Software Engineering Technical Leader

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.

Meet the Team:

The Common Hardware Group (CHG) creates innovative hardware platforms central to the AI era, powering Cisco's core Switching, Routing, and Wireless products for organizations globally. Our innovations in silicon, optics, and hardware platforms-like Silicon One-are shaping the technology industry. We're a global team of creative experts, bringing our unique backgrounds and bold ideas to push boundaries and help each other grow.

Because full product development-from design to qualification to production-is within our team, we're able to think differently, experiment more, and work quickly. Join us to power the future of the digital world.

What You'll Do:

Architect, design, and develop BIOS, BSP, and Diagnostics for Cisco Core and Edge routing products.

Design, develop, and test kernel and user space device drivers for FPGA and networking peripherals.

Develop and execute software test plans.

Collaborate with cross-functional teams to debug prototypes and validate software.

Lead technical reviews and discussions across teams.

Minimum Qualifications:

* Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, or related field with 8+ years experience, or Master's degree with 6+ years experience.

* Proficient in C, C++, and Python programming.

* Hardware and device driver development background.

* Extensive Linux hardware bring-up experience.

* Expertise in multi-threading, event handling, and state machines.

* Skilled in device drivers for protocols like I2C, MDIO, SPI, UART, PCIe, GPIO.

* Proficient in kernel debugging tools such as GDB and KGDB.

* Lead board bring-up, validation, and debugging of embedded systems.

* Develop software from concept through delivery for large-scale, high-bandwidth systems.

* Troubleshoot software defects from kernel modules to applications.

* Collaborative system design, specification writing, and requirements review.

* Commitment to quality, mentoring, and continuous learning in networking, optics, and embedded systems.

Desired

Skills:

* AI/ML experience.

* Experience with Sonic, ONIE, BMC, IPMI and Redfish technologies.

* Knowledge of Layer 2/3 network protocols.

* Strong troubleshooting and debugging skills.

* Experience with network processors and optical networking.

* Familiarity with secure-boot, open source tools, CMIS, and SFF standards (SFP, QSFP).

* Good communication skills and knowledge of software quality processes.

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 $ to $ 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…