below marketmost similar roles pay hereabove market
This role pays more than
95%
of similar roles. Most pay
$169,550–$220,800
— the blue band above.
At the midpoint, this role pays about
$307k
versus about
$195k
for comparable roles.
Based on 240 similar postings.
Employer
About Cisco
Cisco Systems is the world''s leading networking technology company, designing and manufacturing networking hardware, telecommunications equipment, and cybersecurity solutions for businesses and governments. Industry: Networking Technology & Cybersecurity
Cisco currently has
307 open roles
on FindRole.
Listed pay typically runs
$167,700–$245,000
across 224 roles with salary data.
JOB TITLE: Principal Software Engineer
The Principal Software Engineer joins the Common Hardware Group to architect and develop BIOS, BSP, and diagnostics for core and edge routing products. This role involves designing, developing, and testing device drivers for FPGA and networking peripherals while executing software test plans and debugging prototypes with cross-functional teams. The position requires deep technical expertise in C, C++, and Python for embedded systems, including Linux hardware bring-up, multi-threading, and state machine implementation. Candidates must possess experience with Sonic, ONIE, BMC, IPMI, and Redfish technologies, alongside protocols like I2C, SPI, UART, PCIe, and GPIO. The work focuses on solving complex hardware and software challenges for high-bandwidth systems, involving kernel modules, network processors, optical networking, secure-boot, and SFF standards like SFP and QSFP.
What does a Software Engineer earn in California?
Median $214500 from 1193 postings across 76 companies.
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 comprehensive software test plans.
Debug prototypes and validate software in coordination with cross-functional teams.
Lead board bring-up, validation, and debugging of embedded systems.
Develop software from initial concept through final delivery for large-scale, high-bandwidth systems.
Troubleshoot software defects ranging from kernel modules to high-level applications.
Provide deep technical expertise for complex internal and external consultations.
What we're looking for
Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, or related field with 15+ years experience.
Master’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, or related field with 12+ years experience.
Experience 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.
Experience developing, debugging, and validating embedded systems using protocols such as I2C, SPI, UART, PCIe, and GPIO.
Proficient in kernel debugging tools such as GDB and KGDB (preferred).
Experience leading board bring-up, validation, and debugging of embedded systems (preferred).