Software Engineer (Wireless Networking)

020 Cisco Systems, Inc.; Milpitas (CA); On-site; USD 155,000 - 223,000; Full time

Job summary

Cisco Systems, Inc. is seeking a Software Engineer to design, develop, and sustain the core embedded software for Wireless Access Points. You’ll collaborate with global experts to architect high‑performance features and ensure scalable, reliable connectivity across enterprise networks.

The role emphasizes optimizing embedded stacks, working with C/C++, Python, and Linux in a fast‑paced, highly technical environment that directly impacts millions of enterprise users.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science or a related field with 5+ years of relevant experience
• Experience in C and C++ programming for high‑performance, embedded systems
• Expertise in Python scripting for development and automation support
• Knowledge of 802.11 wireless protocols and network protocol stacks, including L2 switching, IP routing, and TCP/IP
• Experience with Linux‑based development environments and network resource management

Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and sustain the core software powering Cisco’s Wireless Access Point product line
• Collaborate with global experts to architect high‑performance features for functionality, scalability, and availability
• Optimize embedded software stacks to ensure best‑in‑breed performance in complex networking environments
• Lead the development and maintenance of critical features to improve system reliability and platform performance

Skills

C/C++

Python scripting

802.11 wireless

Linux development

Embedded systems

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science or related field

Job description

The application window is expected to close on: 10/15/2026

MEET THE TEAM

Cisco’s Wireless Networking Group is the industry leader in enterprise WLAN, recognized globally for building innovative, simple, and scalable solutions across both on-prem and cloud architectures. We serve as a hub for world‑class engineering talent, working together to push the boundaries of what is possible in modern wireless connectivity. Our environment is fast‑paced, highly collaborative, and deeply technical, fostering a culture of shared ownership and professional growth. What makes us truly exciting is the direct influence our software has on the global connectivity landscape, powering the networks that businesses rely on every day.

YOUR IMPACT

Join our team as a Software Engineer to design, develop, and sustain the core software that powers Cisco’s Wireless Access Point product line. Collaborate with global experts to architect high‑performance features that enhance functionality, system scalability, and availability. Optimize embedded software stacks to ensure best‑of‑breed performance across complex networking environments. Lead the development and maintenance of critical features to improve overall system reliability and platform performance. Your contributions directly influence the user experience for millions of enterprise customers, ensuring our solutions remain the standard for high‑performance connectivity.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science or a related field with 5+ years of relevant experience, or a Master’s degree with 3+ years of experience.

Experience in C and C++ programming for high‑performance, embedded systems.

Expertise in Python scripting for development and automation support.

Knowledge of 802.11 wireless protocols and network protocol stacks, including L2 switching, IP routing, and TCP/IP.

Experience with Linux‑based development environments and network resource management.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

Interpersonal and communication skills to facilitate cross‑functional collaboration.

Sense of ownership and the ability to drive projects with minimal managerial guidance.

Aptitude for multi‑tasking and prioritizing complex technical tasks in a fast‑paced environment.

Commitment to continuous learning and ongoing professional development to adapt to emerging technologies.

Strong team‑oriented mindset with the ability to work effectively within a highly technical, diverse group.

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 40years 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.

Cisconians power the future. We make impact as a team, innovating fast and fearlessly to create meaningful solutions on a large scale. The depth and breadth of our technology doesn’t just benefit our customers – it also means limitless opportunities for us to experiment and learn. We understand the power each of our unique backgrounds bring when we work together. Because of that, we have a global network of thinkers, doers, experts, and curious creators who help one another do their life’s best work.

Message to applicants applying to work in the U.S. and/or Canada:

The starting salary range posted for this position is $155,000.00 to $222,600.00 and reflects the projected salary range for new hires in this position in U.S. and/or Canada locations, not including incentive compensation*, equity, or benefits. Individual pay is determined by the candidate's hiring location, market conditions, job‑related skillset, experience, qualifications, education, certifications, and/or training. The full salary range for certain locations is listed below. For locations not listed below, the recruiter can share more details about compensation for the role in your location during the hiring process.

U.S. employees are offered benefits, subject to Cisco’s plan eligibility rules, which include medical, dental and vision insurance, a 401(k) plan with a Cisco matching contribution, paid parental leave, short and long‑term disability coverage, and basic life insurance.

Employees may be eligible to receive grants of Cisco restricted stock units, which vest following continued employment with Cisco for defined periods of time.

U.S. employees are eligible for paid time away as described below, subject to Cisco’s policies: 10 paid holidays per full calendar year, plus 1 floating holiday for non‑exempt employees 1 paid day off for employee’s birthday, paid year‑end holiday shutdown, and 4 paid days off for personal wellness determined by Cisco. Non‑exempt employees** receive 16 days of paid vacation time per full calendar year, accrued at rate of 4.92 hours per pay period for full‑time employees. Exempt employees participate in Cisco’s flexible vacation time off program, which has no defined limit on how much vacation time eligible employees may use (subject to availability and some business limitations). 80 hours of sick time off provided on hire date and each January1st thereafter, and up to 80 hours of unused sick time carried forward from one calendar year to the next.

Additional paid time away may be requested to deal with critical or emergency issues for family members.

Optional 10 paid days per full calendar year to volunteer.

For non‑sales roles, employees are also eligible to earn annual bonuses subject to Cisco’s policies. Employees on sales plans earn performance‑based incentive pay on top of their base salary, which is split between quota and non‑quota components, subject to the applicable Cisco plan. For quota‑based incentive pay, Cisco typically pays as follows: .75% of incentive target for each 1% of revenue attainment up to 50% of quota; 1.5% of incentive target for each 1% of attainment between 50% and 75%; 1% of incentive target for each 1% of attainment between 75% and 100%; and Once performance exceeds 100% attainment, incentive rates are at or above 1% for each 1% of attainment with no cap on incentive compensation. For non‑quota‑based sales performance elements such as strategic sales objectives, Cisco may pay 0% up to 125% of target. Cisco sales plans do not have a minimum threshold of performance for sales incentive compensation to be paid.

The applicable full salary ranges for this position, by specific state, are listed below:

NewYorkCityMetroArea: $155,000.00–$256,000.00

Non‑Metro NewYork state&Washington state: $138,100.00–$227,900.00

* For quota‑based sales roles on Cisco’s sales plan, the ranges provided in this posting include base pay and sales target incentive compensation combined.

** Employees in Illinois, whether exempt or non‑exempt, will participate in a unique time off program to meet local requirements.