Job Overview

Cisco is hiring an experienced Software Engineer for its networking software organization in Bangalore. This hybrid role focuses on the development of common software modules for Cisco IOS XR and platform-dependent forwarding infrastructure. The team works on Layer 2 forwarding technologies and networking capabilities used in large-scale service provider and web-scale environments.

The position is designed for a senior engineer with strong C and C++ programming skills, Linux system programming experience, and deep knowledge of switching and routing technologies. You will work on technically complex networking systems involving EVPN, VPWS, VPLS, MPLS, VXLAN, and multiple Layer 2 and Layer 3 protocols. The role also includes technical leadership, architecture participation, mentoring, innovation, and customer-focused problem solving.

Key Responsibilities

• Design and develop resilient and scalable networking software for Cisco IOS XR and platform-dependent systems.
• Work with product managers, architects, account teams, and other engineering groups to understand complex requirements and develop practical technical solutions.
• Contribute to software architecture and detailed design for sophisticated switching and routing capabilities.
• Develop and enhance Layer 2 forwarding functionality supporting technologies such as EVPN, VPWS, and VPLS.
• Work with networking protocols and platform-dependent implementations for requirements involving ERPS, MSTP, PVRST, LACP, LLDP, L2PT, and Dot1x.
• Investigate product quality issues, identify technical hotspots, and develop solutions that improve reliability and overall product quality.
• Participate in planning and execution of complex engineering initiatives, breaking larger goals into measurable development milestones.
• Collaborate with senior architects and engineering teams on broader technology initiatives and new opportunities.
• Explore newer technologies and use rapid prototyping where appropriate to validate technical ideas.
• Mentor engineers and help build long-term technical capability within the team.
• Contribute innovative ideas and engineering knowledge that can strengthen Cisco's networking technology portfolio.

Required Skills

Candidates should have extensive software engineering experience in networking or a closely related technical domain. Strong proficiency in C and C++ is essential, together with practical Python experience and Linux system programming knowledge.

A deep understanding of networking is required. This includes switching and routing concepts, Layer 2 and Layer 3 protocols, and technologies such as EVPN, MPLS, VXLAN, VPWS, and VPLS. Experience designing complex networking systems and applying software engineering principles to large-scale platforms is important.

The role also requires knowledge of Linux process and memory management and multithreaded programming. Candidates should be comfortable developing software for resilient, scalable, and secure systems using open-source and commercial technologies.

Preferred Skills

Experience with BRCM pipeline technology and the associated SDK environment is preferred. Exposure to microcode can provide additional value.

Candidates who have worked with LLM agents for workflow definition or custom engineering tasks may receive additional consideration. Demonstrated technical leadership or team management experience is also desirable.

Education

A BE or B.Tech degree or a higher qualification in Computer Science, Electronics and Communication, or an equivalent discipline is required according to the job posting.

Experience

The role is targeted at experienced professionals with 8 to 12 years of relevant experience. The minimum qualification specifies 8+ years in networking or an equivalent domain. Candidates should therefore have substantial experience in software engineering, networking technologies, system design, and development of complex platforms.

Required Technologies

• C
• C++
• Python
• Linux
• Linux System Programming
• Multithreading
• Process Management
• Memory Management
• Cisco IOS XR
• EVPN
• MPLS
• VXLAN
• VPWS
• VPLS
• Layer 2 Networking
• Layer 3 Networking
• ERPS
• MSTP
• PVRST
• LACP
• LLDP
• L2PT
• Dot1x
• BRCM SDK
• BRCM Pipeline
• Microcode
• LLM Agents
• Open-source Software

Soft Skills

Strong communication and collaboration skills are important because the engineer will work with architects, product management, account teams, and multiple engineering groups. The ability to explain complex technical problems and align technical solutions with product requirements is valuable.

The position also calls for technical leadership, structured problem solving, mentoring ability, and a willingness to share knowledge. Candidates should be comfortable working on ambiguous or technically challenging problems, evaluating alternatives, and turning requirements into practical engineering solutions.

Benefits of Working in this Role

This role offers the opportunity to work on complex networking technologies that support large-scale infrastructure. Engineers can deepen their expertise in routing, switching, Linux system programming, network software architecture, and platform-dependent forwarding.

The position also provides exposure to cross-functional engineering collaboration, senior architecture discussions, technical innovation, mentoring, and emerging technologies. The job posting emphasizes opportunities to grow technical skills and contribute to globally used networking solutions.

Work Mode

The job is listed as hybrid. Candidates should be prepared to work in a hybrid arrangement based on Cisco's team and business requirements.

Location

The position is based in Bangalore, Karnataka, India.

Who Should Apply

This opportunity is best suited to senior software engineers with strong networking domain knowledge and hands-on experience in C, C++, Python, and Linux. Professionals who have developed routing or switching software and worked with Layer 2 or Layer 3 networking technologies should consider this role.

Candidates with practical experience in EVPN, MPLS, VXLAN, VPWS, VPLS, IOS XR, Linux system programming, multithreading, and platform-dependent software development are particularly aligned with the requirements. Experience with BRCM SDK, pipeline development, microcode, or LLM-based engineering workflows can further strengthen an application.

Career Growth

The role provides opportunities to build deeper expertise in network operating systems, forwarding infrastructure, switching and routing technologies, and large-scale software architecture. Senior engineers can also strengthen their technical leadership through architecture discussions, cross-team initiatives, mentoring, and innovation activities.

Working across product management, architecture, account teams, and engineering organizations can broaden both technical and leadership capabilities while providing experience with complex networking products.

Application Advice

Highlight your years of networking software experience and clearly show your hands-on work with C, C++, Python, and Linux. Include specific examples of routing, switching, forwarding, or network operating system development where applicable.

Your resume should also mention relevant experience with EVPN, MPLS, VXLAN, VPWS, VPLS, IOS XR, Layer 2 and Layer 3 protocols, multithreading, process and memory management, and system architecture. If you have worked with BRCM SDK, microcode, or LLM agents for engineering workflows, describe that experience accurately.

Emphasize technical leadership, mentoring, architecture contributions, customer problem solving, and successful delivery of complex networking projects. Use measurable outcomes where they are genuinely supported by your experience.