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Cisco Software Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Leader, Engineering Hybrid

Washington, DC · On-site

$151K - $216K/yr

Meet the Team Cisco Workspace for Government (W4G) is a Cisco initiative to provide Cisco software ... As an Engineering Leader, you will collaborate across departments, mentor team members, and create ...

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 ...

Our team bridges the gap between software engineering and field deployment by automating CI/CD ... Why Cisco? At Cisco, we're revolutionizing how data and infrastructure connect and protect ...

Meet the Team Cisco Workspace for Government (W4G) is a Cisco initiative to provide Cisco software ... As an Engineering Leader, you will collaborate across departments, mentor team members, and create ...

Meet the team We are seeking an experienced and motivated Software Engineer to join our team. Cisco 8000 Series Routers which are built on Cisco's SiliconOne architecture and designed for hyperscale ...

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 We are seeking an experienced and motivated Software Engineer to join our team. Cisco 8000 Series Routers which are built on Cisco's SiliconOne architecture and designed for hyperscale ...

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 ...

Senior Software Engineer

Milpitas, CA · On-site

$167K - $245K/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 ...

Senior Software Engineer

Milpitas, CA · Hybrid

$167K - $245K/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 ...

Showing results 41-60

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 Sep 9, 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.

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.

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 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.

More about Cisco Software Engineer jobs

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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:

What are popular job titles related to Cisco Software Engineer jobs?

For Cisco Software Engineer jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Cisco Software Engineer job openings in the United States as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 1% As Needed, 88% Full Time, 7% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 85% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 12% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $147,524 per year, or $70.9 per hour.

Leader, Engineering Hybrid

Washington, DC • On-site

Cisco
Computer and Computer Peripheral Equipment and Software Wholesalers • 10K+ employees

$151K - $216K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 15 days ago


Key responsibilities

  • Oversee and guide the engineering team to develop innovative solutions and ensure the delivery of high-quality products and services.

  • Define and communicate the technical vision and strategic goals for the engineering team, aligning initiatives with business objectives.

  • Recruit, onboard, mentor, and evaluate engineering team members, and collaborate with cross-functional teams to define requirements and priorities.


Cisco Systems rating

8.2

Company rating: 8.2 out of 10

Based on 43 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

47th of 162 rated electronics manufacturers


Job description

The application window is expected to close on: 09/29/2026

This role is hybrid in Virginia, Maryland, District of Columbia, DC Metro Area, Beltway Area.

The successful applicant will be performing work on US Government classified environments, and therefore, must be a U.S. Person (i.e., U.S. citizen, U.S. national, lawful permanent resident, asylee, or refugee). This position may also perform work that the U.S. government has specified can only be performed by a U.S. citizen on U.S. soil.

Meet the Team

Cisco Workspace for Government (W4G) is a Cisco initiative to provide Cisco software products to our most sensitive US Government customers. It is a groundbreaking new approach to providing software products to our US Government customers in an easily consumable platform.

About the Role

The Cisco Workspace for Government Team is in search of an exceptional Federal Engineering Leader. We are seeking a passionate and results-driven Engineering Leader to oversee and guide a talented engineering team. In this role, you will be responsible for driving the technical vision, leading the development of innovative solutions, and ensuring the successful delivery of high-quality products and services. As an Engineering Leader, you will collaborate across departments, mentor team members, and create a culture of excellence, innovation, and continuous improvement. At Cisco, your potential to tackle big problems and build phenomenal products will change the world and make our nation safer.

Your Impact / Key ResponsibilitiesLeadership:
  • Define and communicate the technical vision and strategic goals for the engineering team.
  • Align engineering initiatives with business objectives to ensure long-term success.
  • Foster a culture of collaboration, innovation, and accountability.
  • Act as a bridge between technical and non-technical stakeholders to ensure alignment.
  • Communicate progress, challenges, and outcomes to executives and stakeholders.
Team Management:
  • Recruit, onboard, and retain top engineering talent.
  • Provide mentorship and professional development opportunities for team members.
  • Conduct performance evaluations, set goals, and resolve conflicts within the team.
  • Work closely with product management, design, and other teams to define requirements and priorities.
Technical Excellence:
  • Stay up-to-date with industry trends, tools, and technologies.
  • Drive continuous improvement in engineering processes, tools, and workflows.
  • Make technical decisions to ensure scalability, reliability, and security of solutions.
Minimum Qualifications
  • Bachelor's Degree
  • 5+ years of experience in Engineering/IT leadership
  • Demonstrated experience managing Software Developers/ Engineers.
Preferred Qualifications
  • Cisco CCIE/ CISSP
  • Experience with Cisco portfolio, platforms and solutions
  • Experience working with US Government and regulatory compliance ISO27001
  • Exposure to customer-facing roles or direct interaction with clients and partners
  • Experience presenting at conferences, webinars, or other industry level events.

S&TO

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 $151,300.00 to $216,200.00 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:

$171,600.00 - $281,800.00

Non-Metro New York state & Washington state:

$151,300.00 - $250,900.00

* 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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