Tech Lead – High-Performance Data Plane Networking

Cisco Systems, Inc.; San Jose (CA); On-site; USD 190,000 - 320,000; Full time

Job summary

Cisco Systems, Inc. is seeking a Software Engineer Technical Leader to design, develop, and optimize data plane software for Hypershield Smart Switches. You will write production-grade C/C++ on Linux, tackle complex networking challenges, and guide engineering teams across the lifecycle.

You will lead architecture discussions, perform code reviews, and mentor peers while collaborating with hardware and security teams to deliver advanced networking and security capabilities.

Qualifications

• 12+ years in software development with C/C++ on Linux.
• 10+ years of C/C++ in Linux environments.
• Experience with Layer 2/3 networking protocols.
• Experience with DPUs/SmartNICs or networking processors.
• Production-quality systems software design and delivery.

Responsibilities

• Design and optimize high-performance data plane software for Cisco Hypershield Smart Switches.
• Develop networking software for DPU-based platforms.
• Troubleshoot defects and performance issues.
• Lead technical design reviews and mentor engineers.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to deliver security capabilities.

Skills

C/C++ programming

Linux development

Networking protocols

DPDK experience

Production-grade software

Education

Bachelor’s degree or higher in a related technical field

Tools

DPDK

Job description

Cisco Systems, Inc. is seeking a Software Engineer Technical Leader to design, develop, and optimize data plane software for Hypershield Smart Switches. You will write production-grade C/C++ on Linux, tackle complex networking challenges, and guide engineering teams across the lifecycle.

You will lead architecture discussions, perform code reviews, and mentor peers while collaborating with hardware and security teams to deliver advanced networking and security capabilities.