dynamic, hardworking team members to work on the qualification and automation of influential technologies, XR platforms, and solutions for deployment in high-end Cisco Web and Service Provider customers, impacting an endless number of users worldwide. The team is comprised of talented engineers with diverse experience levels, ranging from 3 to over 20 years, bringing significant expertise to the table. With a global presence, the team operates from centers in the US, Canada, and India.

Your Impact

As a Solution Qualification/Automation Technical Leader, you will be responsible for designing, automating, configuring, and qualifying customer use cases based on IOS-XR for platforms such as ASR9K, NCS5500, and 8000. This role includes bringing up customer solutions in cisco lab, developing innovative test frameworks and web-based GUIs that leverage analytics and machine learning, as well as driving automated and manual test cases on validating the solution.

You will collaborate globally with internal development teams and account management teams to ensure alignment and understanding of the work. You will also...
Collaborate with internal teams to understand customer use cases and design the topology to replicate their solutions
  • Reproduce customer environments in internal labs using hardware, traffic generators, and open-source tools to validate solutions
  • Accurately replicate network protocols, using tools and technologies to mimic real-world scenarios for testing and validation purposes
  • Design and develop innovative test frameworks and tools to support the test execution environment plans
  • Monitor and optimize performance of the customer's network environment

Minimum Qualifications:
  • Bachelors in STEM with 8+ years of relevant experience
  • Experience in developing automation tools, test frameworks, and network validation scripts using Python
  • Hands-on experience with Layer 2/Layer 3 networking protocols such as BGP, OSPF, ISIS, MPLS, Segment Routing, and Multicast technologies
  • Experience in network automation (e.g., using pyATS or similar), protocol testing, and software quality assurance
  • Experience reproducing customer environments, perform root cause analysis, and delivering solutions for large-scale service providers or enterprise deployments
  • Experience in configuring, validating, and troubleshooting routing platforms (e.g., Nexus switches), with experience in hardware-based forwarding

Preferred Qualifications:
  • Hands on experience with GIT, Jira, Jenkins and CI/CD pipeline tools
  • Industry certification such as CCIE/CCNP/Cisco DevNet will be a plus
  • Experience with network monitoring tools like Grafana, telegraf and InfluxDB and traffic generators like Ixia and Spirent
  • Experience with network programmability - gNMI, gRPC, NETCONF, YANG , REST API, RPC
  • Knowledge of Linux/OS such as CentOS, Redhat, Ubuntu and expertise on Bash/Unix Shell Scripting
  • Knowledge of virtualization and containerization technologies - KVM, VMware, Docker, and Kubernetes
  • Strong troubleshooting and problem-solving skills.
  • Understanding and hands on Cisco IOS/IOS-XR platforms
  • Experience with AI and ML is a plus
  • Experience in configuring, validating, and troubleshooting routing platforms (e.g., Cisco ASR, NCS, 8000, Nexus, Catalyst or non-Cisco router/switch), with experience in hardware-based forwarding

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

Similar Jobs

More Jobs at Cisco

More Telecommunications & Hardware Jobs

Find similar Software Engineering Technical Leader jobs: