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Cisco Software Engineer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Software Engineer

Milpitas, CA · On-site

$165K - $241K/yr

In this role, you'll develop and optimize firmware, SDKs, simulators, and compilers for Cisco ... Your impact As a Software Engineer, you will design and develop a broad set of advanced networking ...

Meet the Team You will join Cisco's Platform & Identity Engineering Group, a foundational group ... Guide and set standards for the technical direction of Cisco's software and technology solutions ...

Software Engineer

Milpitas, CA · On-site

$165K - $241K/yr

In this role, you'll develop and optimize firmware, SDKs, simulators, and compilers for Cisco ... Your impact As a Software Engineer, you will design and develop a broad set of advanced networking ...

Principal Software Engineer

San Jose, CA · On-site

$231K - $331K/yr

Meet the Team You will join Cisco's Platform & Identity Engineering Group, a foundational group ... Guide and set standards for the technical direction of Cisco's software and technology solutions ...

Software Engineer

San Jose, CA · On-site

$123K - $174K/yr

Leading Cisco's involvement in the SAI open-source community and technical discussions. * Driving ... Designing and developing SAI software interfaces for network switches. * Mentoring team members and ...

Software Engineer

Milpitas, CA · Hybrid

$165K - $241K/yr

This is a hybrid role with 3 days in office Meet the Team The Cisco Distributed System Engineering ... Provide constant feedback to hardware and software teams for improvements and write functional and ...

Cisco's silicon team provides an outstanding, unique experience for Software and ASIC engineers by combining the resources offered by a sizable multi-geography silicon organization and a large campus ...

Cisco's silicon team provides an outstanding, unique experience for Software and ASIC engineers by combining the resources offered by a sizable multi-geography silicon organization and a large campus ...

The Cisco Silicon One team develops breakthrough silicon products. We enable the use of these ... You will be working very closely with internal engineering teams including Software, Hardware, and ...

The Cisco Silicon One team develops breakthrough silicon products. We enable the use of these ... You will be working very closely with internal engineering teams including Software, Hardware, and ...

Your Impact We are looking for a Software Engineer to work on Cisco Nexus Dashboard. Successful candidate will work in a very sophisticated development environment and will get plenty of ...

Work with various groups within Cisco to understand their and our customers' data requirements and ... the software development lifecycle. Preferred Qualifications * Programming experience in Rust ...

Software Engineer, Backend

San Bruno, CA · On-site

$152K - $219K/yr

Work with various groups within Cisco to understand their and our customers' data requirements and ... the software development lifecycle. Preferred Qualifications * Programming experience in Rust ...

Software Engineer, Backend

Glendale, CA · On-site

$152K - $219K/yr

Work with various groups within Cisco to understand their and our customers' data requirements and ... the software development lifecycle. Preferred Qualifications * Programming experience in Rust ...

Software Engineer, Backend

San Mateo, CA · On-site

$152K - $219K/yr

Work with various groups within Cisco to understand their and our customers' data requirements and ... the software development lifecycle. Preferred Qualifications * Programming experience in Rust ...

Software Engineer, Backend

San Diego, CA · On-site

$152K - $219K/yr

Work with various groups within Cisco to understand their and our customers' data requirements and ... the software development lifecycle. Preferred Qualifications * Programming experience in Rust ...

Principal Software Engineer

Milpitas, CA · On-site

$231K - $331K/yr

Architect and develop BIOS, BSP, and diagnostics for Cisco's Core and Edge routing products ... Develop and execute software test plans. * Collaborate with cross-functional teams to debug ...

Work with various groups within Cisco to understand their and our customers' data requirements and ... the software development lifecycle. Preferred Qualifications * Programming experience in Rust ...

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Cisco Software Engineer information

See California salary details

$62.7K

$145.6K

$202.8K

How much do cisco software engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 26, 2026, the average yearly pay for cisco software engineer in California is $145,592.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $118,400.00 and $170,700.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

How does a Cisco Software Engineer typically collaborate with cross-functional teams during the development lifecycle?

