Software Engineer

Software Engineer (Grade 8) – ACV Application and Common Security Module

The Common Security Module team is a critical pillar of Cisco's Security and Trust Organization. We operate at the intersection of cryptography, system integrity, and the Cisco Secure Development Lifecycle (CSDL). Our mission is to build the foundational security architecture for Cisco's diverse product portfolio, ensuring our solutions remain resilient against the evolving threat landscape of the AI era.

This is a unique, versatile role for a Grade 8 Software Engineer who thrives on technical variety. You will bridge the gap between full-stack development and deep security engineering. You will spend time as a full-stack developer—leveraging Python, modern Angular, and Django—to maintain and enhance the cloud-based ACV application and support the Government Certification Team (GCT). Simultaneously, you will contribute to the development and support of our Common Security Modules, collaborating with cross-functional teams to ensure security is a core feature, not an afterthought. This role is perfect for someone who enjoys tackling complex security challenges while building scalable, high-impact software.

Responsibilities

Maintain and enhance the ACV full-stack codebase (Python, Django, and Angular v17+) to support government certification programs.

Conduct thorough security code reviews and provide actionable feedback to improve overall codebase quality.

Collaborate with cross-functional teams to design, implement, and test new features for common security modules.

Assist product teams in integrating common security modules into existing and new hardware/software platforms.

Analyze and remediate security vulnerabilities in accordance with industry-standard CVE mitigation practices.

Minimum Qualifications

Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, or a related technical field.

4+ years (or equivalent) of relevant software engineering experience in development.

Proficiency in Python 3.x and C.

Experience with modern Angular (v17+), MySQL, and Django (4.x, ORM, and REST Framework).

Comfortable with Linux OS and command-line/terminal environments.

Preferred Qualifications

Highly desired experience in backend/frontend development, containerized applications, and CI/CD workflows using GitHub Actions.

Strong communication skills and the ability to work effectively in a collaborative, global team environment.

Experience utilizing AI-powered development tools to enhance coding efficiency and optimize workflows.

Familiarity with OpenSSL/OpenSSH cryptographic libraries and Post-Quantum Cryptography (PQC) standards.

Demonstrated flexibility and agility in adapting to changing priorities in a fast-paced environment.

Experience working in SCRUM/Agile environments, alternating between developer, test, and automation roles.

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. 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:

The starting salary range posted for this position is $128,600.00 to $184,900.00 and reflects the projected salary range for new hires in this position 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 certain locations is listed below. For locations not listed below, the recruiter can share more details about compensation for the role in your location during the hiring process.

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. Please see the Cisco careers site to discover more benefits and perks. Employees may be eligible to receive grants of Cisco restricted stock units, which vest following continued employment with Cisco for defined periods of time.

U.S. employees are eligible for paid time away as described below, subject to Cisco's policies:

• 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 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)
• 80 hours of sick time off provided on hire date and each January 1st thereafter, and up to 80 hours of unused sick time carried forward from one calendar year to the next
• 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

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 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 0% up to 125% of target. Cisco sales plans do not have a minimum threshold of performance for sales incentive compensation to be paid.

The applicable full salary ranges for this position, by specific state, are listed below:

New York City Metro Area:

$155,000.00 - $256,000.00

Non-Metro New York state & Washington state:

$138,100.00 - $227,900.00

* 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.