Software Engineering Technical Leader, Ethernet Switching

The application window is expected to close on: 06/05/2026. Job posting may be removed earlier if the position is filled or if a sufficient number of applications are received.

At Data Center Business Unit in Cisco, we are dedicated to driving innovation in networking technologies. Our focus is on developing groundbreaking Ethernet Switching products that address the evolving needs of modern network infrastructures, including those in AI, cloud computing, and enterprise environments.

In this role, you will have the opportunity to learn a wide range of core Ethernet Technologies with architectural exposure to craft and develop Ethernet Switching as applied to both Public and Private cloud infrastructure. You will work on the intricacies of the critically important infrastructure that enables the world-class, multi-layered Nexus switches. In addition, you will have the opportunity to participate in multi-functional collaboration and be exposed to all facets of the software development cycle from innovation and marketing requirements to product delivery.

• Participate in a project team of engineers involved in the development of software for our next generation data center switch Nexus product family.
• Define, architect, design, and deliver new features and solutions on the Nexus family platform.
• Act as a resource for colleagues with less experience.
• Develop relationships with peer stakeholders within and across teams and build productive working relationships.
• May lead projects with limited complexity to execute the defined software engineering roadmap.
• May lead small-to-medium features from technical design through completion.
• Contribute to delivery of high-quality design and deliverables.
• Advocate for new features within a product to address customer needs.
• Track metrics for product adoption and success.
• Write functional clean code and unit tests with minimal guidance.
• Perform coding, debugging, testing, and troubleshooting throughout the development process under minimal supervision.
• Contribute as an expert in secure coding principles and understand threat model of a feature. Write code enabling scale, reliability, and velocity in product releases.
• Troubleshoot complex issues within the production environment, may serve customers through on‑call rotations to identify end user problems, may lead post‑mortem and write root‑cause analysis.
• Coordinate and collaborate on project timelines and continuously review, update, and communicate project specifications to team members and stakeholders.
• Develop remediation plans and alternatives to ensure timely delivery.
• Identify and act upon opportunities to assist others.

• Bachelors + 10 years of related experience, or Masters + 8 years of related experience, or PhD +6 years of related experience.
• C and/or C++ and Python programming language.
• Embedded and/or router/switch software development experience.
• Debugging with tools like GBD.
• SDLC and L2/L3/ACL/QOS Packet Forwarding and/or CPU packet path experience and SDK development experience on NPU/DPU or networking ASICs.
• Experience with traffic generator tools such as IXIA & Spirent.

• SDK development on NPU/DPU/Networking ASICs is highly desirable.
• Proven experience fostering collaboration across diverse teams to achieve goals, resolve challenges, and drive innovation in a cross‑functional environment.
• Hands‑on experience with SDKs to include integration, debugging and optimization of the SDKs in software projects.
• Practical experience and knowledge working with network processors and/or packet forwarding ASICs including development, deployment and troubleshooting in real‑world applications.

• 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…