Engineering Technical Leader - Platform Software

Cisco Systems, Inc.; Milpitas (CA); Hybrid; USD 140,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

Cisco's DCN Engineering group seeks an experienced Software Engineer to develop cutting-edge network controller software. This hybrid role requires at least 3 days per week in the office and involves working on impactful backend systems tailored for modern network needs. Ideal candidates will have extensive experience in software engineering with proficiency in C, C++, and Linux systems.

Qualifications

• 12+ years of software engineering experience required.
• Expertise in C, C++, or Golang programming languages.
• Experience in systems and platform software development.

Responsibilities

• Develop and advance network controller software used by thousands of Cisco customers.
• Contribute to architecture discussions and ensure scalable, maintainable codebases.
• Design, build, and debug large-scale infrastructure services.

Skills

C

C++

Golang

Linux Networking

Linux Package Management

Education

Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Computer Science or related field

Tools

Linux IP Tables

LXC Containers

Open SSH

Open SSL

Job description

The application window is scheduled to close on 6/13/25

We are looking for candidates local to San Jose, CA as this is a hybrid role requiring at least 3 days per week in the office.

Meet the Team

We are Cisco's DCN (Data Center Networking) Engineering group is responsible for developing and maintaining network controller software that is part of Cisco's suite of software-defined networking (SDN) solutions. The group focuses on creating advanced, intelligent controllers that enable more agile, secure, and scalable management of network infrastructure. As a global pioneer in networking, Cisco revolutionizes the way we connect, communicate, and collaborate. Cisco has consistently been at the forefront of IP-based networking technology innovation, covering a vast spectrum that includes routing, switching, security, unified communications, video solutions, and wireless networking. Committed to ethical business practices, Cisco is dedicated to ensuring long-term business sustainability and fostering an eco-friendly approach in both operations and product offerings.

Your Impact

As a Software Engineer, you will have the opportunity to work with some of the brightest problem solvers and thinkers in the Application Centric Infrastructure (ACI) Team that work on next generation of datacenter and cloud switches.

• You will play a pivotal role in the development and advancement of Cisco's cutting-edge network controller software. This software is used by thousands of Cisco customers.
• Work on our backend systems software that will impact the complex and dynamic needs of modern networks.
• You will have the opportunity to develop and build new solutions along with maintaining products that are in production with our customers.
• Contribute to architecture and design discussions by advocating for scalable and maintainable codebases while developing and maintaining high-quality, efficient, and reusable code that aligns with Cisco's standards and best practices.

Minimum Qualifications:

• 12 or more years of experience working as a Software Engineer with a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in computer science or a related technical field
• Hands on programming experience with C or C++ or Golang
• Experience with Systems Software Development
• Experience with Platform Software and Linux Package Management
• Experience with Linux Networking and Linux IP Tables

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience with Linux Kexec, Kernel Configuration and Compilation a plus
• Experience with CVEs and Ubuntu package management a plus
• Experience with LXC Containers
• Experience with Open SSH, Open SSL and FIPs a plus
• Ability to review customer feedback and innovate on new feature builds to meet the needs of our customers
• Design, build, and debug large scale infrastructure services and distributed systems
• Experience working with network controller software
• Implement Kernel debugging, and work with kernel APIs and subsystems
• Exposure to Secure Development Life cycle, Vulnerability and CVE assessment and mitigation and threat-modelling

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. Simply put – we power the future.

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.