Software Engineer I (Full Time) United States (San Jose)

Applications are accepted until further notice.

Please note this posting is to advertise potential job opportunities. This exact role may not be open today but could open in the near future. When you apply, a Cisco representative may contact you directly if a relevant position opens.

Meet the Team

Our dedicated team members are programming magic across the globe on teams such as Engineering, Information Technology, Supply Chain, Customer Experience, Security and Trust, and more.

You will play a crucial role in driving next‑generation software innovations, including in the cloud, mobile, desktop, or security spaces. On any of these teams, you'll gain firsthand experience working with applications that make technology accessible on any device. Discover the possibilities when creativity meets design, and help build solutions that will transform how we work, live, learn, and play.

Your Impact

Our software engineers are the authorities behind the scenes, ensuring all of our programs are easy to use and bug‑free. With a keen eye, you’ll develop software and tools to support many of our high‑impact technology platforms, such as operating systems, networks, databases, and more. While we’re growing in the software business, you’ll still need to see the big picture, watch for hardware compatibility, and potentially influence design.

Who You Are

You are a software developer who demonstrates excellent communication and teamwork abilities, coupled with a genuine passion for solving sophisticated challenges. The ideal candidate will exhibit strong organizational skills and a tried aptitude for managing time efficiently.

As a process‑driven individual, you have a strong desire to streamline and improve existing procedures. Your expertise in time management empowers you to effectively prioritize tasks and deliver high‑quality work within set deadlines.

Join our team and apply your passion for problem‑solving to build innovative software solutions that make a difference.

Minimum Qualifications

• Completion within the past 3 years, or current enrollment with expected completion within 12 months, of a certification or relevant degree program (e.g., Associates, Apprenticeship, Boot Camp, or Certification in a specialized program) + 1 year of relevant experience, High School Diploma + 2 years of relevant experience or Bachelors + 0 years of relevant experience. Relevant fields include: Computer Science, Software Engineering, Computer Engineering, Information Technology, Data Science, Mathematics, Statistics, Electrical Engineering, or related technical fields.
• Proficiency in at least one of the following programming or scripting languages: C/C++, Python, or Java, with evidence of recent (within the 12 months) coursework, projects, or work experience.
• Experience in quality assurance (QA), testing, and/or debugging in an academic, project‑based, or work related setting.
• Ability to legally reside and work in the country of application, without the need for visa support or employer sponsorship.

Preferred Qualifications

• Knowledge of Linux, networking concepts, operating system fundamentals, embedded development, and/or machine learning
• Experience with databases, web application development, and web services
• Knowledge of computer networking and/or cybersecurity
• Knowledge of cloud platforms such as AWS, Microsoft Azure, or Google Cloud

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.