Software Engineer, Technical Leader

: The application window has is expected to close on 7/30/2025

This is an onsite role and will require working out of the RTP, NC office location.

Who we are

Cisco Silicon One leads in ASIC design, developing next-generation network devices for the 5G and AI era. Our adaptable, high-speed devices maintain programmability, power efficiency, and scalability while fostering a dynamic startup culture within a stable corporate environment. Our exceptional team collaborates on groundbreaking silicon products that drive Open Standards, Open Networking, and scalable cloud data centers. If you're ready to work with talented individuals and innovative customers to create world-class solutions, we invite you to join us!

Who You'll Work With

You'll collaborate with a dynamic team that develops the full software stack for Silicon One network processors, engaging with the Open Standards community and our esteemed customers to deliver best-in-class routing and switching platforms. You'll also partner with architecture, application, and design teams to define the next generation of ASIC products, all while playing a pivotal role in the emerging fields of Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning. Working alongside subject-matter experts from around the globe, you'll share a common mission to deliver world-class products—and have fun doing it.

What You'll Do

You'll develop core software technologies at the heart of tomorrow's leading infrastructure solutions, tackling the entire range of challenges from user-facing APIs, through high-level algorithms, all the way down to firmware. In this role, you will:

• Design and develop software driving the world's most advanced infrastructures, using modern C++ and Python.
• Gain intimate knowledge of world-class silicon and programming models.
• Work closely with hardware engineers, architects, and cross-functional teams to define software requirements and ensure seamless integration with hardware components.
• Conduct unit testing and debugging of embedded software, using various tools and methodologies to identify and resolve issues.

Who You Are

You are self-motivated with a solid background in developing software for embedded systems. Your analytical mindset allows you to troubleshoot complex issues, optimize performance, and ensure the reliability of embedded applications. You thrive in collaborative environments, working closely with cross-functional teams to deliver innovative solutions that meet user requirements. Your passion for technology and commitment to quality make you a key contributor to any project.

Minimum Requirements:

• Bachelor's degree in computer engineering or computer science or relevant degree and 8+ years of relevant work experience, or a Master's degree with 6+ years of relevant experience.
• Proficiency in C++ and Python programming languages.
• Experience in the full software development life cycle (SDLC), from requirement gathering and design to implementation, testing, and debugging, all the way through to production.
• Hands-on experience with L2 / L3 networking technologies.

Preferred Requirements :

• Experience with Open Standard Network Operating Systems and APIs : Silicon SDK development, SONiC, FBOSS, SAI, etc.

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. Simply put - we power the future. Fueled by the depth and breadth of our technology, we experiment and create meaningful solutions. Add to that our worldwide network of doers and experts, and you'll see that the opportunities to grow and build are limitless. 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. We are Cisco, and our power starts with you. Message to applicants applying to work in the U.S. and/or Canada: When available, the salary range posted for this position reflects the projected hiring range for new hire, full-time salaries in U.S. and/or Canada locations, not including equity or benefits. For non-sales roles the hiring ranges reflect base salary only; employees are also eligible to receive annual bonuses. Hiring ranges for sales positions include base and incentive compensation target. Individual pay is determined by the candidate's hiring location and additional factors, including but not limited to skillset, experience, and relevant education, certifications, or training. Applicants may not be eligible for the full salary range based on their U.S. or Canada hiring location. The recruiter can share more details about compensation for the role in your location during the hiring process.

U.S. employees have access to quality medical, dental and vision insurance, a 401(k) plan with a Cisco matching contribution, short and long-term disability coverage, basic life insurance and numerous wellbeing offerings.

Employees receive up to twelve paid holidays per calendar year, which includes one floating holiday (for non-exempt employees), plus a day off for their birthday. Non-Exempt new hires accrue up to 16 days of vacation time off each year, at a rate of 4.92 hours per pay period. Exempt new hires participate in Cisco's flexible Vacation Time Off policy, which does not place a defined limit on how much vacation time eligible employees may use, but is subject to availability and some business limitations. All new hires are eligible for Sick Time Off subject to Cisco's Sick Time Off Policy and will have eighty (80) hours of sick time off provided on their hire date and on January 1st of each year thereafter. Up to 80 hours of unused sick time will be carried forward from one calendar year to the next such that the maximum number of sick time hours an employee may have available is 160 hours. Employees in Illinois have a unique time off program designed specifically with local requirements in mind. All employees also have access to paid time away to deal with critical or emergency issues. We offer additional paid time to volunteer and give back to the community.

Employees on sales plans earn performance-based incentive pay on top of their base salary, which is split between quota and non-quota components. For quota-based incentive pay, Cisco typically pays as follows:

.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%; and once performance exceeds 100% attainment, incentive rates are at or above 1% for each 1% of attainment with no cap on incentive compensation.

For non-quota-based sales performance elements such as strategic sales objectives, Cisco may pay up to 125% of target. Cisco sales plans do not have a minimum threshold of performance for sales incentive compensation to be paid.