Software Engineering Technical Leader

The application window is expected to close on: 03/31/2026 Job posting may be removed earlier if the position is filled or if a sufficient number of applications are received. Meet the Team The Common Hardware Group (CHG) at Cisco is seeking skilled software engineers to join our Diagnostic/BSP team, responsible for ensuring the reliability and performance of our world-class hardware. Our team develops software for Cisco’s network switches and routers, which feature advanced application awareness to build a flexible and agile network infrastructure. These capabilities support multi-layered responses to the diverse workload demands of AI and ML. This is a unique opportunity to grow your technical skill set and gain visibility and recognition across cross-functional teams within Cisco. We value motivated individuals who enjoy solving complex challenges and thrive in a collaborative, innovative environment. Your Impact · Architect, design, and develop BIOS, BSP, and Diagnostics for Cisco Core and Edge routing products. · Design, develop, and test kernel and user space device drivers for FPGA and networking peripherals. · Develop and execute software test plans. · Collaborate with cross-functional teams to debug prototypes and validate software. · Lead technical reviews and discussions across teams. Minimum Qualifications: · Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, or related field and a minimum of 12 years of relevant experience, or Master's degree and a minimum of 10 years of relevant experience. · Proficiency in programming with C, C++, and Python for embedded systems. · Experience in hardware and device driver development, including Linux hardware bring-up, multi-threading, event handling, and state machine implementation. · Experience working with Sonic, ONIE, BMC, IPMI, and/or Redfish technologies. · Experience developing, debugging, and validating embedded systems using protocols such as I2C, SPI, UART, PCIe, and/or GPIO. Preferred Skills: · Proficient in kernel debugging tools such as GDB and KGDB. · Experience developing software from concept through delivery for large-scale, high-bandwidth systems. · Ability to troubleshoot software defects from kernel modules to applications. · Experience with collaborative system design, specification writing, and requirements review. · Commitment to quality, mentoring, and continuous learning in networking, optics, and embedded systems. · Experience with AI/ML. · Knowledge of Layer 2/3 network protocols. · Strong troubleshooting and debugging skills. · Experience with network processors and optical networking. · Familiarity with secure-boot, open-source tools, CMIS, and SFF standards (SFP, QSFP). · Strong communication skills and knowledge of software quality processes. 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 $210,600.00 to $305,100.00 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 loca ... (truncated, view full listing at source)