Embedded Software Engineer - C, Linux, L2/L3 protocols (5 to 8 yrs)

Cisco Systems, Inc; Bengaluru; On-site; INR 1,200,000 - 2,500,000; Full time

Job summary

Cisco Systems, Inc. in Bengaluru, India, seeks an embedded software engineer with strong C/C++ skills to design, implement, and optimize software for specialized hardware platforms.

You will work within a cross-functional team applying secure coding practices, debugging production issues, and driving innovations across products. The role emphasizes real-time constraints, Linux-based development, and collaboration with design, product management, and other engineering teams to deliver robust,

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or related field.
• Excellent C/C++ programming skills.
• Strong software engineering fundamentals including modular design, clean coding, unit testing, and code reviews.
• Experience developing software on Linux-based systems.
• Proficiency with debugging tools such as GDB, PDB, Valgrind.
• Experience with algorithms and data structures.

Responsibilities

• Develop embedded systems software for specialized hardware platforms and devices.
• Apply agile methodologies to improve software development efficiency.
• Optimize embedded systems for resource constraints and real-time requirements.
• Execute tests for scale, reliability and velocity within own code.
• Apply secure coding principles and review others' code for compliance.
• Collaborate with team members to share learnings and assist in problem solving.
• Debug and troubleshoot software issues to ensure product reliability and performance.

Skills

C/C++ programming

Software engineering fundamentals

Linux development

Analytical reasoning

Algorithms and data structures

Modular design and testing

Education

Bachelors in Engineering

Tools

GDB

PDB

Valgrind

Job description

Meet the Team

We are committed to delivering high-quality optical networking solutions that meet a wide range of customer needs, while fostering a culture of innovation, growth, and continuous improvement.

Your Impact

Develops software consistent with Cisco ‘Design Thinking Principles’ with a focus on simplification using secure coding practices, and following software development best practices. Partners with other teams including design and product management to create the right solution for the customers. Debugs and addresses software issues during development and in production systems to support customers. Brings new ideas for product innovation and helps improve software development processes.

• Develop embedded systems software for specialized hardware platforms and devices.
• Apply agile methodologies to improve software development efficiency.
• Optimize embedded systems for resource constraints and real-time requirements.
• Executes tests for scale, reliability and velocity within own code.
• Applies depth of knowledge in secure coding principles and reviews others' code for compliance.
• Collaborates with team members to share learnings or assist in problem solving/resolution.
• Debug and troubleshoot software issues to ensure product reliability and performance.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or related field with 4-8 years experience
• Excellent C/C++ programming skills
• Strong software engineering fundamentals, including modular design, clean coding, unit testing, and code reviews.
• Experience developing software on Linux-based systems.
• Prior expertise in analytical reasoning and debugging, with experience using tools such as GDB, PDB, Valgrind etc.
• Prior working experience with algorithms and data structures.

Preferred Qualifications

• Familiarity with networking protocols like DWDM, OTN, Ethernet etc
• Strong foundation in embedded system concepts
• Knowledge of AI tools, frameworks, or methodologies.
• Strong experience with concurrent programming, multithreading, synchronisation, and IPC/RPC mechanisms.
• Hands-on experience with software debugging, performance analysis, and fixing in complex networking environments.

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.