Software Engineer I (Full Time) – United States

Applications accepted until August 4, 2026; posting may close earlier if the position is filled.

Meet the Team

You will be part of the Distributed Systems Engineering group in Cisco’s Networking organization. This team champions new methodologies and builds scalable software solutions that interact with widely deployed Internet products, impacting countless users worldwide. Our products lead the service provider industry, with many of the world’s largest deployments. You’ll gain real-world experience with a world-class team driving the evolution of technology and market segments, working on hardware and software that will power the Internet for years to come.

Your Impact

As part of Cisco’s Distributed Systems Engineering group, you will:

• Test network software and build scalable automation environments and continuous deployment frameworks using Python for WebScaler production environments.
• Serve as a core member of the automation development and execution team for the next generation of routing and packet-optical products for service providers.

Requirements

• Completion within the past 3 years, or current enrollment with expected completion within 12 months, of one of the following:
  • Certification or relevant degree program (e.g., Associate’s, Apprenticeship, Boot Camp, or specialized certification) + 1 year of relevant experience.
  • High School Diploma + 2 years of relevant experience.
  • Bachelor’s degree + 0 years of relevant experience.
• Proficiency in at least one programming or scripting language: Python, Java, C/C++, or Bash.
• Experience in testing, quality assurance (QA), and/or debugging in academic, project-based, or work-related settings.
• Experience in automation testing, writing test cases, regression testing, or CI/CD pipelines.
• Ability to legally reside and work in the country of application without visa sponsorship.

Preferred Qualifications

• Knowledge of Linux, networking concepts, operating system fundamentals, embedded development, and/or machine learning and AI.
• Familiarity with network protocols (TCP/IP, ISIS, OSPF, BGP, MPLS).
• Exposure to traffic generator test tools such as IXIA or Spirent, including virtual environments.
• Excellent multi-tasking, written, and verbal communication skills.
• Strong teamwork, results orientation, accountability, dedication, and responsibility.

Why Cisco?

At Cisco, we’re revolutionizing how data and infrastructure connect and protect organizations in the AI era and beyond. With 40 years of fearless innovation, we create solutions that power how humans and technology work together across physical and digital worlds. Our technology provides unparalleled security, visibility, and insights across digital footprints. Fueled by our global network of experts, we collaborate with empathy to make a meaningful impact on a global scale.

Pay

The starting salary range for this position is $107,800.00 to $136,800.00 for new hires in U.S. and Canada locations (excluding incentive compensation, equity, or benefits). Individual pay is determined by hiring location, market conditions, job-related skills, experience, qualifications, education, certifications, and training. Below are the full salary ranges for specific locations:

• New York City Metro Area: $107,800.00 – $157,400.00
• Non-Metro New York State & Washington State: $94,800.00 – $140,000.00

For quota-based sales roles, the ranges include base pay and sales target incentive compensation combined.

Benefits

U.S. employees are offered the following benefits, subject to eligibility rules:

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance.
• 401(k) plan with Cisco matching contribution.
• Paid parental leave, short- and long-term disability coverage, and basic life insurance.
• Paid time off:
  • 10 paid holidays per full calendar year, plus 1 floating holiday for non-exempt employees.
  • 1 paid day off for employee’s birthday, year-end holiday shutdown, and 4 paid days for personal wellness.
  • Non-exempt employees: 16 days of paid vacation per full calendar year (accrued at 4.92 hours per pay period).
  • Exempt employees: Flexible vacation time off with no defined limit (subject to business availability).
  • 80 hours of sick time provided on hire and each January 1st, with up to 80 hours carried forward annually.
  • Additional paid time off for critical or emergency family issues.
  • Optional 10 paid days per year for volunteering.
• Eligibility for annual bonuses (subject to Cisco’s policies).
• Eligibility for Cisco restricted stock units, which vest over defined employment periods.

Employees on sales plans earn performance-based incentive pay, split between quota and non-quota components. For quota-based incentive pay, Cisco typically pays:

• 0.75% 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%.
• At or above 1% for each 1% of attainment beyond 100%, with no cap on incentive compensation.

For non-quota-based sales performance elements, Cisco may pay 0% up to 125% of target. Sales plans do not have a minimum threshold for incentive compensation payout.