Manager, Software Engineering -Next-Gen Enterprise Routers

Cisco

About The Position

The Cisco Enterprise Routing team is responsible for the end-to-end lifecycle of the platforms that serve as the "connective tissue" for businesses worldwide, ensuring data moves securely and efficiently across various network environments. The team is seeking a highly skilled Software Development Manager to lead a senior engineering team focused on the development of Cisco’s new generation Secure Routers. This role involves development across multiple software layers, including low-level drivers, advanced networking protocols, high-performance packet forwarding, modern cryptographic security, AI-driven features, modern CPU architecture, and system optimizations for scale and performance. The manager will guide high-level technical execution, drive engineering consistency across development cycles, and ensure smooth delivery across multiple concurrent workstreams, requiring strong leadership, technical judgment, and collaboration skills.

Requirements

MSCS/EE combined with 5-7 years of related experience or BSCS/EE combined with 7-10+ years of experience
2-3 years of technical leadership (team lead, senior engineer mentoring others, or project ownership)
Demonstrated ability to drive delivery of features/projects
Strong understanding of computer networking concepts
Strong knowledge of data structures and algorithms
Experience with Linux systems programming
Experience working on embedded systems or firmware
Knowledge of memory management and performance optimization
Experience with code version control, code reviews, and testing practices
Strong communication skills across engineering and cross-functional teams

Nice To Haves

Exposure to hardware-software integration (ASICs, SDKs)
Able to handle multiple tasks at once and work independently with minimal managerial mentorship
Be open to continuous learning and committed to ongoing self-improvementl

Responsibilities

Lead a distributed team of senior engineers and technical leaders delivering Enterprise Next-Gen Routers including Forwarding Plane and Platform features
Review/Respond to Product Requirement Docs (PRDs)
Lead a team to design and validate products according to system/software functional specifications
Lead a high-performing team of engineers to deliver exceptional results by optimizing development workflows and championing an AI-centric approach to software delivery
Manage and coordinate engineering execution across multiple Cisco Sites
Partner with cross-functional teams including hardware, platform software, test, and product engineering to align milestones, schedules, and deliverables
Oversee development quality including unit testing strategy, defect triage, release planning, and branch management
Work closely with the field to successfully enable the products/solutions
Drive quality improvements and operational efficiencies

Benefits

Medical insurance
Dental insurance
Vision insurance
401(k) plan with a Cisco matching contribution
Paid parental leave
Short-term disability coverage
Long-term disability coverage
Basic life insurance
Grants of Cisco restricted stock units
10 paid holidays per full calendar year
1 floating holiday (for non-exempt employees)
1 paid day off for employee’s birthday
Paid year-end holiday shutdown
4 paid days off for personal wellness determined by Cisco
16 days of paid vacation time per full calendar year (for non-exempt employees, accrued at 4.92 hours per pay period)
Flexible vacation time off program (for exempt employees, no defined limit)
80 hours of sick time off provided on hire date and each January 1st thereafter
Up to 80 hours of unused sick time carried forward from one calendar year to the next
Additional paid time away for critical or emergency issues for family members
Optional 10 paid days per full calendar year to volunteer
Annual bonuses (for non-sales roles)
Performance-based incentive pay (for sales plans, split between quota and non-quota components)