Software Engineering Technical Leader

Cisco•San Jose, CA

1d•$214,100 - $309,800

About The Position

Cisco Silicon One is Cisco’s ASIC design center, developing next-generation network devices for the AI/ML era. The position leads the Silicon One Customer Engineering team in North America, collaborating with customers and Silicon One Engineering teams in the U.S. and Europe to manage, support, and deliver software development kits used in Cisco networking solutions. The role works with software and hardware teams, customers, partners, and internal functions to coordinate development, testing, support, product roadmaps, and feature integration, including SAI and SDK functionality. It also manages and mentors a local team and works with the Core ASIC Group and leaders across the organization to advance projects and align with business objectives. The leader oversees team operations and support goals, manages the regression backlog and project execution, and identifies roadblocks. They work with customers to understand needs and deliver useful features, ensure resources are planned and allocated effectively, and participate in strategic planning to improve processes and address technical challenges. The role calls for experience leading software development teams and projects, ideally involving network operating systems, networking ASIC SDKs, and networking technologies, along with strong communication, problem-solving, organizational, and leadership skills. The application window is expected to close on 12/1/2026, though the posting may be removed earlier if the position is filled or enough applications are received. The posted starting salary range for U.S. and/or Canada locations is $214,100 to $309,800, with location-specific ranges also listed for certain U.S. states. Individual compensation depends on factors including location, skills, experience, qualifications, and education. Eligible U.S. employees may receive incentive compensation, equity, and benefits under Cisco plans and policies.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in computer science, electrical engineering, or a related technical field and 12 or more years of software development experience, or a master’s degree and 8 or more years of related experience.
Prior software development and integration experience using one or more of C, C++, or Python.
Experience with L2/L3 networking, forwarding protocols such as bridges and routers, platform solutions, and network topologies.
Experience with networking protocols such as TCP/IP and Ethernet, and network architecture.
Experience with agile development methodologies and software project management tools such as JIRA and Confluence.
Strong communication and problem-solving skills, organizational abilities, leadership, accountability, and transparency.

Nice To Haves

Experience with SONiC, SAI, or another Network OS.
Experience with software development kits (SDKs) and their application in networking.
Experience with large-scale software systems and distributed computing.
PMP, CSM, or Cisco certifications such as CCNA, CCNP, or CCIE.
Experience leading projects involving complex system integration and customization.
Experience working with hardware teams, quality assurance, and customer support to deliver end-to-end solutions.
Experience with NOS, networking ASIC SDKs, and networking technologies.

Responsibilities

Lead and mentor the North American Customer Engineering software team.
Oversee day-to-day team activities and ensure Silicon One Software support goals align with company strategy.
Review the regression backlog, ensure timely project execution, and identify and communicate roadblocks.
Work with Cisco Silicon One customers to understand needs and deliver features and functionality.
Plan, staff, budget, and manage job allocations to ensure the team has and effectively uses necessary resources.
Participate in strategic planning with senior management and team leads to improve processes and address technical challenges.
Coordinate development, testing, and support activities with customers, partners, and Silicon One software and hardware teams.
Support integration of SAI and SDK functionality and collaborate with the Core ASIC Group.
Coordinate with hardware engineering, product management and marketing, product operations, Global Supplier Management, vendors and suppliers, manufacturing operations, and EMS/JDM partners.

Benefits

Medical, dental, and vision insurance for eligible U.S. employees.
401(k) plan with Cisco matching contribution.
Paid parental leave.
Short- and long-term disability coverage.
Basic life insurance.
Eligible employees may receive Cisco restricted stock unit grants.
Paid holidays and, for non-exempt employees, a floating holiday.
Paid birthday day off, year-end holiday shutdown, and personal wellness days.
Vacation time or flexible vacation time off, depending on employee classification and eligibility.
Sick time off, with carryover subject to policy.
Additional paid time away may be requested for critical or emergency family matters.
Optional paid volunteer days.
Annual bonuses may be available for non-sales roles, subject to Cisco policies.