Principal Software Engineer
About The Position
The Common Hardware Group (CHG) at Cisco is seeking skilled software engineers to join our Diagnostic/BSP team, responsible for ensuring the reliability and performance of our world-class hardware. Our team develops software for Cisco’s network switches and routers, which feature advanced application awareness to build a flexible and agile network infrastructure. These capabilities support multi-layered responses to the diverse workload demands of AI and ML. This is a unique opportunity to grow your technical skill set and gain visibility and recognition across cross-functional teams within Cisco. We value motivated individuals who enjoy solving complex challenges and thrive in a collaborative, innovative environment.
Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, or related field with 15+ years experience, or Master’s degree with 12+ years experience.
- Proficient 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.
- Skilled in 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
- 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
