Cisco Systems
Cisco Systems

60 Cisco Systems Embedded Systems Engineer Jobs Hiring Near You

Principal Software Engineer

Milpitas, CA · On-site

$231K - $331K/yr

Proficient in C, C++, and Python programming for embedded systems. * Experience in hardware and ... Why Cisco? At Cisco, we're revolutionizing how data and infrastructure connect and protect ...

Proficient in C, C++, and Python programming for embedded systems. * Experience in hardware and ... Why Cisco? At Cisco, we're revolutionizing how data and infrastructure connect and protect ...

Our team develops software for Cisco's network switches and routers, which feature advanced ... Previous experience with collaborative system design, specification writing, and requirements ...

Our team develops software for Cisco's network switches and routers, which feature advanced ... Previous experience with collaborative system design, specification writing, and requirements ...

Skilled in developing, debugging, and validating embedded systems and device drivers for protocols ... Why Cisco? At Cisco, we're revolutionizing how data and infrastructure connect and protect ...

... embedded systems. • Develop software from concept through delivery for large-scale, high ... Why Cisco? At Cisco, we're revolutionizing how data and infrastructure connect and protect ...

Lead board bring-up, validation, and debugging of embedded systems. * Develop software from concept ... Why Cisco? At Cisco, we're revolutionizing how data and infrastructure connect and protect ...

Lead board bring-up, validation, and debugging of embedded systems. Develop software from concept ... Why Cisco? At Cisco, we're revolutionizing how data and infrastructure connect and protect ...

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Cisco Systems Jobs Information

What is it like to work at Cisco Systems?

Cisco Systems is known for its collaborative and innovative culture, prioritizing employee growth and teamwork to drive technological advancements. The company's global presence and diverse teams enable employees to work on a wide range of projects, from developing cutting-edge networking solutions to driving digital transformation for customers. Working at Cisco Systems may appeal to candidates who are passionate about technology, innovation, and collaboration, as the company offers opportunities for professional development, flexible work arrangements, and a dynamic work environment.

Do workers at Cisco Systems get paid breaks?

Sometimes. Only some people get paid breaks.
47% of people say they don’t get paid breaks.
Based on data from 15 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between January 2025 and January 2026.

Does Cisco Systems pay people when they’re sick?

Yes. Most people get paid when they’re sick.
87% of people say they would get paid if they were sick but scheduled to work.
Based on data from 38 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between December 2024 and June 2026.

At Cisco Systems, are sick days and vacation days separate paid time off?

Sick days and vacation days are separate paid time off.
78% of people say they don’t have to use vacation days when they’re out sick.
Based on data from 18 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between May 2025 and April 2026.

Is the health insurance from Cisco Systems affordable enough for their workers?

Most people say the health insurance costs are okay.
96% of people say the health insurance costs are okay
Based on data from 27 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between March 2025 and April 2026.

Do people get paid time off at Cisco Systems?

Most people get paid time off work.
86% of people say they get paid time off.
Based on data from 21 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between May 2025 and June 2026.

How far ahead of time do people find out their work schedule?

Most people find out their schedule less than four weeks ahead of time.
  • 46% of people with changing schedules find out their shifts one week or less ahead of time.
  • 31% of people with changing schedules find out their shifts two weeks ahead of time.
  • 0% of people with changing schedules find out their shifts three weeks ahead of time.
  • 23% of people with changing schedules find out their shifts four weeks or more ahead of time.

Based on data from 13 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between December 2024 and June 2026.

Do workers at Cisco Systems worry about hours?

Most people don’t worry about getting enough hours.
76% of people report they don’t worry about getting enough hours.
Based on data from 17 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between January 2025 and June 2026.

Do Cisco Systems workers get to choose the shifts they work?

Some people don’t get to choose which shifts they work.
44% report that they don’t have enough control over which shifts they work.
Based on data from 16 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between December 2024 and June 2026.

How easy is it for Cisco Systems workers to change shifts?

Most people find it easy to change shifts.
67% of people report that it’s easy to change shifts if they need to.
Based on data from 18 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between December 2024 and June 2026.

How easy is it to get time off at Cisco Systems?

Most people find it easy to get time off.
79% of people report it’s easy to get time off.
Based on data from 42 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between December 2024 and June 2026.

Do Cisco Systems managers change schedules at the last minute?

Most managers don’t change people’s schedules at the last minute.
88% of people say their manager doesn’t change their shift schedule at the last minute.
Based on data from 24 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between December 2024 and June 2026.

Do jobs at Cisco Systems spill into time workers aren’t paid for?

Sometimes. The job can spill into unpaid time.
35% of people report that their job takes up time that they don’t get paid for.
Based on data from 23 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between December 2024 and June 2026.

How easy is it to take sick days at Cisco Systems?

Most people find it easy to take sick days.
83% of people report that it’s easy to take time off if they are sick.
Based on data from 42 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between December 2024 and June 2026.