As a Cisco Software Engineer, you'll regularly collaborate with cross-functional teams such as product management, quality assurance, and network engineers. This collaboration often occurs through agile ceremonies, design reviews, and code walkthroughs, ensuring software aligns with both technical requirements and customer needs. Effective communication and teamwork are essential, as you'll be expected to contribute to solution design, resolve integration challenges, and support end-to-end product delivery. Engaging with peers from diverse backgrounds also provides valuable opportunities for learning and professional growth.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Cisco Software Engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Cisco Software Engineer, you need a strong background in computer science, programming (especially in languages like Python, C/C++, or Java), and networking fundamentals, often supported by a relevant degree. Familiarity with Cisco development platforms, APIs, network protocols, and certifications such as CCNA or CCNP is highly valuable. Excellent problem-solving, teamwork, and communication skills help engineers collaborate effectively and address complex technical challenges. These skills enable the development of robust, scalable solutions that meet Cisco's high standards for innovation and reliability.

What does a Cisco Software Engineer do?

A Cisco Software Engineer is responsible for designing, developing, testing, and maintaining software solutions that power Cisco’s products and services, such as networking hardware, cloud-based solutions, and security systems. They work closely with other engineers, product managers, and stakeholders to create innovative technologies that enable secure and efficient communication networks. Their daily tasks may include coding, debugging, participating in code reviews, and collaborating on large-scale software projects. Cisco Software Engineers often use programming languages like C, C++, Java, and Python, and contribute to both internal tools and customer-facing applications.

What is the difference between Cisco Software Engineer vs Network Engineer?

AspectCisco Software EngineerNetwork Engineer
CertificationsCCNA, CCNP, Cisco DevNetCCNA, CCNP, CompTIA Network+
Work EnvironmentSoftware development, coding, testingNetwork setup, troubleshooting, infrastructure
Industry UsageNetworking software, applications, automationNetwork infrastructure, hardware, connectivity

While both roles involve Cisco technologies, a Cisco Software Engineer focuses on developing and maintaining software solutions, whereas a Network Engineer manages network infrastructure and hardware. Both roles often require similar certifications and work within the networking industry, but their daily tasks and skill sets differ significantly.

What are popular job titles related to Cisco Software Engineer jobs in California? For Cisco Software Engineer jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Cisco Software Engineer jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Cisco Software Engineer jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Cisco Software Engineer jobs? Cities in California with the most Cisco Software Engineer job openings:
Infographic showing various Cisco Software Engineer job openings in California as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 5% Locum Tenens, 84% Full Time, 4% Part Time, and 7% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $145,592 per year, or $70 per hour.
Software Engineer

Software Engineer

Cisco

Milpitas, CA • On-site

$165K - $241K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 6 days ago


Cisco Systems rating

8.0

Company rating: 8.0 out of 10

Based on 42 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

53rd of 155 rated electronics manufacturers


Job description

The application window is expected to close on: 06/30/2026

Job posting may be removed earlier if the position is filled or if a sufficient number of applications are received.

Meet the team

We are seeking an experienced and motivated Software Engineer to join our Service Provider High End Router (Cisco 8000) team within the R&D department, contributing to the evolution of next-generation networking products! In this role, you'll develop and optimize firmware, SDKs, simulators, and compilers for Cisco Silicon One architecture, with a strong focus on using the power of P4 (Programming Protocol-Independent Packet Processors). This is a phenomenal opportunity to work with pioneering technology that's shaping the future of networking!
You'll be part of a diverse team dedicated to delivering innovative, high-quality solutions on Cisco 8000, featuring the latest Silicon One ASICs. You will play a key role in developing the SDK and/or control plane for networking protocols, collaborating with talented colleagues to drive industry-leading advancements. Join us and be a part of something outstanding!

Your impact

As a Software Engineer, you will design and develop a broad set of advanced networking features. With the foundational capabilities of our nextgeneration platforms already established, this role offers a true groundfloor opportunity to drive the next phase of product growth. You will help shape our convergence strategy in the Service Provider space and deliver highimpact features powering Web, Cloud, Data Center, and Mobile networking solutions.

  • Design, implement, and test C, C++, and P4 programs to define packetprocessing behaviors on highperformance network devices.

  • Build, optimize, and enhance the backend of the P4 compiler to fully leverage the capabilities of advanced networking hardware.

  • Solve complex resourcemanagement challenges and optimize resource allocation across programmable networkprocessing pipelines.

  • Collaborate closely with ASIC engineers to ensure seamless integration of P4 programs with nextgeneration IC designs, including providing compiler support throughout hardware development cycles.

