Senior Software Engineer, AI/ML Network Engineering

Cisco•Milpitas, CA

20h•$167,700 - $245,200

About The Position

The Network Engineering group builds software platforms for some of the largest networks in the world. As next-generation infrastructure develops to support growing AI/ML workloads and more internet users, applications, and services, the team works on networking and platform security challenges. This role develops security solutions for next-generation networking platforms and AI-powered systems that can reason about, troubleshoot, and resolve complex infrastructure challenges. It combines software engineering, platform security, networking, and AI/ML to build tools for large-scale systems. The team works in a fast-paced, collaborative environment and takes ownership across the product lifecycle, from development and testing through production support. As part of the Infrastructure Engineering team, the Software Engineer will develop software for next-generation networking platforms and AI-powered systems. The role involves working with system architects and engineering teams, using modern development practices and open-source technologies, and supporting distributed systems in production. Engineers collaborate with geographically distributed teams to build, test, troubleshoot, and optimize large-scale systems.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree with 7 years of related experience, master's degree with 4 years of related experience, PhD with 1 year of related experience, or equivalent related work experience.
Programming experience in C/C++ and Python.
Experience with AI-driven workflows and agentic frameworks.
Understanding of foundational AI concepts and machine learning algorithms.
Experience with Linux systems, networking fundamentals, operating system concepts, and container-based applications.
Experience using modern AI-assisted development tools such as Cursor, Codex, Claude Code, or Devin.

Nice To Haves

Experience developing software for distributed systems or large-scale software platforms.
Certifications in AI/ML and agentic workflows, or equivalent.
Understanding of networking fundamentals including TCP/IP, DNS, DHCP, BGP, routing protocols, and switching.
Strong analytical and problem-solving skills and the ability to work in a fast-paced engineering environment.

Responsibilities

Design, develop, and test software for high-impact networking platforms and distributed systems.
Collaborate with system architects and engineering teams to design scalable solutions that meet product requirements.
Build systems and applications using modern development practices and open-source technologies.
Contribute to the development and maintenance of complex software projects with an automation-first mindset.
Troubleshoot, debug, and optimize distributed systems to improve performance and reliability.
Support production environments and participate in resolving real-world operational challenges.
Work closely with geographically distributed engineering teams in a collaborative environment.

Benefits

Medical, dental, and vision insurance.
401(k) plan with a Cisco matching contribution.
Paid parental leave.
Short- and long-term disability coverage.
Basic life insurance.
Paid holidays and a floating holiday for non-exempt employees.
Paid birthday day off, year-end holiday shutdown, and paid personal wellness days.
Paid vacation or a flexible vacation time-off program, depending on employee classification.
Paid sick time, with limited carryover of unused time.
Additional paid time away may be requested for critical or emergency family issues.
Optional paid volunteer days.
Annual bonuses for eligible non-sales employees.
Potential grants of Cisco restricted stock units, subject to eligibility and continued employment.