Principal Software Engineer
About The Position
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 global 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.
Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, or related field with 15+ years experience, or Master’s degree with 12+ years experience.
- Experience in C, C++, and Python programming for embedded systems.
- Experience in hardware and device driver development, including Linux hardware bring-up, multi-threading, event handling, and state machine implementation.
- Experience with Sonic, ONIE, BMC, IPMI, and/or Redfish technologies.
- Experience developing, debugging, and validating embedded systems using protocols such as I2C, SPI, UART, PCIe, GPIO.
Nice To Haves
- Proficient in kernel debugging tools such as GDB and KGDB.
- Experience leading board bring-up, validation, and debugging of embedded systems.
- Ability to develop software from concept through delivery for large-scale, high-bandwidth systems.
- Strong troubleshooting skills for software defects from kernel modules to applications.
- Experience in collaborative system design, specification writing, and requirements review.
- Commitment to quality, mentoring, and continuous learning in networking, optics, and embedded systems.
- AI/ML experience and knowledge of Layer 2/3 network protocols, network processors, optical networking, secure-boot, open-source tools, CMIS, and SFF standards (SFP, QSFP).
Responsibilities
- Architect and develop BIOS, BSP, and diagnostics for Cisco's Core and Edge routing products.
- Design, develop, and test device drivers for FPGA and networking peripherals.
- Develop and execute software test plans.
- Collaborate with cross-functional teams to debug prototypes and validate software.
- Innovate and drive unique software, hardware, and technology solutions with a global impact on Cisco's product portfolio.
- Utilize deep technical expertise for complex consultations and act as an expert both internally and externally.
- Shape technology and industry trends to enable a competitive advantage and ensure long-term business impact.
Benefits
- medical, dental and vision insurance
- a 401(k) plan with a Cisco matching contribution
- paid parental leave
- short and 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
- 16 days of paid vacation time per full calendar year (non-exempt employees)
- flexible vacation time off program (exempt employees)
- 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
- Additional paid time away may be requested to deal with 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 roles)
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Principal
