Software Engineer | C or C++, Packet/Slow Path

Cisco; Bengaluru; On-site; INR 5,000,000 - 9,000,000; Full time

Job summary

Cisco Bengaluru is seeking a Software Engineer to design, code, and optimize forwarding features for Layer 2/3 on the IOS-XR platform. You will deliver high-performance, production-grade code for QoS, Mirroring, OAM, EVPN/VPLS, SRv6, and MPLS, while leveraging AI-driven workflows for development and debugging.

The role requires 7+ years in embedded networking software, strong C/C++ and Python skills, and experience with carrier-grade OS and debugging complex systems.

Qualifications

• 7+ -10 years of experience in embedded software development for networking products.
• Strong programming skills in C/C++ and scripting in Python
• Solid knowledge of carrier-grade networking OS and forwarding architectures.
• Experience debugging complex embedded software issues.
• Experience working on tools such as Clearcase, Valgrind, DDTS, GDB, etc.

Responsibilities

• Own the design and development of specific forwarding features within the IOS-XR platform.
• Write high-performance, production-grade code for QOS, Mirroring, Slowpath, OAM, Layer 2 (EVPN, VPLS) and Layer 3 (SRv6, Segment Routing, MPLS) technologies.
• Implement data plane logic to optimize packet processing and interact with NPU SDKs.

Skills

C/C++

Python

Embedded software

Networking OS

Debugging

Tools

Tools

Clearcase

Valgrind

DDTS

GDB

Job description

Job Summary

As a Software Engineer, you will focus on the hands-on design, coding, and optimization of our forwarding software. You will be responsible for delivering high-quality code for complex Layer 2 and Layer 3 forwarding features, ensuring they extract maximum performance from our NPUs. You will act as a key technical contributor, utilizing modern software practices and AI-driven workflows to streamline development and debugging.

Responsibilities

• Feature Design & Implementation: Own the design and development of specific forwarding features within the IOS-XR platform. Write high-performance, production-grade code for QOS, Mirroring, Slowpath, OAM, Layer 2 (EVPN, VPLS) and Layer 3 (SRv6, Segment Routing, MPLS) technologies.
• NPU Data Plane Programming: Implement data plane logic to optimize packet processing. Translate network protocol requirements into efficient NPU microcode and SDK interactions.
• Debugging & Root Cause Analysis: Investigate and resolve complex software defects found during internal testing or customer deployments. Analyze logs, core dumps, and packet traces to distinguish between NPU behavior and software logic issues.
• Performance Optimization: Profile and tune code to minimize latency and maximize throughput, ensuring the software meets strict service provider performance metrics.
• Modern Development Practices: Actively utilize AI/LLM-based tools for code generation, unit test creation, and static analysis to improve individual productivity and code quality.

Minimum Qualifications

• 7+ -10 years of experience in embedded software development for networking products.
• Strong programming skills in C/C++ and scripting in Python
• Solid knowledge of carrier-grade networking OS and forwarding architectures.
• Experience debugging complex embedded software issues.
• Experience working on tools such as Clearcase, Valgrind, DDTS, GDB, etc.

Embedded Development

Strong proficiency in C/C++ for high-performance embedded systems. Proficiency in Python for scripting and test automation.

NPU Familiarity

Working knowledge of NPU-based data plane architectures (e.g., Broadcom DNX, Silicon One, or ezChip). Understanding of pipelining, table management, and packet processing flows.

Forwarding Protocols (L2/L3)

Strong understanding and implementation experience in Qos, Mirroring, OAM, Layer 2 (EVPN, VPLS) or Layer 3 routing (SRv6, Segment Routing, MPLS, IPv4/v6). Implementation experience with TE-Tunnels, GRE tunnels, BFD, BGP Flowspec, ACLs, or Slowpath forwarding mechanisms.

Network Knowledge & Debugging

• Service Provider Context: Understanding of router deployments in Service Provider networks (Core, Peering).
• Technical Troubleshooting: Ability to debug issues at the component level, including hardware/software interactions and memory management.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with IOS-XR or similar carrier-grade network operating systems
• Knowledge of Internet Protocols (TCP/UDP, IPv4/IPv6).
• Exposure to Networking Protocols (L2/L3, QoS, ACLs,).
• Experience with BCM , Sione,, Ezchip NPU programming
• Familiarity with AI/ML tools for software engineering (e.g., Copilot for code, AI for log analysis).

Disclaimer: This job posting has been aggregated from external source. Role details, content, and availability are subject to change. Applicants are advised to confirm the latest information directly on the company website before applying.