Software Engineering Technical Leader, Nexus Switches

Cisco; Milpitas (CA); On-site; USD 187,000 - 268,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

None

Job summary

Cisco in Milpitas, CA, is seeking an experienced software engineer to join the Data Center Business Unit. You will learn and apply core Ethernet technologies, contribute to the Nexus switch family, and collaborate across teams to deliver features from design through delivery.

You will lead parts of projects, mentor others, and write clean code with unit tests, while addressing customer needs and tracking adoption metrics. A strong background in C/C++, Python, and embedded networking is required.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s with 10+ years of related experience, or Master’s with 8+ years, or PhD with 6+ years.
• C/C++ and Python programming language proficiency.
• Embedded and/or router/switch software development experience.
• GDB debugging skills.
• SDLC and L2/L3/ACL/QOS packet forwarding or CPU path experience; SDK development on NPU/DPU/Networking ASICs.
• Experience with traffic generators such as IXIA and Spirent.

Responsibilities

• Learn core Ethernet technologies with architectural exposure to Nexus switching.
• Contribute to development of software for the Nexus product family.
• Define, architect, design, and deliver new features on the Nexus platform.
• Lead small-to-medium features from design through completion.
• Write clean code and unit tests with minimal supervision.
• Collaborate across teams and manage project timelines.

Skills

C

C++

Python

Embedded software

GDB

Networking

Education

Bachelor's with 10+ yrs

Master's with 8+ yrs

PhD with 6+ yrs

Tools

SDK development for NPU/DPU

Job description

The application window is expected to close on: 10/30/2026

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.

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
• Act as a resource for colleagues with less experience.
• 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.
• 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.
• Writes functional clean code and unit tests with minimal guidance.
• Performs coding, debugging, testing, and troubleshooting throughout the development process under minimal supervision.
• Contribute as an expert in secure coding principles and understands threat model of a feature. Write code enabling scale, reliability, and velocity in product releases.
• Troubleshoots 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.
• Coordinate and collaborates 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.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelors + 10 years of related experience, or Masters + 8 years of related experience, or PhD +6 years of related experience
• C and/or C++ and Python programming language
• Embedded and/or router/switch software development experience
• Debugging with tools like GBD
• SDLC and L2/L3/ACL/QOS Packet Forwarding and/or CPU packet path experience and SDK development experience on NPU/DPU or networking ASICs
• Experience with traffic generator tools such as IXIA & Spirent

Preferred Qualifications

• SDK development on NPU/DPU/Networking ASICs is highly desirable.
• Proven experience fostering collaboration across diverse teams to achieve goals, resolve challenges, and drive innovation in a cross‑functional environment.
• Hands‑on experience with SDKs to include integration, debugging and optimization of the SDKs in 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.

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

The starting salary range posted for this position is $186,900.00 to $267,700.00 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 traini