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Agent guide: [/agents.md](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/agents.md). --- # Senior Software Engineer - **Company:** Cisco Systems, Inc. - **Location:** Milpitas, CA, United States - **Experience:** Expert - **Salary:** $167,700.0 - $245,200.0 - **Contract:** Permanent contract - **Skills:** Abstraction Layers, Application Programming Interfaces (APIs), Automation of Tests, Unit Testing, C++ (Programming Language), Network Operating System (NOS), Computer Programming, Continuous Integration, Software Debugging, Monitoring of Systems, Python (Programming Language), Linux System Administration, Network Control, Routing, Network Protocols, Open Source Technology, Software Engineering, System Testing, Systems Integration, Software Modules, Containerization, Kubernetes, Hardware Infrastructure, Docker - **Published:** September 4, 2026 - **Apply:** https://jobs.localjobnetwork.com/apply/add/88241786/1 ## About the Role * Bachelors + 7 years of related experience OR Masters + 4 years of related experience OR PhD + 1 year of related experience. * 5 years of experience in software development * Minimum 3 years of experience with Linux-based systems and system-level programming (C/C++/Python) * 3+ years of experience with debugging tools and development in distributed or embedded systems environments Preferred Qualifications * Experience with networking protocols (L2/L3, switching, routing) * Exposure to network operating systems such as SONiC or similar platforms * Understanding of optics technologies (e.g., QSFP, OSFP, or CPO concepts) * Experience with hardware-software interfaces (drivers, SDKs, or platform abstraction layers) * Familiarity with containerization technologies (Docker, Kubernetes) * Knowledge of telemetry, monitoring systems, or data plane/control plane interactions * Experience with CI/CD pipelines and automated testing ## Description * Develop and improve software modules within SONiC to support optical subsystems, including pluggable optics and Co-Packaged Optics (CPO). * Contribute to platform adaptation layers that interface SONiC with hardware components such as ASICs, optical engines, and BMCs. * Implement and maintain drivers, APIs, and services for optics monitoring, configuration, and lifecycle management. * Participate in debugging and resolving system-level issues across software and hardware boundaries. Optics & Platform Enablement * Support integration of CPO technologies into SONiC-based platforms, including telemetry, diagnostics, and control-plane interactions. * Work closely with hardware and optics teams to understand device capabilities and expose them through software interfaces. * Assist in validating performance, reliability, and thermal/power characteristics of optics solutions. System Design & Quality * Contribute to the design of scalable and maintainable software components for optics management. * Help implement telemetry and monitoring solutions for optical modules and CPO subsystems. * Participate in unit testing, system testing, and automation efforts to ensure high-quality work. Collaboration & Open Source * Collaborate with multi-functional teams including hardware, QA, and system integration. * Engage with the SONiC open-source community, contributing to optics-related features and improvements where applicable. * Support CI/CD workflows and participate in improving development and test processes. ## Related Videos - [How Cisco embraced a DevOps culture within its network engineering team](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/99-how-cisco-embraced-a-devops-culture-within-its-network-engineering-team) - [Docker Compose: Rediscovered](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/1978-docker-compose-rediscovered) - [Creating a routing app with Google Maps API from scratch](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/831-creating-a-routing-app-with-google-maps-api-from-scratch) - [Understanding Kubernetes in a visual way](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/100085-understanding-kubernetes-in-a-visual-way) - [Embracing the Hybrid Cloud: Unlocking Success with Open Source Technologies](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/883-embracing-the-hybrid-cloud-unlocking-success-with-open-source-technologies) - [Microservices: how to get started with Spring Boot and Kubernetes](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/242-microservices-how-to-get-started-with-spring-boot-and-kubernetes) ## Related Articles - [Highest Paying Tech Companies for Developers](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/220-highest-paying-tech-companies-for-developers) - [How We Built a Worry-Free System That Runs for 10+ Years – And What We’d Do Again](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/751-how-we-built-a-worry-free-system-that-runs-for-10-years-and-what-we-d-do-again) - [Software Engineer Career: Things You Should Know](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/143-software-engineer-career-things-you-should-know) - [Is Software Engineering Hard?](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/448-is-software-engineering-hard) - [7 Important Tips That Every Software Developer Should Know](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/101-7-important-tips-that-every-software-developer-should-know) - [Is Software Engineering Over-Saturated?](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/418-is-software-engineering-over-saturated)