Software Engineering Technical Leader

The application window is expected to close on: 07/13/2026

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

***** We are looking for candidates local to Milpitas, CA due to this being a hybrid role requiring at least 3 days in the office per week****
* ** Meet the Team*
* ** Cisco's Silicon One architecture is changing the economics of high-performance networking. The Cygnus BSP group is at the foundation of the software stack-right next to the silicon-turning bleeding-edge ASICs into production-ready platforms. If you enjoy developing new infrastructure, register-level programming, timing-critical bring-up, and passionate on AI driven development you'll fit right in.*
* ** Your Impact*
* ** Own the platform and system infrastructure for multiple Cygnus-based platforms, from first power-on through full system launch*
* + Design and implement customer required features on platform

+ Work on apps on the Cygnus-based platforms and critical infrastructure improvements

+ Develop robust diagnostics, counters, and telemetry hooks that replace fragile one-off scripts

+ Integrate your code into CI/CD pipelines and at-scale automation that keep bring-up cycles fast, repeatable, and auditable

+ Debug initialization and bring-up issues using on-chip traces, and custom tools

+ Partner with vendors, ASIC architects, hardware designers, and NOS/platform teams; mentor junior engineers and champion best practices across the organization

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* Minimum Qualifications:

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* ** 8+ years of experience along with a Bachelor's or Master's degree in STEM*
* + Hands-on experience with high-performance networking

+ C/C++ development skills, and Python for tooling, automation, and test

+

Experience with BSP/SDK stacks and abstractions such as SAI

+ Proven ability to troubleshoot complex, timing-dependent bring-up problems in lab environments

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* Preferred Qualifications:

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* ** Background in fabric or distributed-chassis architectures*
* + Contributions to open-source networking projects (SDK, SAI, SONiC, DPDK, etc.)

+ Deep knowledge of datapath initialization, low-level register programming, and performance tuning

+ Experience mentoring or leading small teams

** 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 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. Please see the Cisco careers site to discover more benefits and perks.  Employees may be eligible to receive grants of Cisco restricted stock units, which…