Senior Software Engineer – C/C++ & Network Systems

Cisco Systems, Inc.; Bengaluru; On-site; INR 1,800,000 - 2,800,000; Full time

Job summary

Cisco Systems, Inc. Bengaluru is seeking a Software Engineer to design, develop, and test Cisco IOS XE components. You will work on control-plane and data-plane software for switching, routing, wireless, and IIoT products, collaborating with a global team.

The role emphasizes strong C/C++ coding, networking OS internals, and exposure to new technologies like Python and AI/LLMs. Candidates with CCNA/CCNP/CCIE are welcome.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree with 5+ years of related experience, or Master’s with 3+ years, or PhD with 0 years.
• Strong programming skills in C/C++, with focus on reliable, maintainable code.
• Experience with networking software/firmware including control plane and data plane.

Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and test scalable software components for Cisco IOS XE.
• Develop control-plane and data-plane software for switching, routing, wireless, and IIoT products.
• Analyze requirements and create effective software designs and specifications.
• Troubleshoot complex issues to ensure stability, security, and performance.
• Drive engineering process improvements and best practices.
• Innovate and contribute ideas for IP and patent opportunities.

Skills

C/C++

Networking software

Data structures

System design

Wireless tech 802.11ac/ax/be

Python

AI/LLMs

Education

Bachelor's degree in CS/EE

Master's degree

PhD

Tools

IXIA

Packet analyzers

Job description

Meet the Team

Looking forward to getting an exciting start to your career? Catalyst Engineering IOS XE Platform Independent team, designs and develops high-performance system software for various Cisco Platforms which includes Enterprise Switching & Routers, Service Provider Routing Platforms. This is one of the team where we are leading the Enterprise Industry with several innovations; and we are in an exciting phase in the rapidly evolving market. The opportunities here are boundless, and we are sure you will add a character to the dynamism of this team!

Your Impact

As a Software Engineer, you’ll build and integrate software that powers leading enterprise networking solutions deployed by organizations around the world. You’ll work on Cisco IOS XE, a critical operating system at the heart of many enterprise networking devices, while gaining hands‑on experience with emerging technologies and large‑scale platforms.

You’ll be part of a vibrant, collaborative technical community where you can learn from experienced engineers, share ideas, and turn your expertise into meaningful solutions. From design and development to integration and deployment, you’ll have the opportunity to make a real impact while continuously learning and growing your career.

Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and test scalable, high-quality software components for Cisco IOS XE.
• Develop control‑plane and data‑plane software for switching, routing, wireless, and IIoT products.
• Analyze requirements and create effective software designs, functional specifications, and solutions.
• Troubleshoot complex issues to ensure system stability, security, and performance.
• Drive engineering process improvements and adopt industry best practices.
• Innovate and contribute ideas that create intellectual property and patent opportunities.

Minimum Qualifications:

We are seeking a bachelor’s with 5+ years of related experience, or Masters with 3+ years of related experience, or PhD + 0 years of related experience.

• Good programming skills in C/C++, with a focus on writing reliable, maintainable, and high-quality code.
• Experience or understanding of networking software/firmware, including control plane, data plane, Linux/RTOS, or networking OS internals.
• Knowledge of data structures, software architecture, and system design, with the ability to translate requirements into effective solutions.
• Experience with wireless technologies (802.11ac/ax/be) and network testing tools such as IXIA or packet analyzers
• A passion for innovation and emerging technologies, with experience in areas such as Python, AI/LLMs, RAG, MCP, or building intelligent network‑diagnostics solutions being an advantage.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience with TCP/IP, BGP, OSPF, and complex system architectures.
• Hands‑on experience in areas such as High Availability, IPC, memory management, distributed systems, containers, or virtualization.
• Ability to learn quickly, adapt to evolving requirements, and embrace new technologies.
• CCNA, CCNP, or CCIE certification is a plus; equivalent experience is valued.

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.