Cisco

Staff Software Engineer

Cisco$166K — $238K *
US-AnywhereRemote in Washington, DC
Information Technology
8 - 10 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree in computer science, Engineering, or equivalent practical experience.
  • 8+ years of professional software engineering experience with proficiency in one programming language (Go, Python, or Java).
  • 5+ years of experience designing and implementing distributed systems.
  • 2+ years of experience with CI/CD pipelines, Kubernetes, and microservices architectures.
  • 3+ years of experience with public cloud services (AWS, GCP, Azure).
  • 5+ years of experience with debugging and observability tools.
  • Experience with LLMs, RAG pipelines, and multi-agent frameworks.

Responsibilities

  • Own features end-to-end across the software development lifecycle including AI.
  • Translate customer and business needs into clear technical solutions.
  • Design, build, and maintain scalable distributed systems.
  • Identify and resolve pre-production bottlenecks and production issues.
  • Partner closely with product managers and cross-functional teams for customer outcomes.
  • Participate in on-call duties to diagnose and resolve production issues.
  • Mentor junior engineers and contribute to a culture of learning.

Benefits

  • Opportunities for professional development and continuous learning.
  • Collaborative work environment with cross-functional teams.
  • Chance to mentor and influence junior engineers.
  • Involvement in innovative projects with AI and scalable systems.
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.

Your Impact
  • Own features end-to-end across the complete software development lifecycle including AI, spanning requirements gathering, technical design, implementation, testing, automation, deployment, and ongoing operational ownership in production.
  • Translate customer and business needs into clear technical solutions, making thoughtful trade-offs that balance speed, quality, and reliability.
  • Design, build, and maintain highly scalable, distributed systems that handle large volumes of data.
  • Identify and resolve pre-production bottlenecks and production issues, improving system resilience and performance.
    Participate in design and code reviews, contributing to shared engineering standards and long-term system health.
  • Partner closely with product managers, SREs, and cross-functional teams to deliver meaningful customer outcomes.
  • Participate in a rotating on-call schedule, diagnosing and resolving production issues to ensure reliability and customer trust.
  • Mentor junior engineers and contribute to a culture of learning, ownership, and continuous improvement.


Minimum Qualifications
  • Bachelor's degree in computer science, Engineering, or a related field, or equivalent practical experience.
  • 8+ years of professional experience in software engineering and proficiency in at least one programming language, such as Go, Python, or Java.
  • 5+ years of experience in the design and implementation of distributed systems, including databases, distributed file systems, concurrency control, consistency models with API communication paradigms, including REST.


Preferred Qualifications
  • 2+ years of experience with CI/CD pipelines, Kubernetes, container ecosystems, and microservices-based architectures.
  • 3+ years of experience working with public cloud providers, such as AWS, GCP, or Azure.
  • 5+ years of experience with debugging, troubleshooting, and the use of observability and diagnostic tools.
  • Experience developing or deploying applications using LLMs, RAG pipelines, MCP, and multi-agent frameworks.

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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