# Software Engineer at Cisco

Cisco is hiring a Software Engineer. It pays $155k-$223k a year and Level rates it Uses AI ●●○○; you can [apply on Cisco](https://jobsbylevel.com/go/6706ce14-60a1-4f98-ae7a-079b84c2fd4e?utm_medium=ai-agent).

AI Level 2, AI centrality 45 out of 100. Milpitas, California, US.

## Details

- Company: [Cisco](https://jobsbylevel.com/companies/cisco)
- AI level: AI Level 2 (score 45 out of 100)
- Location: Milpitas, California, US
- Salary: $155k-$223k
- Posted: November 15, 2026
- Apply: https://jobsbylevel.com/go/6706ce14-60a1-4f98-ae7a-079b84c2fd4e?utm_medium=ai-agent
- Free CV review for this job: https://jobsbylevel.com/cv-review?job=software-engineer-at-cisco-ffdb3b

## Prepare for this job

The job page lists 5 likely interview questions for this offer, with a CV checklist: https://jobsbylevel.com/jobs/software-engineer-at-cisco-ffdb3b

## Description

The application window is expected to close on: 11/29/2026 Meet the Team The Cisco 8000 Layer 3 Forwarding team develops the IOS XR software that powers packet forwarding on Cisco Silicon One, Cisco’s family of high-performance networking ASICs. As part of Cisco’s Distributed Systems Engineering (DSE) organization, we build scalable, high-performance routing platforms for service providers and hyperscale networks, supporting the growing demands of cloud infrastructure and AI/ML workloads. Our work connects routing decisions to hardware forwarding behavior—from programming routes and next hops to optimizing forwarding scale, performance, and reliability. We collaborate closely with routing control plane teams to translate routing information into hardware forwarding entries, and with Cisco’s Silicon One ASIC and SDK engineering teams to program the network processors using their software development kit (SDK). These partnerships put our team at the intersection of routing software and networking hardware. You will contribute across the full development lifecycle, from design and implementation to validation and production troubleshooting. Join a team where your work directly shapes how some of the world’s largest networks move traffic. Impact You are a developer who will design, develop, automate, and execute new hardware or features across complex Network Architectures using C/C++ language. You define and qualify end to end / solution architectures, engage in debugging complex network problems and define solutions. Having worked on network automation, you could demonstrate algorithmic thinking and analytics applications derived from customer use cases. What you will do: o Contribute to the development and enhancement of Cisco IOS XR software. o Play a vital role in the innovation and improvement of software solutions for AI/ML, hyperscalers, and service providers. o Take ownership of tasks and features with the ability to quickly acquire new skills. o Address innovative challenges and resolve complex technical problems. o Work closely with fellow engineers to deliver new functionalities and enhancements to customers. o Collaborate with tools like Microsoft Copilot and Cisco's internal AI/ML solutions to drive development efficiency. o Develop new features for the software or design fully automated tests. o Investigate and troubleshoot issues to ensure reliable and effective solutions. o Utilize test tools to maintain high-quality standards and ensure the software meets rigorous benchmarks. o Gain hands-on experience with various areas of network technologies, such as Programmability and Routing Infrastructure. o Build expertise in cutting-edge network technology and develop skills applicable to a wide range of systems. o Enhance the experience and satisfaction of customers by delivering robust, high-quality software solutions. o Ensure the continuous improvement and innovation of Cisco IOS XR software to meet evolving customer needs. Minimum Qualifications • Bachelors + 5 years of related experience OR Masters + 3 years of related experience OR PhD +0 years of related experience. • Experience in all phases of SW development cycle with some exposure to agile development methodologies • Experience programming in C, C++ or Python • Development Experience with Network routing protocols • Experience using AI tools to improve engineering productivity such as optimizing complex routing protocols and reducing latency. Preferred Qualifications • Familiarity with Linux and modern software tools like GDB, VTune, Valgrind, Perf etc. for development and debugging. • Deep understanding of L2/L3 to L7 technologies like OSPF, ISIS, BGP, BFD, MPLS technologies. • Familiarity with VMs and virtualization technologies. • Automation experience with Python, Tcl, REST, Jenkins 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

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