Software Engineer Embedded/Network Systems I (Full Time) - United States

About the role

You will be an essential contributor to the development of next-generation innovations in operating systems, firmware, networking stacks, and security infrastructure. Your work develops and maintains critical software and tools that ensure hardware compatibility, network performance, and security for Cisco’s core products.

Responsibilities

• Develop and maintain critical software and tools ensuring hardware compatibility, network performance, and security for Cisco’s core products.
• Manage time and streamline processes to deliver high-quality solutions that embed resilience and efficiency into global communications infrastructure.
• Solve complex challenges through innovation and precision, while being highly organized and process-driven.
• Collaborate with empathy to make really big things happen on a global scale.

Requirements

• Completion within the past 3 years, or current enrollment with expected completion within 12 months, of a certification or relevant degree program (e.g., Associate’s, Apprenticeship, Boot Camp, or Certification in a specialized program + 1 year of relevant experience, High School Diploma + 2 years of relevant experience).
• Proficiency in C programming and experience with embedded Linux, including a solid understanding of operating system fundamentals.
• Familiarity with network principles & concepts, routing protocols, and general networking concepts.
• Hands-on experience with automation tools and scripting languages (such as Python or Bash), along with knowledge of CI/CD pipelines (e.g., Jenkins, GitHub Actions).
• Understanding of DevSecOps practices and their application in software development workflows.

Qualifications

• Conceptual understanding or hands-on experience with AI/ML.
• Understanding of cybersecurity principles and security protocols.
• Experience with FPGA development.
• Knowledge of signal and power integrity, and PCB design.

Skills

Passionate engineers skilled in low-level programming, networking protocols, and hardware-software integration, with strong communication and collaboration abilities.

Benefits

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. Additional paid time away includes 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 a 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). Employees may be eligible to receive grants of Cisco restricted stock units, which vest following continued employment with Cisco for defined periods of time. 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 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.