Is working at Cisco Systems good if you’re a parent or caregiver?

Most parents and caregivers say this is a good place to work.
92% of people who care for a child or other relative report this is a good place to work.
Based on data from 12 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between December 2024 and January 2026.

Do people at Cisco Systems feel treated with respect by their managers?

Most people feel treated with respect by their managers.
87% of people say they’re treated with respect by their managers.
Based on data from 38 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between December 2024 and June 2026.

Do people at Cisco Systems get to take their breaks without interruption?

Most people get breaks without interruption.
78% of people report that they get to take their breaks without interruption.
Based on data from 37 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between December 2024 and April 2026.

Is it stressful to work at Cisco Systems?

Some people feel stressed out here.
64% of people say they often feel stressed out at work.
Based on data from 39 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between December 2024 and June 2026.

Do people at Cisco Systems enjoy their jobs?

Most people enjoy their job.
84% of people report they enjoy their job.
Based on data from 32 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between December 2024 and April 2026.

Do people at Cisco Systems recommend working with their team?

Only some people recommend working with their team.
38% of people report that they wouldn’t recommend working with their immediate team to a friend.
Based on data from 42 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between December 2024 and June 2026.

Do people get enough training when they start at Cisco Systems?

Most people got enough training when they started.
74% of people report they got enough training when they started working here.
Based on data from 42 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between December 2024 and June 2026.

Do people get support to advance at Cisco Systems?

Only some people are given support to advance their career here.
In the last year, 36% of people report not being given support to advance their career here.
Based on data from 39 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between December 2024 and June 2026.

Do people think Cisco Systems’s headquarters understands what’s happening where they work?

Some people think headquarters doesn’t understand what’s happening where they work.
54% of people think that this employer’s headquarters or owners don’t have a good understanding of what’s really happening where they work.
Based on data from 37 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between December 2024 and June 2026.

Do workers feel well informed about how Cisco Systems is doing?

Most people feel well informed about how the company is doing.
73% of people feel that they are kept well informed about how the company is doing as a whole.
Based on data from 40 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between December 2024 and June 2026.
Infographic showing various Embedded Systems Engineer job openings at Cisco Systems in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 99% Full Time, and 1% Part Time. Highlights an 64% Physical, 11% Hybrid, and 25% Remote job distribution.
Principal Software Engineer

Principal Software Engineer

Cisco

Milpitas, CA • On-site

$231K - $331K/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 42 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

48th of 141 rated electronics manufacturers


Job description

The application window is expected to close on: 06/23/2026
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) creates innovative hardware platforms central to the AI era, powering Cisco's core Switching, Routing, and Wireless products for organizations globally. Our innovations in silicon, optics, and hardware platforms-like Silicon One-are shaping the technology industry. We're a global team of creative experts, bringing our unique backgrounds and bold ideas to push boundaries and help each other grow. Because full product development-from design to qualification to production-is within our team, we're able to think differently, experiment more, and work quickly. Join us to power the future of the digital world.
Your Impact
  • Architect and develop BIOS, BSP, and diagnostics for Cisco's Core and Edge routing products.
  • Design, develop, and test device drivers for FPGA and networking peripherals.
  • Develop and execute software test plans.
  • Collaborate with cross-functional teams to debug prototypes and validate software.
  • Innovate and drive unique software, hardware, and technology solutions with a global impact on Cisco's product portfolio.
  • Utilize deep technical expertise for complex consultations and act as an expert both internally and externally.
  • Shape technology and industry trends to enable a competitive advantage and ensure long-term business impact.

Minimum Qualifications
  • Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, or related field with 15+ years experience, or Master's degree with 12+ years experience.
  • Proficient in C, C++, and Python programming for embedded systems.
  • Experience in hardware and device driver development, including Linux hardware bring-up, multi-threading, event handling, and state machine implementation.
  • Experience with Sonic, ONIE, BMC, IPMI, and/or Redfish technologies.
  • Skilled in developing, debugging, and validating embedded systems using protocols such as I2C, SPI, UART, PCIe, GPIO.

Preferred Qualifications
  • Proficient in kernel debugging tools such as GDB and KGDB.
  • Experience leading board bring-up, validation, and debugging of embedded systems.
  • Ability to develop software from concept through delivery for large-scale, high-bandwidth systems.
  • Strong troubleshooting skills for software defects from kernel modules to applications.
  • Experience in collaborative system design, specification writing, and requirements review.
  • Commitment to quality, mentoring, and continuous learning in networking, optics, and embedded systems.
  • AI/ML experience and knowledge of Layer 2/3 network protocols, network processors, optical networking, secure-boot, open-source tools, CMIS, and SFF standards (SFP, QSFP).

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 $231,400.00 to $331,800.00 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 of unused sick time carried forward from one calendar year to 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:
$231,400.00 - $381,600.00
Non-Metro New York state & Washington state:
$222,900.00 - $343,600.00
* 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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