Software Engineer I (Full Time) - United States

About the Team

Cisco Networking (CPO) builds the foundation of Cisco’s core routing, switching, and security platforms that power enterprise and cloud infrastructure worldwide. You will be an essential contributor to the development of next-generation innovations across network operating systems, low-level platform architectures, and intelligent infrastructure. The team combines deep hardware-software integration with modern software engineering practices to deliver ultra-reliable, high-performance connectivity. Work alongside industry-leading engineers on cutting-edge platforms like the Nexus 9000, gain hands-on experience with embedded systems, and help build technologies that transform how the world connects.

Your Impact

As a Software Engineer on this team, you will contribute to the design, development, debugging, and testing of high-performance platform software and device drivers for Cisco's Nexus 9000 switches and routers. Collaborate with senior engineers to write clear functional specifications and implement new software features across network security, Access Control Lists (ACLs), Quality of Service (QoS), and Control Plane Policing (CoPP). Develop and execute comprehensive system-level test automation using Python and CI/CD pipelines to validate hardware-software interactions and ensure zero-defect software releases. Apply core computer science theory and low-level programming skills to diagnose and resolve complex platform and operating system challenges. Success in this role means delivering resilient, efficient networking software that drives Cisco's trusted, scalable communications infrastructure globally.

Requirements

• Meet one of the following (completed within the past 3 years or expected to be completed within the next 12 months):
  • A Bachelor's degree with 0 years of work experience; OR
  • An educational or workforce development program (e.g., Associate’s, Apprenticeship, Boot camp, or Certification) with 1 year of work experience; OR
  • A High school diploma (or equivalent) with 2 years of work experience.
• Qualifying education and work experience should be in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Software Engineering, or a related field.
• Proficiency in C or C++ programming and experience with embedded Linux, including a solid understanding of operating system fundamentals.
• Familiarity with network principles and concepts, routing protocols, and general networking architectures (e.g., TCP/IP, OSI model).
• 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.

Preferred Qualifications

• Conceptual understanding or hands-on experience exploring AI/ML technologies or AI-assisted developer workflows.
• Understanding of cybersecurity principles, secure coding standards, and network security protocols.
• Exposure to device drivers, hardware-software integration, or low-level platform development on enterprise switches and routers.
• Familiarity with network security features such as Access Control Lists (ACLs), Quality of Service (QoS), or Control Plane Policing (CoPP).
• Strong analytical problem-solving skills, intellectual curiosity to learn complex systems, and enthusiasm for collaborating in a cross-functional team environment.

Why Cisco?

At Cisco, we’re revolutionizing how data and infrastructure connect and protect organizations in the AI era – and beyond. We’ve been innovating fearlessly for 40 years to create solutions that power how humans and technology work together across the physical and digital worlds. These solutions provide customers with unparalleled security, visibility, and insights across the entire digital footprint. Fueled by the depth and breadth of our technology, we experiment and create meaningful solutions. We work as a team, collaborating with empathy to make really big things happen on a global scale. Because our solutions are everywhere, our impact is everywhere.

Pay

The starting salary range for this position is $107,800.00 to $136,800.00 for new hires 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 specific locations is listed below:

• 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 on Cisco’s sales plan, the ranges provided include base pay and sales target incentive compensation combined.

Benefits

U.S. employees are offered benefits, subject to Cisco’s plan eligibility rules, which include:

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• 401(k) plan with a Cisco matching contribution
• Paid parental leave
• Short and long-term disability coverage
• Basic life insurance
• Eligibility to receive grants of Cisco restricted stock units, which vest following continued employment for defined periods
• Paid time away:
  • 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
  • 4 paid days off for personal wellness
  • 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, with no defined limit on vacation time (subject to availability and business limitations)
  • 80 hours of sick time off provided on hire date and each January 1st thereafter, with up to 80 hours of unused sick time carried forward
  • 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
• Eligibility to earn annual bonuses subject to Cisco’s policies (for non-sales roles)
• For employees on sales plans: performance-based incentive pay split between quota and non-quota components, subject to the applicable Cisco plan.