Software Engineer - Forwarding

: Meet the Team

The Cisco Distributed System Engineering (DSE) group is at the forefront of developing products that power the largest networks in the world. The networking industry is going through a massive transformation to build the next generation infrastructure to meet the needs of AI/ML workloads and continuously increasing internet users and applications. We are uniquely positioned to capture that market transition. This team builds products by harnessing the potential of open-source technologies while pushing the boundaries on Systems and Silicon Architecture. We are looking for developers and leaders who are passionate about tackling complex technology, building large scale distributed systems and comfortable working with open-source communities and technologies. You will be part of a fast-paced work environment and responsible for end-to-end product development and production support.

Your Impact

You are a developer who will design, develop, automate, and execute new hardware or features across complex Network Architectures using C/C++ language. You define and qualify end to end / solution architectures, engage in debugging complex network problems and define solutions. Having worked on network automation, you have the ability to demonstrate algorithmic thinking and analytics applications derived from customer use cases.

Key Role in Software Development :Contribute to the development and enhancement of Cisco IOS XR software.Play a vital role in the innovation and improvement of software solutions for AI/ML, hyperscalers, and service providers.

Ownership and Adaptability :Take ownership of tasks and features with the ability to quickly acquire new skills.Address innovative challenges and resolve complex technical problems.

Collaboration and Teamwork :Work closely with fellow engineers to deliver new functionalities and enhancements to customers.Collaborate with tools like Microsoft Copilot and Cisco's internal AI/ML solutions to drive development efficiency.

Day-to-Day Responsibilities :Develop new features for the software or design fully automated tests.Investigate and troubleshoot issues to ensure reliable and effective solutions.Utilize test tools to maintain high-quality standards and ensure the software meets rigorous benchmarks.

Diverse Technology Exposure :Gain hands-on experience with various areas of network technologies, such as Programmability and Routing Infrastructure.Build expertise in cutting-edge network technology and develop skills applicable to a wide range of systems.

Customer Impact :

Enhance the experience and satisfaction of customers by delivering robust, high-quality software solutions.Ensure the continuous improvement and innovation of Cisco IOS XR software to meet evolving customer needs.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelors +7 years of related experience OR Masters +4 years of related experience.
• Experience in designing, implementing, or optimizing software solutions for Layer 3 forwarding, including routing protocols, packet forwarding and related network functionalities.
• C and/or C++ and Python experience on Linux.
• Debugging experience with GDB or similar tools.

Preferred Qualifications

• Familiarity with Linux and modern software tools and techniques for development/debugging and validated software design and development skills.
• Service provider, data center technologies and architectures.
• Deep understanding of networking protocols and different L2/L3 to L7 technologies.
• VMs and virtualization technologies.
• Automation experience with Python, Tcl, REST, Jenkins.
• SDLC and AGILE development methodologies experience.

#WeAreCisco

#WeAreCisco where every individual brings their unique skills and perspectives together to pursue our purpose of powering an inclusive future for all. Our passion is connection—we celebrate our employees' diverse set of backgrounds and focus on unlocking potential. Cisconians often experience one company, many careers where learning and development are encouraged and supported at every stage. Our technology, tools, and culture pioneered hybrid work trends, allowing all to not only give their best, but be their best. Cisco Confidential We understand our outstanding opportunity to bring communities together and at the heart of that is our people. One-third of Cisconians collaborate in our 30 employee resource organizations, called Inclusive Communities, to connect, foster belonging, learn to be informed allies, and make a difference. Dedicated paid time off to volunteer—80 hours each year—allows us to give back to causes we are passionate about, and nearly 86% do! Our purpose, driven by our people, is what makes us the worldwide leader in technology that powers the internet. Helping our customers reimagine their applications, secure their enterprise, transform their infrastructure, and meet their sustainability goals is what we do best. We ensure that every step we take is a step towards a more inclusive future for all. Take your next step and be you, with us!

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.