Tech Lead, High-Performance Data Plane (DPU Networking)

Cisco; Hartford (CT); On-site; USD 192,000 - 317,000; Full time

Job summary

Cisco is seeking a Software Engineer Technical Leader to design and optimize data plane software for Hypershield Smart Switches. You will work on high‑performance C/C++ code on Linux, lead architecture discussions, and mentor engineers across multiple teams.

Ideal candidates bring 12+ years in C/C++, deep networking knowledge, and experience delivering production systems. This role emphasizes hands‑on software, debugging, and cross‑functional collaboration within Cisco’s Security Innovation team.

Qualifications

• 12+ years of professional software development in C/C++ on Linux.
• 10+ years of C/C++ experience in Linux environments.
• Experience in networking or data plane software with strong knowledge of L2/L3.
• Experience delivering production‑quality systems software.

Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and optimize high‑performance data plane software for Cisco Hypershield.
• Lead technical design discussions, architecture reviews, and mentorship.
• Collaborate across software, hardware, and security teams throughout the lifecycle.
• Troubleshoot defects and improve performance, scalability, and reliability.
• Develop for DPU-based Smart Switch platforms and advanced networking features.

Skills

C/C++

Linux

Networking

DPDK

Architecture design

Mentorship

Education

Bachelor’s degree with 12+ years

Master’s degree with 10+ years

PhD with 7+ years

Tools

DPDK

P4

Job description

Cisco is seeking a Software Engineer Technical Leader to design and optimize data plane software for Hypershield Smart Switches. You will work on high‑performance C/C++ code on Linux, lead architecture discussions, and mentor engineers across multiple teams.

Ideal candidates bring 12+ years in C/C++, deep networking knowledge, and experience delivering production systems. This role emphasizes hands‑on software, debugging, and cross‑functional collaboration within Cisco’s Security Innovation team.