Senior Software Engineer

Meet the Team

We are Cisco's DCN (Data Center Networking) Engineering group is responsible for developing and maintaining network controller software that is part of Cisco's suite of software-defined networking (SDN) solutions. The group focuses on creating advanced, intelligent controllers that enable more agile, secure, and scalable management of network infrastructure. As a global pioneer in networking, Cisco revolutionizes the way we connect, communicate, and collaborate. Cisco has consistently been at the forefront of IP-based networking technology innovation, covering a vast spectrum that includes routing, switching, security, unified communications, video solutions, and wireless networking. Committed to ethical business practices, Cisco is dedicated to ensuring long-term business sustainability and fostering an eco-friendly approach in both operations and product offerings.

Your Impact

Minimum Qualifications (Provide up to five (5) bullet points

• Significant hands-on expertise in software development using object-oriented methodologies and advanced C++.
• Proficiency in Python programming.
• Deep mastery of C++ features for building robust and reusable libraries.
• Proven experience in developing software frameworks and infrastructure components.
• Solid knowledge of data center networking technologies, including experience with L3 Networking technologies.
• 8+ years of experience as a software engineer working on internetworking technologies and applications.
• Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Science or a related field.

Preferred Qualifications (Provide up to five (5) bullet points:

• Master’s Degree in Computer Science or a related field.
• Experience working on network controller software.
• Strong team player with a proactive, can-do attitude and initiative.
• Ability to work independently as well as collaboratively within a team.
• Excellent interpersonal and cross-functional communication skills.

#WeAreCisco

#WeAreCisco where every individual brings their unique skills and perspectives together to pursue our purpose of powering an inclusive future for all.

Our passion is connection—we celebrate our employees’ diverse set of backgrounds and focus on unlocking potential. Cisconians often experience one company, many careers where learning and development are encouraged and supported at every stage. Our technology, tools, and culture pioneered hybrid work trends, allowing all to not only give their best, but be their best.

We understand our outstanding opportunity to bring communities together and at the heart of that is our people. One-third of Cisconians collaborate in our 30 employee resource organizations, called Inclusive Communities, to connect, foster belonging, learn to be informed allies, and make a difference. Dedicated paid time off to volunteer—80 hours each year—allows us to give back to causes we are passionate about, and nearly 86% do!

Our purpose, driven by our people, is what makes us the worldwide leader in technology that powers the internet. Helping our customers reimagine their applications, secure their enterprise, transform their infrastructure, and meet their sustainability goals is what we do best. We ensure that every step we take is a step towards a more inclusive future for all. Take your next step and be you, with us!

U.S. employees have access to quality medical, dental and vision insurance, a 401(k) plan with a Cisco matching contribution, short and long-term disability coverage, basic life insurance and numerous wellbeing offerings.

Employees receive up to twelve paid holidays per calendar year, which includes one floating holiday (for non-exempt employees), plus a day off for their birthday. Non-Exempt new hires accrue up to 16 days of vacation time off each year, at a rate of 4.92 hours per pay period. Exempt new hires participate in Cisco’s flexible Vacation Time Off policy, which does not place a defined limit on how much vacation time eligible employees may use, but is subject to availability and some business limitations. All new hires are eligible for Sick Time Off subject to Cisco’s Sick Time Off Policy and will have eighty (80) hours of sick time off provided on their hire date and on January 1st of each year thereafter. Up to 80 hours of unused sick time will be carried forward from one calendar year to the next such that the maximum number of sick time hours an employee may have available is 160 hours. Employees in Illinois have a unique time off program designed specifically with local requirements in mind. All employees also have access to paid time away to deal with critical or emergency issues. We offer additional paid time to volunteer and give back to the community.

Employees on sales plans earn performance-based incentive pay on top of their base salary, which is split between quota and non-quota components. For quota-based incentive pay, Cisco typically pays as follows:

.75% of incentive target for each 1% of revenue attainment up to 50% of quota;

1.5% of incentive target for each 1% of attainment between 50% and 75%;

1% of incentive target for each 1% of attainment between 75% and 100%; and once performance exceeds 100% attainment, incentive rates are at or above 1% for each 1% of attainment with no cap on incentive compensation.

For non-quota-based sales performance elements such as strategic sales objectives, Cisco may pay up to 125% of target. Cisco sales plans do not have a minimum threshold of performance for sales incentive compensation to be paid.