Software Engineering Senior Technical Leader - Networking

Cisco Systems, Inc.; San Jose (CA); On-site; USD 140,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading company in networking technology is seeking a senior technical leader to join their Switch Abstraction Interface team in Silicon One division. This role involves influencing the future of networking through open-source projects, architectural decisions, and community engagement. Candidates should have extensive experience in networking software development and proficiency in programming languages, specifically C, C++, and Python.

Benefits

Paid time off to volunteer

Diverse employee resource organizations

Qualifications

• 12+ years of networking software development experience for Bachelor's, 8+ for Master's, or 5+ for PhD.
• Proficiency in C, C++, and Python is required.
• Experience with networking protocols such as L2/L3, MPLS, BGP, OSPF.

Responsibilities

• Lead the alignment of SONiC switch model with SAI goals.
• Drive SAI software architecture and design principles.
• Mentor team members and collaborate with hardware teams.

Skills

C

C++

Python

Networking protocols

Debugging

Serviceability

Education

Bachelor's Degree

Master's Degree

PhD

Job description

The application window is expected to close on June 1st, 2025.

Job posting may be removed earlier if the position is filled or if a sufficient number of applications are received.

Meet the Team

Join the Switch Abstraction Interface (SAI) team, a pivotal part of Cisco’s Silicon One networking software division. Our team is responsible for designing and implementing software interfaces that abstract hardware complexities for network switches. We are at the forefront of developing solutions that enable seamless scalability, performance, and integration with modern networking technologies.

As a senior technical leader in the SAI area, you will have the opportunity to influence the future of networking by working on open-source initiatives, driving innovation, and shaping the industry’s standards.

Your Impact

This role offers a unique opportunity to lead in the SAI domain and contribute to the design, development, and community engagement for Cisco’s networking solutions. You will drive architectural decisions and represent Cisco in the SAI open-source community, influencing the direction of networking technologies globally.

Your responsibilities will include:

• Aligning SONiC switch model with SAI architectural goals.
• Leading Cisco's involvement in the SAI open-source community and technical discussions.
• Driving SAI software architecture and design principles and key infrastructure efforts, including debugging, serviceability, and performance optimization.
• Designing and developing SAI software interfaces for network switches.
• Mentoring team members and collaborating with hardware teams to ensure alignment with system capabilities.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelors + 12 years of experience in networking software development or Masters + 8 years of experience, or PhD + 5 years of experience
• Proficient in programming languages such as C, C++, and Python.
• Experience with networking protocols (e.g., L2/L3, MPLS, BGP, OSPF).
• Experience with software-hardware integration and debugging.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with the SONiC switch model and open-source community engagement.
• Knowledge of ASIC programming and SDKs.
• Experience in defining and driving software architecture and design principles.
• Strong debugging, troubleshooting, and serviceability skills.
• Experience with leading technical discussions and influencing industry standards.
• Excellent communication and collaboration skills with multi-functional teams.

#WeAreCisco

#WeAreCisco where every individual brings their unique skills and perspectives together to pursue our purpose of powering an inclusive future for all.

Our passion is connection—we celebrate our employees’ diverse set of backgrounds and focus on unlocking potential. Cisconians often experience one company, many careers where learning and development are encouraged and supported at every stage. Our technology, tools, and culture pioneered hybrid work trends, allowing all to not only give their best, but be their best.

We understand our outstanding opportunity to bring communities together and at the heart of that is our people. One-third of Cisconians collaborate in our 30 employee resource organizations, called Inclusive Communities, to connect, foster belonging, learn to be informed allies, and make a difference. Dedicated paid time off to volunteer—80 hours each year—allows us to give back to causes we are passionate about, and nearly 86% do!

Our purpose, driven by our people, is what makes us the worldwide leader in technology that powers the internet. Helping our customers reimagine their applications, secure their enterprise, transform their infrastructure, and meet their sustainability goals is what we do best. We ensure that every step we take is a step towards a more inclusive future for all. Take your next step and be you, with us!