Cisco

Software Engineer

Bangalore · On-site · 2+ yrs · Mid · Full-time

  • c
  • c++
  • linux
  • python
  • gdb

Software engineer for data center networking: design C/C++ embedded systems on Linux for Nexus 9000 platforms.

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Posted 25 Oct 2026 · found on Cisco's own careers page

Interview prep: questions this posting points to

Written from 8 current Infrastructure postings on Cisco's own careers page — not questions Cisco has asked.

  1. Walk me through how you'd design a test strategy for validating a DWDM/ROADM line system deployment - say a brownfield upgrade for a service provider like Verizon or AT&T - going from lab qualification to field turn-up.
    From the posting: “ability to translate brown field/green field deployments into test strategy with high efficacyer the test automation with Python and other automation test tools and methodologies is a must · Experience in Layer-0, Layer-1 traffic generators and analysers (e.g. Viavi, Agilent, Spirent, IXIA, etc.)”
  2. You're testing a DWDM/ROADM line system and the automated Python test suite reports pass, but the Layer-0 traffic analyzer (say, a Viavi unit) shows intermittent bit errors under load that the test didn't catch. How do you investigate and fix the gap?
    From the posting: “Experience in Layer-0, Layer-1 traffic generators and analysers (e.g. Viavi, Agilent, Spirent, IXIA, etc.)”
  3. These postings talk about 'translating brown field/green field deployments into test strategy with high efficacy.' Tell me about a time when you had to bridge the gap between how a customer actually uses a system and how you test it.
    From the posting: “Good understanding of customer deployments, operations and the ability to translate brown field/green field deployments into test strategy with high efficacy”
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Read the full job description

Meet the Team The Cisco Data Center Networking (DCN) Engineering group leads innovation in building products that power the world’s largest networks. As the networking industry evolves and modernize to meet the needs of the modern Artificial Intelligence and Edge Computing workloads our team is uniquely positioned to drive this transformation. We work closely with large Hyperscale and Enterprise customers to meet their AI/ML networks solutions by building Cisco’s next generation Silicon One Asics based Nexus 9000 series Network platforms with innovative NX-OS based software solutions. Joining our team means working on transformative ideas that are shaping the future of Data center AI infrastructure.

You’ll collaborate with industry leaders, contribute to innovative advancements in Data Center networking solutions, and drive revolutionary progress in the field. We value our customers and thrive on teamwork. Come prepared to grow, be inspired, and make a difference. Together, we are redefining what’s possible in the world of AI datacenter infrastructure routers and switches.

Your Impact: As a Software Engineering, you will design and develop a broad set of advanced networking features with emphasis in the Ultra-Low Latency(ULL)forwarding layer 1-3 services and HPT solutions. With the foundational capabilities of our next‑generation platforms already established, this role offers a true ground‑floor opportunity to drive the next phase of product growth. You will help shape our convergence strategy in the Hyperscaler data center space and deliver high‑impact features powering Web, Cloud, Data Center networking solutions. · Design, implement, and test C, C++, with Linux based operating systems to develop highly scalable software systems on high‑performance network devices. · Hands-on embedded software development with excellent trouble shooting skills · Build, optimize, and enhance the Port complex control plane, Layer2, Layer 3 and PTP software’s leverage the capabilities of Cisco’s advanced Silicon One networking hardware/ASICs. · Champion AI/ML integration into the platform workflow, utilizing your demonstrated hands-on experience to design solutions that boost efficiency and remove delivery barriers · Collaborate closely with cross functional team lead engineers to ensure seamless development and integration of software modules to deliver high-quality solutions. · Develops and delivers innovative approaches that benefit customers and/or clients. · Contributes to the development of annual organizational objectives/priorities. · Builds and maintains long-term relationships with key stakeholders to ensure products and services reflect the needs and direction of the business. Minimum Qualifications · Masters/Bachelors ECE/CS with 2+ years of related experience in networking software development. · Strong understanding and Hands-on development experience delivering large-scale embedded system control and data plane technologies, including ULL, L2/L3 networking using C/C++ as development language on a Linux based OS on networking switches and routers.

Candidates must demonstrate deep technical fluency. · Experience in troubleshooting, debugging, and resolving sophisticated software issues across large, distributed codebases, with practical experience in using tools such as GDB. · Experience with Layer 2 (L2), Layer 3 (L3), PTP and ULL networking technologies, protocols, and data‑plane behaviors. · Experience in Python with the ability to develop scalable, maintainable, and production-ready software solutions. · AI Proficiency: Demonstrated hands-on experience building and integrating AI/ML solutions into software workflows, including a clear understanding of the associated risks Preferred Qualifications · Communication & Influence: Excellent verbal and written communication skills · Experience with Nexus 9000 series networking platform is a plus Why Cisco? At Cisco, we’re revolutionizing how data and infrastructure connect and protect organizations in the AI era – and beyond. We’ve been innovating fearlessly for 40 years to create solutions that power how humans and technology work together across the physical and digital worlds. These solutions provide customers with unparalleled security, visibility, and insights across the entire digital footprint.

Fueled by the depth and breadth of our technology, we experiment and create meaningful solutions. Add to that our worldwide network of doers and experts, and you’ll see that the opportunities to grow and build are limitless. We work as a team, collaborating with empathy to make really big things happen on a global scale. Because our solutions are everywhere, our impact is everywhere.

We are Cisco, and our power starts with you. Disclaimer To ensure that we hire the best talent in the right way, we follow a strict hiring process and recently, Cisco has been made aware of fraudulent recruiters claiming to be from the company. Please be advised that any communication from Cisco about careers will: be in direct response to an application you have submitted through the company career site begin with screening or an interview originate from a Cisco email address, and be conducted across email, phone, or WebEx Cisco will never make a job offer without conducting an interview process or ask you for money in any way. If you have been requested to apply for a role or have received an offer from a site other than https://careers.cisco.com or cisco.wd5.myworkday.com , do not provide any personal identifying information, including your Aadhaar or other personal identifying number, birth certificate, banking information, driver's license, or passport.

If you are the target of a recruiting scam, consider filing a report with your local law enforcement authorities. Cisco bears no responsibility, and cannot be held liable, for any claims, damages, expenses, or other inconvenience resulting from or in any way connected to recruiting scams.

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