Software Engineer | S1 SDK-C/C++, P4, Network programming | 4-8 years

Cisco; Bengaluru; On-site; INR 1,500,000 - 2,100,000; Full time

Job summary

Cisco’s Data Center Business Unit is seeking a software engineer to contribute to the Nexus switch software stack. You will work on Ethernet switching features for modern data center infrastructure, including AI and cloud workloads.

With 4+ years of experience in C/C++ and Python, you will develop, debug, and optimize software across the full development lifecycle, collaborating with cross-functional teams to deliver high-quality products.

Qualifications

• 4+ years of experience in C/C++ and Python.
• Embedded software development experience in router/switch domain.
• Proficient with debugging using GDB.
• Experience with L2/L3 forwarding and QoS concepts.

Responsibilities

• Define, architect, design, and deliver new features for Nexus switches.
• Develop clean, maintainable code for software projects with minimal supervision.
• Collaborate across teams to ensure timely delivery and product quality.
• Participate in code reviews and mentor junior engineers within the project.

Skills

C/C++ programming

Python

Embedded software

GDB debugging

Packet forwarding

IXIA

Spirent

Tools

IXIA

Spirent

Job description

Meet the Team

At Data Center Business Unit in Cisco, we are dedicated to driving innovation in networking technologies. Our focus is on developing groundbreaking Ethernet Switching products that address the evolving needs of modern network infrastructures, including those in AI, cloud computing, and enterprise environments.

At Data Center Business Unit in Cisco, we are dedicated to driving innovation in networking technologies. Our focus is on developing groundbreaking Ethernet Switching products that address the evolving needs of modern network infrastructures, including those in AI, cloud computing, and enterprise environments.

Your Impact

In this role, you will have the opportunity to learn a wide range of core Ethernet Technologies with architectural exposure to craft and develop Ethernet Switching as applied to both Public and Private cloud infrastructure. You will work on the intricacies of the critically important infrastructure that enables the world-class, multi-layered Nexus switches. In addition, you will have the opportunity to participate in multi-functional collaboration and be exposed to all facets of the software development cycle from innovation and marketing requirements to product delivery.

• You will participate in a project team of engineers involved in the development of software for our next generation data center switch Nexus product family.
• Define, architect, design, and deliver new features and solutions on the Nexus family platform
• Work independently with guidance from leader to determines best approach to accomplish objectives.
• Develop relationships with peer stakeholders within and across teams and builds productive working relationships.
• May lead projects with limited complexity to execute the defined software engineering roadmap.
• May lead small-to-medium features from technical design through completion.
• Stay current on industry trends and serve as a subject matter expert on the software development lifecycle and agile engineering practices; mentor and coach others as needed.
• Contribute to delivery of high-quality design and deliverables.
• Advocate for new features within a product to address customer needs.
• Track metrics for product adoption and success.
• Write clean, maintainable, and well-tested code with minimal guidance.
• Perform coding, debugging, testing, and troubleshooting throughout the development process under minimal supervision.
• Perform code reviews for others in project.
• Write code enabling scale, reliability, and velocity in product releases.
• Troubleshoot complex issues within the production environment, may serve customers through on-call rotations to identify end user problems, may lead postmortem and write root cause analysis.
• Share knowledge across teams, both informally and formally (e.g., ad-hoc basis, internal presentations, blogs, newsletters).
• Coordinate and collaborate on project timelines and continuously reviews, updates, and communicates project specifications to team members and stakeholders.
• Develop remediation plans and alternatives to ensure timely delivery.
• Identifies and acts upon opportunities to assist others.
• Mentors peers and/or engineering interns.

Minimum Qualifications

• 4 + years of experience
• Strong programming skills in C and/or C++, along with proficiency in Python.
• Experienced with Embedded and/or router/switch software development
• Debugging with tools such as GDB
• Demonstrated experience with L2/L3/ACL/QOS Packet Forwarding and/or CPU packet path
• Experience with traffic generator tools such as IXIA & Spirent

Preferred Qualifications

• SDK development on NPU/DPU/Networking ASICs is highly desirable.
• Proven experience in fostering collaboration across diverse teams to achieve goals, resolve challenges, and drive innovation in a cross-functional environment.
• Hands-on experience with SDK integration, debugging, and optimization within complex software projects.
• Practical experience and knowledge working with network processors and/or packet forwarding ASICs including development, deployment and troubleshooting in real-world applications.

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.