Software Engineer, SD-WAN Security

The application window is expected to close on: 10/26/2026

_This is a hybrid role at the Research Triangle Park, North Carolina office._

** Meet the Team*
* The internet became a reality because of Cisco and its intelligent innovations in WAN engineering over multiple decades. Today, we are evolving our industry-leading, service-rich SD-WAN solution by building integrated multi-cloud and SASE solutions for our customers. Our technology provides secure connectivity for users and devices from anywhere in the world to their favorite applications-whether running in the cloud, on-premise, or SaaS.

We offer the opportunity to learn and innovate across a vast technology landscape, including Routing, Security, Analytics, Telemetry, Distributed Systems, Machine Learning, and many other areas. Join us and be part of a high-energy team helping transform and build the intelligent internet.

** Your Impact*
* We are seeking a highly skilled Software Development Engineer to join our SD-WAN Security Engineering team, which is responsible for securing the SD-WAN fabric that operates globally at a massive scale. In this role, you will work at the forefront of ground-breaking security technologies in enterprise routers that connect cloud infrastructure and applications. You will be responsible for developing and integrating advanced security features, including Firewall, IPS/IDS, Content Filtering, File Inspection, and various other next-generation firewall capabilities.

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** Design and develop
** robust security software for Cisco's routing portfolio, supporting diverse deployment modes.

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** Collaborate
* * closely with Product Managers and Architects on roadmaps and priorities to build the next-generation firewall features.

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** Write clean, maintainable code
** with unit tests; perform code reviews and contribute to secure coding practices.

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** Drive high-quality execution
** by distilling complex technical challenges into elegant, maintainable solutions; author functional and design specifications.

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** Mentor and guide
** junior team members in a player-coach model, fostering professional growth and technical excellence.

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** Use modern development workflows
** including AI‑assisted coding tools and VSCode.

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** Minimum Qualifications*
* + Bachelors + 5 years of related experience, or Masters + 3 years of related experience, or PhD + 0 years of related experience.

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Experience of C/C++ production programming, with a strong focus on developing efficient algorithms and optimized code.

+ Experience or related coursework within Network Security domains and common deployment scenarios.

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Experience with AI assisted development toolssuch as Copilot, Claude, Codex or similar technologies to improve engineering productivity and code quality.

+ Experience debugging, troubleshooting, and embedded software development.

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** Preferred Qualifications*
* + Professional experience or related coursework in concepts such as Layer 3 and Layer 4 networking technologies and services.

+ Experience working in cross‑functional and distributed teams.

+ Ability to adapt quickly and deliver effectively in a fast-paced, evolving environment with changing priorities and technologies.

+ Demonstrated agility in learning new tools, technologies, and domains with strong problem-solving and analytical capabilities.

+ Highly self-motivated with a passion for innovation and developing creative solutions.

sdwanhiring

** 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…