Software Engineering Technical Leader - Networking

The application window is expected to close on: 06/30/2026 Job posting may be removed earlier if the position is filled or if a sufficient number of applications are received .

The Common Hardware Group (CHG) creates innovative hardware platforms central to the AI era, powering Cisco’s core Switching, Routing, and Wireless products for organizations globally. Our innovations in silicon, optics, and hardware platforms—like Silicon One—are shaping the technology industry. We're a distributed team of creative experts, bringing our unique backgrounds and bold ideas to push boundaries and help each other grow.

Because full product development—from design to qualification to production—is within our team, we’re able to think differently, experiment more, and work quickly. Join us to power the future of the digital world

The Silicon One Customer Engineering team serves as the technical bridge between Cisco’s high-performance silicon and real-world network deployments. By translating complex customer requirements into optimized software for the Silicon One NPU, the team directly influences the scalability and efficiency of modern AI/ML and internet infrastructure.

This role is central to the product lifecycle, as engineers collaborate with architecture and hardware teams to ensure that software features align with the evolving demands of high-density, low-latency systems.

The team is a high-caliber group of software engineers and technical leads who prioritize ownership, mentorship, and technical rigor. The environment is collaborative and focused on solving complex challenges in control and data plane development using C++ and Python. What makes this team unique is the opportunity to influence the design of future ASIC generations while maintaining full ownership of the software development process, from initial requirements to final implementation.

• Direct Impact : Influence the development of next-generation ASIC products by bridging the gap between hardware architecture and software programming models.
• Technical Scope : Develop and maintain scalable control and data plane software for the Silicon One NPU, specifically addressing AI/ML and high-density networking demands.
• Full Lifecycle Ownership : Manage the software development process from initial customer requirement gathering and feature scoping through to final implementation and delivery.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration : Partner with internal architecture, hardware, and software teams to design innovative applications and software customizations.
• Skill Application : Utilize modern C++, Python, and specialized network processing languages to build high-performance, low-latency software layers.
• Mentorship Culture : Engage in a team environment that emphasizes technical guidance, code reviews, and the development of clean, user-friendly APIs.

• Bachelor’s degree in CS/EE or a related technical field with 8+ years of software development experience, OR a Master’s degree with 6+ years of related experience.
• 5+ years of experience in a formal people management or team lead role for software engineering teams.
• 8+ years of professional experience developing software using C, C++, or Python.
• 5+ years professional experience implementing L2/L3 networking protocols, specifically BGP, OSPF, and MPLS.
• Experience identifying and resolving software defects using debugging tools including GDB or PDB.
• Experience applying algorithms and data structures to develop and optimize software in a production environment.

• Experience with SONiC, SAI or another Network OS.
• Experience with NPU/ASIC software architecture, design, and development, including the application of SDKs in networking systems.
• Prior work with large-scale software systems and distributed computing.
• Experience leading projects that involve complex system integration and customization.
• Experience in working with hardware teams, quality assurance, and customer support to deliver end-to-end solutions.

The starting salary range posted for this position is $186,900.00 to $267,700.00 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.