Staff Software Engineer, SDN

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  • Location:
    Offsite, San Jose, California, US
  • Alternate Location
    Remote, United States
  • Area of Interest
    Engineer - Software
  • Compensation Range
    198600 USD - 282900 USD
  • Job Type
    Professional
  • Technology Interest
    Networking, Security, Security and Observability, Software Development
  • Job Id
    1436687

Application window is expected to close on 03/15/2025. However, the job posting may be removed earlier if the position is filled or if a sufficient number of applications are received. 

Isovalent, now part of Cisco, is the company founded by the creators of Cilium and eBPF. Cisco Isovalent builds open-source software and enterprise solutions solving networking, security, and observability needs for modern cloud native infrastructure. The flagship technology, Cilium, is the choice of numerous, industry-leading, global organizations.

We believe in fostering an inclusive and diverse workplace where every team member feels valued, respected, and empowered. We believe that every employee contributes to our success, and we are committed to fostering an environment where everyone can thrive. We encourage candidates from all backgrounds to apply and join us in our mission to deliver exceptional products and services.

About this role:

Isovalent, now part of Cisco, is seeking a skilled and experienced Software Defined Networking Software Engineer to help us build the next generation of SDN technology. You will be responsible for bridging the gap between the traditional SDN solutions towards a Cloud Native approach with Cilium and eBPF, supporting a mix of containerized and VM workloads. You will work with a highly collaborative and skilled team to build solutions that advance the next generation of networking and security in Kubernetes environments.

What you’ll do:

  • Developing high-quality Go and eBPF code for SDN platforms for demanding enterprise-scale network infrastructures.
  • Work on next-generation networking dataplane technologies and highly scalable distributed systems
  • Leverage ground-breaking open source technologies such as Cilium, eBPF, and Kubernetes
  • Implement automation solutions and APIs to streamline SDN deployment and management.
  • Ensure seamless interoperability between SDN components, cloud platforms, and traditional networking solutions.
  • Participate in code reviews, architectural discussions, and contribute to technical documentation.

Minimum Qualifications:

  • BS degree or equivalent experience in Computer Science or related field 
  • 3+ years of experience in Go, C, or eBPF.
  • Experience working with SDN dataplanes, SDN controllers, or network virtualization.

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Knowledge about Linux systems design, security and/or networking, Linux kernel.
  • Familiarity with enterprise SDN platforms and their integration into hybrid cloud ecosystems.
  • Hands-on experience with network protocols (BGP, VXLAN, OSPF, etc.) and security policies.
  • Contributions to open-source.
  • Prior experience working on enterprise-grade SDN products.
  • A public track record of open-source code commits is a plus

#WeAreCisco 

#WeAreCisco where every individual brings their unique skills and perspectives together to pursue our purpose of powering an inclusive future for all.

Our passion is connection—we celebrate our employees’ diverse set of backgrounds and focus on unlocking potential. Cisconians often experience one company, many careers where learning and development are encouraged and supported at every stage. Our technology, tools, and culture pioneered hybrid work trends, allowing all to not only give their best, but be their best.

We understand our outstanding opportunity to bring communities together and at the heart of that is our people. One-third of Cisconians collaborate in our 30 employee resource organizations, called Inclusive Communities, to connect, foster belonging, learn to be informed allies, and make a difference. Dedicated paid time off to volunteer—80 hours each year—allows us to give back to causes we are passionate about, and nearly 86% do!

Our purpose, driven by our people, is what makes us the worldwide leader in technology that powers the internet. Helping our customers reimagine their applications, secure their enterprise, transform their infrastructure, and meet their sustainability goals is what we do best. We ensure that every step we take is a step towards a more inclusive future for all. Take your next step and be you, with us!

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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