Manager, Software Engineering --Gen Enterprise Routers

The application window is expected to close on: 06/23/2026.

Job posting may be removed earlier if the position is filled or if a sufficient number of applications are received.

The Cisco Enterprise Routing team is responsible for the end-to-end lifecycle of the platforms that serve as the "connective tissue" for businesses worldwide. Their work ensures that data—ranging from simple office emails to high-bandwidth video conferencing and cloud-based applications—moves securely and efficiently across branch offices, campus networks, and multi-cloud environments.

We are seeking a highly skilled Software Development Manager to join our team focused on the development of Cisco’s new generation Secure Routers. The team is responsible for development across many software layers including low-level drivers, advanced networking protocols, high-performance packet forwarding, modern cryptographic security, AI-driven features, modern CPU architecture, and system optimizations for scale and performance.

In this role, you will lead a senior engineering team responsible for delivering Cisco’s new generation of Enterprise routers, including Forwarding Plane capabilities for packet processing across modern networking platforms. You will guide high‑level technical execution, drive engineering consistency across development cycles, and ensure smooth delivery across multiple concurrent work streams. Success in this role requires strong ability to lead experienced engineers, good technical judgment, and good soft skills to collaborate with many cross‑functional teams.

• Lead a distributed team of senior engineers and technical leaders delivering Enterprise Next‑Gen Routers including Forwarding Plane and Platform features.
• Review and respond to Product Requirement Documents (PRDs).
• Lead a team to design and validate products according to system/software functional specifications.
• Lead a high‑performing team of engineers to deliver exceptional results by optimizing development workflows and championing an AI‑centric approach to software delivery.
• Manage and coordinate engineering execution across multiple Cisco sites.
• Partner with cross‑functional teams including hardware, platform software, test, and product engineering to align milestones, schedules, and deliverables.
• Oversee development quality including unit testing strategy, defect triage, release planning, and branch management.
• Work closely with the field to successfully enable the products/solutions.
• Drive quality improvements and operational efficiencies.

Enterprise Routing has one of the most successful businesses within Cisco and has a dominant market share. We’re the Platform team in Enterprise Routing Group and we’re responsible for delivering high quality products with schedule fidelity. Our team is involved in every stage of the product journey, from initial requirements and design to development and deployment. We also act as the ultimate escalation partner for the Cisco TAC team, providing expert, high‑level resolution for the most sophisticated customer scenarios.

Minimum qualification

• Typically requires MSCS/EE combined with 5-7 years of related experience or BSCS/EE combined with 7-10+ years of experience.
• 2-3 years of technical leadership (team lead, senior engineer mentoring others, or project ownership).
• Demonstrated ability to drive delivery of features/projects.
• Strong understanding of computer networking concepts.
• Strong knowledge of data structures and algorithms.
• Experience with Linux systems programming.
• Experience working on embedded systems or firmware.
• Knowledge of memory management and performance optimization.
• Experience with code version control, code reviews, and testing practices.
• Strong communication skills across engineering and cross‑functional teams.

• Exposure to hardware‑software integration (ASICs, SDKs).
• Able to handle multiple tasks at once and work independently with minimal managerial mentorship.
• Be open to continuous learning and committed to ongoing self‑improvement.

Starting salary range for this position is $ to $; additional compensation may include incentive, equity, or benefits.

U.S. employees receive benefits including medical, dental, vision insurance, 401(k), paid parental leave, disability coverage, life insurance, and optional restricted stock units.

Paid time away: 10 paid holidays, 1 floating holiday, 1 birthday day off, 4 wellness days, 16 vacation days for non‑exempt employees, flexible vacation for exempt employees, 80 hours of sick time, optional volunteer days.

Additional benefits: annual bonuses for non-sales roles; incentive pay for sales roles per Cisco plans.