Software Engineering Technical Leader

Role details

The application window is expected to close on: 09/24/2026 Job posting may be removed earlier if the position is filled or if a sufficient number of applications are received . Meet the team We are seeking an experienced and motivated Software Engineer to join our team. Cisco 8000 Series Routers which are built on Cisco’s SiliconOne architecture and designed for hyperscale networks, global service providers, and large enterprises. In this role, you’ll develop and optimize firmware, SDKs, simulators, and compilers for Cisco Silicon One™ architecture, with a strong focus on using the power of P4 (Programming Protocol-Independent Packet Processors). This is a phenomenal opportunity to work with pioneering technology that’s shaping the future of networking! You’ll be part of a diverse team dedicated to delivering innovative, high-quality solutions on Cisco 8000, featuring the latest Silicon One ASICs. You will play a key role in developing the SDK and/or control plane for networking protocols, collaborating with talented colleagues to drive industry-leading advancements. Join us and be a part of something outstanding! Your impact As a Software Engineer, you will design and develop a broad set of advanced networking features. With the foundational capabilities of our next‑generation platforms already established, this role offers a true ground‑floor opportunity to drive the next phase of product growth. You will help shape our convergence strategy in the Service Provider space and deliver high‑impact features powering Web, Cloud, Data Center, and Mobile networking solutions. Design, implement, and test C, C++, or P4 programs to define packet‑processing behaviors on high‑performance network devices. Build, optimize, and enhance the backend of the P4 compiler to fully leverage the capabilities of advanced networking hardware. Solve complex resource‑management challenges and optimize resource allocation across programmable network‑processing pipelines. Collaborate closely with ASIC engineers to ensure seamless integration of P4 programs with next‑generation IC designs, including providing compiler support throughout hardware development cycles. Participate in the design and implementation of new C, C++, or P4 language features to support the evolving needs of network application developers. Develop Python‑based test frameworks and author Python test cases to validate SDK functionality and ensure correctness, performance, and reliability of P4‑based data‑plane programming. Proactively identifies and participates in the resolution of sophisticated problems that impact the direction of the business. Develops and delivers innovative approaches that benefit customers and/or clients. Leads major business projects which impact a region or entire function. Contributes to the development of annual organizational objectives/priorities. Builds and maintains long-term relationships with key stakeholders to ensure products and services reflect the needs and direction of the business. Translates and influences the regional or functional strategic vision into a technical vision with clear engineering priorities, ensuring understanding and alignment across teams. Leads, mentors, and influences senior engineers Minimum Qualifications Bachelors + 12 years of related experience, or Masters + 8 years of related experience Experience in software design and development using C, C++, or P4, including contributions to production‑quality systems. Experience in troubleshooting, debugging, and resolving sophisticated software issues across large, distributed codebases, with practical experience in using tools such as GDB, PDB, etc. Experience with Layer 2 (L2) and Layer 3 (L3) networking technologies, protocols, and data‑plane behaviors. Experience in Python with the ability to develop scalable, maintainable, and production-ready software solutions. Preferred Qualifications Experience with network‑processor software programming is a strong plus. 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 $214,100.00 to $309,800.00 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 vest following continued employment with Cisco for