Principal Software Engineer

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 and develop BIOS, BSP, and diagnostics for Cisco's Core and Edge routing products. Design, develop, and test device drivers for FPGA and networking peripherals. Develop and execute software test plans. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to debug prototypes and validate software. Innovate and drive unique software, hardware, and technology solutions with a global impact on Cisco's product portfolio. Utilize deep technical expertise for complex consultations and act as an expert both internally and externally. Shape technology and industry trends to enable a competitive advantage and ensure long-term business impact. Minimum Qualifications Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, or related field with 15+ years experience, or Master’s degree with 12+ years experience. Proficient in C, C++, and Python programming for embedded systems. Experience in hardware and device driver development, including Linux hardware bring-up, multi-threading, event handling, and state machine implementation. Experience with Sonic, ONIE, BMC, IPMI, and/or Redfish technologies. Skilled in developing, debugging, and validating embedded systems using protocols such as I2C, SPI, UART, PCIe, GPIO. Preferred Qualifications Proficient in kernel debugging tools such as GDB and KGDB. Experience leading board bring-up, validation, and debugging of embedded systems. Ability to develop software from concept through delivery for large-scale, high-bandwidth systems. Strong troubleshooting skills for software defects from kernel modules to applications. Experience in collaborative system design, specification writing, and requirements review. Commitment to quality, mentoring, and continuous learning in networking, optics, and embedded systems. AI/ML experience and knowledge of Layer 2/3 network protocols, network processors, optical networking, secure-boot, open-source tools, CMIS, and SFF standards (SFP, QSFP). 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 $231,400.00 to $331,800.00 and reflects the projected salary range for new hires in this position in U.S. and/or Canada locations, not including incentive compen ... (truncated, view full listing at source)