  • Participate in the design and implementation of new C, C++, and P4 language features to support the evolving needs of network application developers.

  • Develop Pythonbased test frameworks and author Python test cases to validate SDK functionality and ensure correctness, performance, and reliability of P4based dataplane programming.

Minimum Qualifications
  • Bachelor's degree with 7+ years of relevant experience or master's degree with 4+ years, or PhD with 1+ years of relevant experience in a STEM discipline.

  • Experience in software design and development using C, C++, and Python, including contributions to productionquality systems.

  • Experience in troubleshooting, debugging, and resolving complex software issues across large, distributed codebases, with practical experience in using tools such as GDB, PDB, etc.

  • Experience with Layer 2 (L2) and Layer 3 (L3) networking technologies, protocols, and dataplane behaviors.

Preferred Qualifications
  • Experience with networkprocessor software programming is a strong plus.

  • Handson experience with P4 and lowlevel microcode development.

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.

Message to applicants applying to work in the U.S. and/or Canada:The starting salary range posted for this position is $165,000.00 to $241,400.00 and reflects the projected salary range for new hires in this position in U.S. and/or Canada locations, not including incentive compensation*, equity, or benefits.

Individual pay is determined by the candidate's hiring location, market conditions, job-related skillset, experience, qualifications, education, certifications, and/or training. The full salary range for certain locations is listed below. For locations not listed below, the recruiter can share more details about compensation for the role in your location during the hiring process.

U.S. employees are offered benefits, subject to Cisco's plan eligibility rules, which include medical, dental and vision insurance, a 401(k) plan with a Cisco matching contribution, paid parental leave, short and long-term disability coverage, and basic life insurance. Please see the Cisco careers site to discover more benefits and perks. Employees may be eligible to receive grants of Cisco restricted stock units, which vest following continued employment with Cisco for defined periods of time.

U.S. employees are eligible for paid time away as described below, subject to Cisco's policies:

  • 10 paid holidays per full calendar year, plus 1 floating holiday for non-exempt employees

  • 1 paid day off for employee's birthday, paid year-end holiday shutdown, and 4 paid days off for personal wellness determined by Cisco

  • Non-exempt employees** receive 16 days of paid vacation time per full calendar year, accrued at rate of 4.92 hours per pay period for full-time employees

  • Exempt employees participate in Cisco's flexible vacation time off program, which has no defined limit on how much vacation time eligible employees may use (subject to availability and some business limitations)

  • 80 hours of sick time off provided on hire date and each January 1st thereafter, and up to 80 hours ofunused sick timecarried forwardfrom one calendar yearto the next

  • Additional paid time away may be requested to deal with critical or emergency issues for family members

  • Optional 10 paid days per full calendar year to volunteer

For non-sales roles, employees are also eligible to earn annual bonuses subject to Cisco's policies.

Employees on sales plans earn performance-based incentive pay on top of their base salary, which is split between quota and non-quota components, subject to the applicable Cisco plan. 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 0% up to 125% of target. Cisco sales plans do not have a minimum threshold of performance for sales incentive compensation to be paid.

The applicable full salary ranges for this position, by specific state, are listed below:

New York City Metro Area:

$165,000.00 - $277,600.00

Non-Metro New York state & Washington state:

$146,700.00 - $247,000.00

* For quota-based sales roles on Cisco's sales plan, the ranges provided in this posting include base pay and sales target incentive compensation combined.

** Employees in Illinois, whether exempt or non-exempt, will participate in a unique time off program to meet local requirements.


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About Cisco Systems

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Cisco Systems, a global tech titan based in San Jose, CA, US, operates in the information technology and services industry. Founded in 1984, the company was derived from a project between two computer scientists from Stanford University. They aimed to connect different networks of computer systems at the university, resulting in the first multi-protocol router, and subsequently, the birth of Cisco. As an industry-leading manufacturer of networking hardware and telecommunications equipment, Cisco's product and services range includes routers, switches, firewall devices, and telecommunication technology. The company's mission, "to shape the future of the Internet by creating unprecedented value and opportunity for our customers, employees, investors, and ecosystem partners," is a testament to its pursuit of technology-forward innovation and customer satisfaction.

Industry

Computer and computer peripheral equipment and software wholesalers

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

San Jose, CA, US

Year founded

1984

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