Senior Software Engineer | C Programming and Routing Protocols | 5 to 9 Years

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  • Location:
    Bangalore, India
  • Alternate Location
    Chennai
  • Area of Interest
    Engineer - Software
  • Job Type
    Professional
  • Technology Interest
    Software Development
  • Job Id
    1443134

Meet the Team

Cisco’s Distributed Systems Engineering (DSE) team builds the foundational software that powers the world’s largest, most demanding data centers. The PI-Common team is at the core if this, as we build the routing protocols and infra, that are the heart of data centers. As AI/ML workloads explode and cloud-scale infrastructure becomes the norm, the industry is transforming—and Cisco is leading the way.

Our NX-OS operating system, running on industry-leading Cisco Nexus switches, delivers the performance, programmability, and reliability needed for modern data center networks. At DSE, we combine open-source innovation, deep systems engineering, and hardware-software co-design to build platforms that scale globally and evolve rapidly.

We’re looking for passionate engineers who thrive on solving complex problems, building distributed systems, and working hands-on with real-world infrastructure.

Your Impact

You’ll be part of a high-performing team driving innovation across Cisco’s data center portfolio, which includes Nexus 9000 series switches, NX-OS, and technologies like Routing Protocols, Routing Infra, Virtualization, VXLAN EVPN, segment routing, and telemetry. You’ll engage closely with senior engineers, architects, and open-source communities, influencing product direction and technical strategy.

Minimum Qualifications

  • B.E./B.Tech in Computer Science, ECE, or a related field
  • 5–9 years of software development experience
  • Strong proficiency in C programming in multi-threaded, embedded environments
  • In-depth understanding of routing protocols such as OSPF, ISIS, and BGP
  • Solid grasp of networking fundamentals (TCP/IP, multicast, switching, forwarding)
  • Experience working with or developing for NX-OS or similar network operating systems
  • Strong understanding of OS internals, IPC, memory management, and HA systems
  • Familiarity with YANG, SNMP, or model-driven telemetry
  • Experience in scripting with Python
  • Strong problem-solving and debugging skills
  • Excellent communication and collaboration skills

Preferred Qualifications

  • Exposure to data center protocols such as Routing, VXLAN, EVPN, or segment routing
  • Exposure to open-source tools, network automation, or configuration frameworks
  • Prior experience building infrastructure at scale

Why Cisco?

At Cisco, we don’t just build products—we build the internet. Nearly every data packet in the world touches Cisco hardware or software. Our data center platforms serve as the backbone for hyperscalers, enterprises, and mission-critical services globally.

We combine the stability of a global brand with a culture of innovation. You’ll work on meaningful technology, grow with the best minds in the industry, and help create the next wave of networking solutions—AI-ready, cloud-native, and highly programmable.

We support individuality, diversity, and continuous learning. And yes, we give back—every Cisco employee gets dedicated days each year for community impact.

Ready to engineer the future? Apply now and join the PI-Common team at Cisco DSE.

 
Message to applicants applying to work in the U.S. and/or Canada:

When available, the salary range posted for this position reflects the projected hiring range for new hire, full-time salaries in U.S. and/or Canada locations, not including equity or benefits. For non-sales roles the hiring ranges reflect base salary only; employees are also eligible to receive annual bonuses. Hiring ranges for sales positions include base and incentive compensation target. Individual pay is determined by the candidate's hiring location and additional factors, including but not limited to skillset, experience, and relevant education, certifications, or training. Applicants may not be eligible for the full salary range based on their U.S. or Canada hiring location. The recruiter can share more details about compensation for the role in your location during the hiring process.

U.S. employees have access to quality medical, dental and vision insurance, a 401(k) plan with a Cisco matching contribution, short and long-term disability coverage, basic life insurance and numerous wellbeing offerings.

Employees receive up to twelve paid holidays per calendar year, which includes one floating holiday (for non-exempt employees), plus a day off for their birthday. Non-Exempt new hires accrue up to 16 days of vacation time off each year, at a rate of 4.92 hours per pay period. Exempt new hires participate in Cisco’s flexible Vacation Time Off policy, which does not place a defined limit on how much vacation time eligible employees may use, but is subject to availability and some business limitations. All new hires are eligible for Sick Time Off subject to Cisco’s Sick Time Off Policy and will have eighty (80) hours of sick time off provided on their hire date and on January 1st of each year thereafter.  Up to 80 hours of unused sick time will be carried forward from one calendar year to the next such that the maximum number of sick time hours an employee may have available is 160 hours. Employees in Illinois have a unique time off program designed specifically with local requirements in mind. All employees also have access to paid time away to deal with critical or emergency issues. We offer additional paid time to volunteer and give back to the community.

Employees on sales plans earn performance-based incentive pay on top of their base salary, which is split between quota and non-quota components. 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 up to 125% of target. Cisco sales plans do not have a minimum threshold of performance for sales incentive compensation to be paid.

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