Software Engineer :: C/C++, Python scripting, L2/L3 Networking (5-9 Years)

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

Job summary

Cisco Systems, Inc. Bengaluru is seeking a Software Engineer to design, develop, and test high‑performance software for IOS XE platforms.

You will work on control and data plane software across switching, routing, and wireless products, collaborating with internal teams to translate requirements into robust solutions. The role emphasizes C/C++, networking knowledge, Linux/RTOS internals, and hands‑on testing with IXIA/Sniffer.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's or higher with 5 years of related experience, or Master's with 3 years, or PhD with 0 years.
• Proficient in C/C++ and networking product software.
• Experience with Linux/RTOS and networking OS internals.
• Familiarity with network test instruments like IXIA/Sniffer is a plus.
• Experience building software/firmware for networking products.

Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and test robust software components meeting high standards.
• Develop control plane and data plane software for Cisco IOSXE products.
• Analyze requirements; produce design documents and specs.
• Diagnose and resolve complex technical issues for system stability.
• Drive continuous improvement of development lifecycles and practices.
• Innovate new ideas that may lead to IP and patents.

Skills

C/C++

Python

Networking protocols

Linux/RTOS

Data plane/control plane

OpenAI APIs

IP networks

Education

Bachelor's degree

Master's degree

PhD

Tools

IXIA

Sniffer

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

In your role as a Software Engineer, you will develop and integrate products that are deployed by some of the leading Enterprises in the world. You will work with a BU-wide vibrant technical community, learning from experts and translating this learning into exciting opportunities for personal growth. You will work on IOS XE OS that forms a crucial backbone of many Enterprise devices. You will learn about groundbreaking technologies and platforms while developing software for these equipment’s. Experience the exhilaration of taking a product through development and integration.

Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and test robust, scalable software components and features that meet rigorous technical standards.
• Design and development of control plane and data plane software for Cisco IOSXE Switching, Routing, Wireless, IIOT products.
• Analyse requirements and problem statements to come with right software designs and solutions. To be able to write details Design documents and Functional Specifications.
• Diagnose and resolve complex technical issues to ensure optimal system stability,
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• Drive the continuous improvement of development lifecycles, engineering processes, and industry best practices.
• To be able to innovate and come up with new ideas that can lead to filing patents and creating IP value for the company

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelors + 5 years of related experience, or Masters + 3 years of related experience, or PhD + 0 years of related experience.
• Prior work experience withcontrol plane software or data plane software, data structures, Wireless experience (802.11ac/ax/be), Linux/RTOS/Networking OS internals
• Proficient in writing quality code in C/C++.
• Experience in developing software/firmware for networking products.
• Excellent knowledge of software architecture and system design.
• Experience using Traffic generators/Analyzers such as IXIA/Sniffer is a plus.
• Built an agentic network-diagnostics assistant using Python, OpenAI APIs, RAG, and MCP-based tools to analyse device logs, retrieve relevant technical documentation, and generate evidence-backed troubleshooting recommendations.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Hands-on experience with networking protocols (e.g., TCP/IP, BGP, OSPF) and complex systems architecture.
• Good hands-on implementation experience with one or more of the following: High Availability, IPC, Memory management, Distributed communications Infrastructure, Serviceability, Containers, Virtualization
• Proven ability to rapidly acquire new technical skills and adapt to evolving business requirements.
• Cisco Networking certificates such as CCNA, CCNP, CCIE is a 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.