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# Software Engineer

- **Company:** Cisco Systems, Inc.
- **Location:** Milpitas, CA, United States
- **Salary:** $167,700.0 - $245,200.0
- **Contract:** Permanent contract
- **Skills:** C (Programming Language), Automation of Tests, C++ (Programming Language), Cloud Computing, Computer Programming, Data Centers, Software Debugging, Hardware Design, Networking Hardware, Python (Programming Language), Network Layer, Software Engineering, Computer Network Technologies, Application Specific Integrated Circuits, Backend, Codebase
- **Published:** August 2, 2026
- **Apply:** https://diversityjobs.com/main/sendform/8/8/28176/1/15878144?backUrl=%2Fcareer%2F15878144%2FSoftware-Engineer-California-Milpitas

## About the Role

* Bachelor's degree with 7+ years of relevant experience or master's degree with 4+ years, or PhD with 1+ years of relevant experience in a STEM discipline.
 * Experience in software design and development using C, C++, and Python, including contributions to productionquality systems.
 * Experience in troubleshooting, debugging, and resolving complex software issues across large, distributed codebases, with practical experience in using tools such as GDB, PDB, etc.
 * Experience with Layer 2 (L2) and Layer 3 (L3) networking technologies, protocols, and dataplane behaviors.

Preferred Qualifications

 * Experience with networkprocessor software programming is a strong plus.
 * Handson experience with P4 and lowlevel microcode development.

## Description

As a Software Engineer, you will design and develop a broad set of advanced networking features. With the foundational capabilities of our nextgeneration platforms already established, this role offers a true groundfloor opportunity to drive the next phase of product growth. You will help shape our convergence strategy in the Service Provider space and deliver highimpact features powering Web, Cloud, Data Center, and Mobile networking solutions.

 * Design, implement, and test C, C++, and P4 programs to define packetprocessing behaviors on highperformance network devices.
 * Build, optimize, and enhance the backend of the P4 compiler to fully leverage the capabilities of advanced networking hardware.
 * Solve complex resourcemanagement challenges and optimize resource allocation across programmable networkprocessing pipelines.
 * Collaborate closely with ASIC engineers to ensure seamless integration of P4 programs with nextgeneration IC designs, including providing compiler support throughout hardware development cycles.
 * Participate in the design and implementation of new C, C++, and P4 language features to support the evolving needs of network application developers.
 * Develop Pythonbased test frameworks and author Python test cases to validate SDK functionality and ensure correctness, performance, and reliability of P4based dataplane programming.


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