Software Engineering Technical Leader- Networking

Cisco•Milpitas, MI

About The Position

As a core part of the Distributed Systems Engineering group, we design, build, and optimize the routing software that powers the world’s most critical data center, service provider and enterprise networks. Our team delivers platform-independent routing software that runs across the Cisco 8000, ASR 9000, and 5500 series of routers, as well as virtual platforms. We architect and develop cutting edge solutions for hyperscale/neo cloud customers and service providers, addressing emerging demands in critical technologies including segment routing, SRv6, EVPN, VxLAN etc. that are the building blocks for modern AI infrastructure. We are a global, collaborative force with a presence in San Jose, India, Ottawa, and Europe, united by a passion for high-performance, scalable and multithreaded systems. As a Tech Lead, you will be the bridge between complex architectural vision and high-quality software delivery.

Requirements

Bachelor’s + 8 years, Master’s + 6 years, or PhD + 3 years of related experience in software engineering.
System Architecture and software development experience in the networking domain.
Strong proficiency in C/C++/Go with a focus on systems programming

Nice To Haves

Knowledge of Routing Technologies, BGP, OSPF, ISIS, MPLS protocols
Understanding of concepts of segment routing, SRv6, traffic engineering and datacenter technologies like VxLAN.
Excellent problem-solving and troubleshooting/debugging skills.
Experience in manageability frameworks such as YANG/SNMP/XML.
Familiarity with Unix/Linux. Experience using RTOS (ex: QNX, VxWorks)
Practical experience in or deep familiarity with AI-assisted coding tools (e.g. Cursor, GitHub Copilot, Claude Code).

Responsibilities

Architect and deliver innovative and scalable BGP/routing solutions for complex customer requirements and internal initiatives, tailored to meet the extreme demands of modern web-scale infrastructure.
Lead discussions with customers, account teams and product management to understand complex customer deployments and use-cases and define engineering requirements.
Champion the integration of AI-driven coding tools to accelerate development cycles and enhance software quality.
Collaborate across adjacent software teams to define robust programming interfaces.
Review design and code, setting the standard for quality excellence. Contribute to troubleshooting and bug fixes across the stack.
Contribute to and develop new networking standards, in collaboration with peers in Cisco and vendors and partners.

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, plus 1 floating holiday for non-exempt employees
1 paid day off for employee’s birthday, paid year-end holiday shutdown, and 4 paid days off for personal wellness
16 days of paid vacation time per full calendar year, accrued at rate of 4.92 hours per pay period for full-time employees (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 (non-sales roles)
performance-based incentive pay (sales roles)