Embedded Software Engineering Technical Leader

Meet the Team
The Mass-Scale Infrastructure Group (MIG) Platform Forwarding team builds the high-performance data plane software powering Cisco IOS XR platforms.
Our systems run on Cisco Silicon One (SiOne) NPUs and form the foundation of large-scale service provider networks worldwide. We operate at the intersection of hardware and software—designing how packets move across the internet backbone with precision, scale, and reliability.
The team is modernizing embedded development through structured DevOps practices and AI-assisted engineering workflows to accelerate feature delivery and improve quality.
Your Impact
As a Technical Leader – NPU Data Plane & Forwarding, you will serve as the architectural authority for forwarding software on carrier-grade routers.
You Will

• Drive Architecture & Design: Lead end-to-end design and delivery of Layer 2 (EVPN, VPLS, Pseudowire) and Layer 3 (SRv6, Segment Routing, MPLS, IPv4/v6) forwarding features.
• Own NPU Optimization: Architect efficient data plane implementations, translating protocol behavior into optimized NPU pipelines, microcode, and SDK integrations.
• Deliver Overlay & Underlay Capabilities: Lead implementation of TE-Tunnels, GRE, BFD, BGP Flowspec, ACLs, and slow-path forwarding mechanisms.

• Lead Critical Escalations: Head war room debugging for complex customer issues, isolating hardware constraints, NPU microcode defects, and software logic gaps.
• Enable Cross-Functional Execution: Partner with Product Management, TMEs, Customer Support, and Test teams to scope requirements, define validation strategies, and ensure production readiness.
• Mentor & Modernize: Provide technical guidance to engineers (design reviews, code reviews, architectural direction) and champion AI/LLM-assisted development, automated testing, and intelligent log analysis.
  

This role is suited for senior engineers who combine deep NPU expertise with system-level thinking and technical leadership.
Minimum Qualifications

• BS/MS in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, or related field.
• 10+ years of embedded software development experience in networking products.
• Strong programming expertise in C/C++; solid scripting capability in Python.
• Deep understanding of NPU-based architectures (e.g., Broadcom DNX – Jericho/Qumran, Silicon One, ezChip), including pipeline design, TCAM management, and traffic management.
• Expert-level knowledge of Layer 2 and Layer 3 forwarding (EVPN, VPLS, Pseudowire, SRv6, Segment Routing, MPLS, IPv4/v6).
• Proven experience implementing TE-Tunnels, GRE, BFD, BGP Flowspec, ACLs, or equivalent data plane features.

• Looking to get Placed? Try our Placement Guarantee Plan

  Get Hired
  Strong system-level debugging skills across hardware/software boundaries.
• Solid understanding of service provider router deployments (Core, Peering, Aggregation environments).
• Experience leading complex technical initiatives across the full SDLC.
  

Preferred Qualifications

• Technical leadership experience guiding 3–5 engineers (architecture reviews, mentoring, code quality oversight).
• Hands-on experience with P4 or similar NPU programming languages.
• Direct experience with carrier-grade network operating systems, particularly Cisco IOS XR.
• Experience integrating AI/ML tools (e.g., Copilot, AI-driven log triage) into embedded development workflows.
• Demonstrated ability to influence cross-functional stakeholders and drive architectural alignment.
  

Why Cisco
At Cisco, were revolutionizing how data and infrastructure connect and protect organizations in the AI era – and beyond. Weve 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 youll 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.