Cisco

Embedded Software Engineer - C, Linux, L2/L3 protocols (5 to 8 yrs)

Bangalore · On-site · 5–8 yrs · Mid · Full-time

  • c
  • c++
  • linux
  • dwdm
  • otn
  • ethernet

Embedded Software Engineer for optical networking: 5-8 yrs, C/C++, Linux, L2/L3 protocols.

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Posted 12 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”
See all 68 questions More on this prep
Read the full job description

Meet the Team We are committed to delivering high-quality optical networking solutions that meet a wide range of customer needs, while fostering a culture of innovation, growth, and continuous improvement. Your Impact Develops software consistent with Cisco ‘Design Thinking Principles’ with a focus on simplification using secure coding practices, and following software development best practices. Partners with other teams including design and product management to create the right solution for the customers. Debugs and addresses software issues during development and in production systems to support customers.

Brings new ideas for product innovation and helps improve software development processes. Develop embedded systems software for specialized hardware platforms and devices. Apply agile methodologies to improve software development efficiency. Optimize embedded systems for resource constraints and real-time requirements.

Executes tests for scale, reliability and velocity within own code. Applies depth of knowledge in secure coding principles and reviews others' code for compliance. Collaborates with team members to share learnings or assist in problem solving/resolution. Debug and troubleshoot software issues to ensure product reliability and performance.

Minimum Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or related field with 5 to 8 years experience Excellent C/C++ programming skills

Preferred Qualifications

Familiarity with networking protocols like DWDM, OTN, Ethernet etc Strong foundation in embedded system concepts Knowledge of AI tools, frameworks, or methodologies. 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.

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