Software Engineer

We are seeking an experienced and motivated Software Engineer to join our Service Provider High End Router (Cisco 8000) team within the R&D department, contributing to the evolution of next-generation networking products! In this role, you'll develop and optimize firmware, SDKs, simulators, and compilers for Cisco Silicon One architecture, with a strong focus on using the power of P4 (Programming Protocol-Independent Packet Processors).

This is a phenomenal opportunity to work with pioneering technology that's shaping the future of networking!

You'll be part of a diverse team dedicated to delivering innovative, high-quality solutions on Cisco 8000, featuring the latest Silicon One ASICs. You will play a key role in developing the SDK and/or control plane for networking protocols, collaborating with talented colleagues to drive industry-leading advancements. Join us and be a part of something outstanding!

As a Software Engineer, you will design and develop a broad set of advanced networking features. With the foundational capabilities of our next-generation platforms already established, this role offers a true ground-floor opportunity to drive the next phase of product growth. You will help shape our convergence strategy in the Service Provider space and deliver high-impact features powering Web, Cloud, Data Center, and Mobile networking solutions.

- Design, implement, and test C, C++, and P4 programs to define packet-processing behaviors on high-performance network devices.

- Build, optimize, and enhance the backend of the P4 compiler to fully leverage the capabilities of advanced networking hardware.

- Solve complex resource-management challenges and optimize resource allocation across programmable network-processing pipelines.

- Collaborate closely with ASIC engineers to ensure seamless integration of P4 programs with next-generation IC designs, including providing compiler support throughout hardware development cycles.

- Participate in the design and implementation of new C, C++, and P4 language features to support the evolving needs of network application developers.

- Develop Python-based test frameworks and author Python test cases to validate SDK functionality and ensure correctness, performance, and reliability of P4-based data-plane programming.

- Bachelor's degree with 7+ years of relevant experience or master's degree with 4+ years, or PhD with 1+ years of relevant experience in a STEM discipline.

- Experience in software design and development using C, C++, and Python, including contributions to production-quality systems.

- Experience in troubleshooting, debugging, and resolving complex software issues across large, distributed codebases, with practical experience in using tools such as GDB, PDB, etc.

- Experience with Layer 2 (L2) and Layer 3 (L3) networking technologies, protocols, and data-plane behaviors.

- Experience with network-processor software programming is a strong plus.

- Hands-on experience with P4 and low-level microcode development.

The starting salary range posted for this position is $167,700.00 to $245,200.00 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.