Software Engineer (Embedded C, forwarding protocols | 4-10 years | Bangalore)

Cisco Systems, Inc; Bengaluru; On-site; INR 3,500,000 - 7,000,000; Full time

Job summary

Cisco Systems, Inc. is seeking a Software Engineer to design, code, and optimize forwarding software for IOS-XR platforms. You will develop high-performance features for Layer 2/3 forwarding and translate network requirements into efficient NPU microcode and SDK interactions.

Responsibilities include debugging complex defects, profiling performance, and leveraging AI-driven tools to improve productivity and code quality in a carrier-grade environment.

Qualifications

• BS/MS in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, or related field.
• 5–10 years of embedded software development experience for networking products.
• Proficiency in Embedded C and Python for scripting and test automation.
• Knowledge of NPU-based data plane architectures and packet processing workflows.
• Experience with CI/CD pipelines, Git, and code reviews.

Responsibilities

• Design and implement forwarding features within IOS-XR platform (QOS, Mirroring, Slowpath, OAM, Layer 2/3).
• Develop NPU data plane logic and SDK interactions for high-performance packet processing.
• Debug and analyze complex defects using logs, core dumps, and packet traces.
• Profile and optimize code to meet latency and throughput targets.
• Apply modern software practices and AI-assisted tools to improve productivity and quality.

Skills

Embedded C

Python

Networking concepts (L2/L3)

Debugging

Performance optimization

NPU data plane concepts

Education

BS/MS in Computer Science or Electrical Engineering

Tools

GDB

Valgrind

Clearcase

Git

CI/CD pipelines

Job description

About the Business

You will join the MIG Platform Forwarding team, the engine room behind the world’s most robust service provider networks. We build the high-performance data plane software that powers IOS-XR platforms, leveraging cutting-edge Silicon One (SiOne) Network Processing Units (NPUs).

Our team operates at the intersection of hardware and software, defining how packets traverse the internet's backbone. We are transitioning into a new era of embedded development, utilizing modern AI-assisted methodologies to deliver features faster and with higher quality.

Your Impact

As a Software Engineer, you will focus on the 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, applying modern software practices and AI-driven workflows to streamline development and debugging.

Key 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 apply AI/LLM-based tools for code generation, unit test creation, and static analysis to improve individual productivity and code quality.

Minimum Qualifications

• BS/MS in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, or related field.
• 5-10 years of experience in embedded software development for networking products.
• Strong proficiency in Embedded C for software development and Python for scripting and test automation.
• 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.
• Understanding of router deployments in Service Provider networks (Core, Peering).
• Ability to debug issues at the component level, including hardware/software interactions and memory management.
• Experience with CI/CD pipelines, Git, and code review processes.
• Experience working on tools such as Clearcase, Valgrind, DDTS, GDB, etc.

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).

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.