Software Engineer, SD-WAN Security

Cisco•Research Triangle Park, NC

13d•$126,500 - $182,000•Hybrid

About The Position

We are seeking a highly skilled Software Development Engineer to join our SD-WAN Security Engineering team, which is responsible for securing the SD-WAN fabric that operates globally at a massive scale. In this role, you will work at the forefront of ground-breaking security technologies in enterprise routers that connect cloud infrastructure and applications. You will be responsible for developing and integrating advanced security features, including Firewall, IPS/IDS, Content Filtering, File Inspection, and various other next-generation firewall capabilities.

Requirements

Bachelors + 5 years of related experience, or Masters + 3 years of related experience, or PhD + 0 years of related experience.
Working experience of C/C++ and Python programming, with a strong focus on developing efficient algorithms and optimized code.
Ability to demonstrate understanding of the Network Security domain and common deployment scenarios.
Foundational knowledge of Layer 3 and Layer 4 networking technologies and services.
Proven track record in complex debugging, troubleshooting, and software development.

Nice To Haves

Experience with AI assisted development tools such as Copilot, Claude, Codex or similar technologies to improve engineering productivity and code quality.
Experience working in cross‑functional and distributed teams.
Ability to adapt quickly and deliver effectively in a fast-paced, evolving environment with changing priorities and technologies.
Demonstrated agility in learning new tools, technologies, and domains with strong problem-solving and analytical capabilities.
Highly self-motivated with a passion for innovation and developing creative solutions.

Responsibilities

Design and develop robust security software for Cisco’s routing portfolio, supporting diverse deployment modes.
Collaborate closely with Product Managers and Architects on roadmaps and priorities to build the next-generation firewall features.
Write clean, maintainable code with unit tests; perform code reviews and contribute to secure coding practices.
Drive high-quality execution by distilling complex technical challenges into elegant, maintainable solutions; author functional and design specifications.
Mentor and guide junior team members in a player-coach model, fostering professional growth and technical excellence.
Use modern development workflows including AI‑assisted coding tools and VSCode.

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)
flexible vacation time off program (exempt)
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 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)