Software Engineering Technical Leader

The application window is expected to close on: 03/23/2026 Job posting may be removed earlier if the position is filled or if a sufficient number of applications are received. This is a fully remote role within the U.S., with a strong preference for candidates located in San Jose, CA, or Research Triangle Park (RTP), NC Meet the Team At the Data Center Business Unit at 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. 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 work with a diverse group of some of the brightest problem solvers and thinkers in the Data Center Switching Team that work on the next generation of Data Center & Cloud switches. Your Impact You will participate in projects involved in the development of software for our next generation network operating systems for Cisco’s industry leading N9K family of datacenter switches. You will be working on low level device drivers, OS components, and application software that interact with home-grown and 3rd party ASICs, FPGAs, and SDK. Define, design, and deliver new platforms for the Nextgen ASICs for the Cisco Data Center Switch Platforms Write complete functional and design specs Design & develop large portions of software independently Learn a wide range of Data Center technologies Minimum Qualifications Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, or a related STEM field and a minimum of 10 years of professional experience in software development, including at least 2 years in a technical leadership role 10+ years of hands-on programming experience in C and C++ 10+ years of experience developing embedded system software for switches or routers 5+ years of experience implementing or leading teams working with Layer 2 (L2) and Layer 3 (L3) networking protocols Demonstrated experience mentoring engineers and driving technical decision-making within cross-functional teams Preferred Qualifications OS, System architecture, Linux device driver and user space knowledge Experience with high availability related to switch/router products Knowledge of AI/ML infrastructure and its integration with networking or datacenter environments Master’s degree in Computer Science or a related STEM field combined with 2+ years of experience 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 r ... (truncated, view full listing at source)