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Cisco Software Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Cisco is a leading technology company focused on transforming how data and infrastructure connect. The Software Engineer will collaborate with a team to develop and deploy integrations for Oracle ...

Meet the Team Cisco is a global leader in networking and IT, dedicated to transforming how people ... Your Impact We are looking for a software engineer to develop various networking (routing ...

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 ...

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 ...

Principal Software Engineer

San Jose, CA · On-site

$158K - $212K/yr

Work closely with Cisco Silicon Customers to understand their needs and deliver features and ... software engineering teams. * 8+ years of professional experience developing software using C, C ...

Software Engineer

Milpitas, CA · Hybrid

$165K - $241K/yr

Meet the Team The Cisco Distributed System Engineering (DSE) group is at the forefront of building ... Develop and improve software modules within SONiC to support optical subsystems, including ...

Meet the Team Cisco IT is a transformation engine enabling people to do the best work of their ... What you'll do: As a OIC engineer you will collaborate with a team of skilled engineers and ...

Meet the Team The Common Hardware Group (CHG) at Cisco is seeking skilled software engineers to join our Diagnostic/BSP team, responsible for ensuring the reliability and performance of our world ...

Meet the Team The Common Hardware Group (CHG) at Cisco is seeking skilled software engineers to join our Diagnostic/BSP team, responsible for ensuring the reliability and performance of our world ...

Software Engineer

Milpitas, CA · On-site

$165K - $241K/yr

The Cisco Distributed System Engineering (DSE) group owns the development of products that power the world's largest networks, driving the industry's transformation to support the growing demands of ...

Who We Are The Cisco Security AI team delivers AI products and platform for all Cisco secure ... As a Senior Software Engineer, you will collaborate closely with disparate teams, providing ...

Who We Are The Cisco Security AI team delivers AI products and platform for all Cisco secure ... As a Senior Software Engineer, you will collaborate closely with disparate teams, providing ...

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Showing results 1-20

Cisco Software Engineer information

See salary details

$63.5K

$147.5K

$205.5K

How much do cisco software engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 17, 2026, the average yearly pay for cisco software engineer in the United States is $147,524.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $120,000.00 and $173,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

Is it difficult to get a job at Cisco?

Getting a job as a Cisco Software Engineer can be competitive, often requiring relevant technical skills, certifications like CCNA or CCNP, and experience with networking and software development. The hiring process typically involves multiple interviews and technical assessments, but candidates with strong qualifications and relevant experience have good chances of success.

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 engineer makes $500,000 a year?

A senior Cisco Software Engineer with extensive experience, specialized skills, and advanced certifications can earn around $500,000 annually, especially in high-cost-of-living areas or at large technology companies. Such roles often require expertise in network infrastructure, software development, and security, along with leadership responsibilities and long hours.

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.

Can I make 200k a year as a software engineer?

Cisco Software Engineers with extensive experience, specialized skills, and certifications such as CCIE can potentially earn salaries of $200,000 or more annually, especially in high-cost-of-living areas or senior roles. Entry-level or mid-level engineers typically earn less, and total compensation may include bonuses and stock options. Achieving this salary often requires advanced expertise in networking, security, or cloud technologies, along with a strong professional track record.

How much does Cisco pay software engineers?

Cisco software engineers typically earn an average salary ranging from $100,000 to $130,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and specific role. Entry-level positions may start lower, while senior engineers with specialized skills or certifications can earn higher compensation, often including bonuses and stock options.
More about Cisco Software Engineer jobs
What cities are hiring for Cisco Software Engineer jobs? Cities with the most Cisco Software Engineer job openings:
What states have the most Cisco Software Engineer jobs? States with the most job openings for Cisco Software Engineer jobs include:
Infographic showing various Cisco Software Engineer job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 78% Full Time, 16% Part Time, and 6% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $147,524 per year, or $70.9 per hour.
Software Engineer- (Hardware Diagnostics)

Software Engineer- (Hardware Diagnostics)

Cisco

Milpitas, CA • On-site

$152K - $219K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 26 days ago


Cisco Systems rating

8.0

Company rating: 8.0 out of 10

Based on 40 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

47th of 139 rated electronics manufacturers


Job description

The application window is expected to close on: 07/10/2026

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

Meet the Team

The Common Hardware Group (CHG) at Cisco is seeking skilled software engineers to join our Diagnostic/BSP team, responsible for ensuring the reliability and performance of our world-class hardware. Our team develops software for Cisco's network switches and routers, which feature advanced application awareness to build a flexible and agile network infrastructure. These capabilities support multi-layered responses to the diverse workload demands of AI and ML. This is a unique opportunity to grow your technical skill set and gain visibility and recognition across cross-functional teams within Cisco. We value motivated individuals who enjoy solving complex challenges and thrive in a collaborative, innovative environment.

CHG BSP Software

Your Impact

Design, and develop, BSP, and Diagnostics for Cisco Core and Edge routing products.

Design, develop, and test kernel and user space device drivers for FPGA and networking peripherals.

Develop and execute software test plans.

Collaborate with cross-functional teams to debug prototypes and validate software.

Minimum Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, or related field with 4+ years experience, or Master's degree with 2+ years experience.

  • Proficient in C, C++, and Python programming.

  • Experience with hardware and device driver development background, including experience with Linux hardware bring-up.

  • Experience in developing, debugging, and validating embedded systems and device drivers for protocols such as I2C, SPI, UART, PCIe, and/or GPIO.

Preferred Qualifications

  • Proficient in kernel debugging tools such as GDB and KGDB.

  • Experience developing software from concept through delivery for large-scale, high-bandwidth systems.

  • Ability to troubleshoot software defects from kernel modules to applications.

  • Experience with collaborative system design, specification writing, and requirements review.

  • Experience with AI/ML.

  • Experience with network processors and optical networking and Knowledge of Layer 2/3 network protocols.

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 $152,500.00 to $219,200.00 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:

$152,500.00 - $252,000.00

Non-Metro New York state & Washington state:

$135,800.00 - $224,400.00

* 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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