Software Engineer Embedded​/Network Systems

Meet the Team

Our dedicated team members are engineering the foundation of Cisco’s core technologies across the globe, including teams in Engineering like Common Hardware Group, Network Product Eng, Infrastructure & Security. You will be an essential contributor to the development of next‑generation innovations in operating systems, firmware, networking stacks, and security infrastructure. Working on these teams, you will gain hands‑on experience with hardware‑software integration and low‑level networking technologies that power Cisco’s critical products.

Discover the possibilities when deep technical expertise meets creativity and help build solutions that transform how the world connects and communicates.

You are a passionate engineer skilled in low‑level programming, networking protocols, and hardware‑software integration, with strong communication and collaboration abilities. You thrive in solving complex challenges through innovation and precision, while being highly organized and process‑driven. Your work develops and maintains critical software and tools that ensure hardware compatibility, network performance, and security for Cisco’s core products like operating systems, firmware, and networking stacks.

By effectively managing your time and streamlining processes, you deliver high‑quality solutions that embed resilience and efficiency into global communications infrastructure, directly contributing to Cisco’s leadership in trusted, scalable networking technologies.

• Completion within the past 3 years, or current enrollment with expected completion within 12 months, of a certification or relevant degree program (e.g., Associate’s, Apprenticeship, Boot Camp, or Certification in a specialized program + 1 year of relevant experience, High School Diploma + 2 years of relevant experience) or Bachelor’s + 0 years of relevant experience.

• Proficiency in C programming and experience with embedded Linux, including a solid understanding of operating system fundamentals.

• Familiarity with network principles & concepts, routing protocols, and general networking concepts.

• Hands‑on experience with automation tools and scripting languages (such as Python or Bash), along with knowledge of CI/CD pipelines (e.g., Jenkins, Git Hub Actions).

• Understanding of Dev Sec Ops  practices and their application in software development workflows.

• Conceptual understanding or hands‑on experience with AI/ML.

• Understanding of cybersecurity principles and security protocols.

• Experience with FPGA development.

• Knowledge of signal and power integrity, and PCB design.

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. 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…