Software Engineering Technical Leader- Forwarding (L2/L3)

Cisco

Hybrid

Quick summary

Work type: Hybrid
Location: San Jose, CA
Salary: $183,800–$263,600 / yr
Posted: 1 day ago
Closes: Jul 3, 2026

Market check

Salary context

Above market

How this pay compares to similar roles

Similar $191k

This role $224k

$146k most similar roles pay here $276k

This role pays more than 77% of similar roles. Most pay $158,420–$223,700 — the shaded band above. At the midpoint, this role pays about $224k versus about $191k 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 174 open roles on FindRole.

Listed pay typically runs $165,000–$241,400 across 174 roles with salary data.

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At a glance

TL;DR · Software Engineering Technical Leader- Forwarding (L2/L3)

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As a Senior Software Engineer in Cisco’s Data Center Business Unit, you will join a team dedicated to advancing Ethernet Switching technologies for AI, cloud computing, and enterprise networks. Your daily responsibilities include designing and developing system software for Silicon One-based ASICs, creating SDKs for next-generation network ASICs, and implementing features tailored for AI/ML use cases. You will collaborate closely with cross-functional teams to ensure successful product delivery, focusing on enhancing the performance, scalability, and reliability of Cisco’s Nexus switches. The role requires expertise in C/C++ programming within a Linux environment, experience with networking protocols like BGP or OSPF, and familiarity with Python scripting and SDK development for network ASICs. This position offers extensive exposure to cutting-edge Ethernet technologies and the opportunity to contribute significantly to shaping the future of networking infrastructure at scale.

Skills

C C++ Linux BGP OSPF Python SDK development Network ASICs Switch/router software development Distributed systems Linux Networking Environment

What you'll do

Design and develop system software for Data Center products using Silicon One based ASICs.
Develop features tailored for AI/ML use cases to enhance product capabilities.
Create SDKs for next-generation network ASICs with advanced functionalities.
Ensure seamless integration of developed products through collaboration with cross-functional teams.
Focus on improving scale, performance, and reliability in switch/router software development.

What we're looking for

Bachelor's in a STEM field with 8+ years of software development experience.
Proficient in C/C++ programming within Linux environments.
Expertise in network programming and protocols like BGP or OSPF.
Experience developing SDKs for next-generation network ASICs.
Knowledge of Ethernet switching, including L2, L3, ACL, QoS, and Telemetry.