Leader, Software Engineering | C, C++, Python, Device Driver, Linux, Kernel, People Leader | 12+ years

About

As a Senior Manager within the Common Hardware Group (CHG), you will lead a high-performing team of software engineers responsible for the reliability, performance, and innovation of Cisco’s world‑class hardware. You will be at the forefront of developing software for Cisco’s network switches and routers, enabling advanced application awareness and supporting the complex workload demands of AI and ML.

In this senior leadership role, you will define the technical strategy, cultivate a culture of innovation, and mentor top‑tier engineering talent. You will act as a bridge between technical execution and business outcomes, ensuring our software solutions provide a competitive advantage in the global market.

Key Responsibilities

• Strategic Leadership: Define and execute the long‑term vision for BIOS, BSP, and diagnostic software development. Align team objectives with Cisco’s broader goals in AI/ML and network infrastructure.
• Talent Development: Mentor and grow a team of senior engineers. Foster an inclusive, collaborative, and innovative environment that attracts and retains top talent.
• Technical Oversight: Provide guidance on complex architectural decisions for device drivers, FPGA integration, and high‑speed networking peripherals. Ensure best‑in‑class software quality through rigorous test plans and validation processes.
• Cross‑Functional Collaboration: Partner with hardware, product management, and global engineering teams to drive unique technology solutions. Act as a primary point of contact for complex technical consultations, both internally and externally.
• Operational Excellence: Lead the team through the full software development lifecycle—from concept to delivery. Drive industry‑leading standards for system reliability and performance.
• Innovation: Stay ahead of industry trends (e.g., Sonic, ONIE, BMC, Redfish) to ensure Cisco’s product portfolio remains at the cutting edge of the industry.

Minimum Qualifications

• Education & Experience: Bachelor's degree in electrical engineering, Computer Science, or a related field with 18+ years of experience, or a Master’s degree with 15+ years of experience.
• Leadership Experience: Proven track record of leading large, diverse engineering teams in a fast‑paced, high‑tech environment.
• Technical Depth: Deep expertise in C, C++, and Python programming for embedded systems.
• Domain Expertise: Extensive experience in hardware and device driver development, including Linux hardware bring‑up, multi‑threading, event handling, and state machine implementation.
• System Knowledge: Demonstrated experience with protocols such as I2C, SPI, UART, PCIe, and GPIO, as well as technologies like Sonic, ONIE, BMC, IPMI, and/or Redfish.

Preferred Qualifications

• Advanced Debugging: Experience with kernel debugging tools (GDB, KGDB) and large‑scale system troubleshooting.
• Project Leadership: Proven ability to lead board bring‑up, validation, and complex software delivery from concept to production for high‑bandwidth systems.
• Industry Standards: Knowledge of AI/ML integration, Layer 2/3 network protocols, optical networking, secure‑boot, and CMIS/SFF standards.
• Strategic Vision: Experience in collaborative system design, specification writing, and driving requirements reviews across global organizations.

Why Cisco?

At Cisco, we’re revolutionizing how data and infrastructure connect and protect organizations in the AI era – and beyond. We’ve been innovating fearlessly for 40 years to create solutions that power how humans and technology work together across the physical and digital worlds. These solutions provide customers with unparalleled security, visibility, and insights across the entire digital footprint.

Fueled by the depth and breadth of our technology, we experiment and create meaningful solutions. Add to that our worldwide network of doers and experts, and you’ll see that the opportunities to grow and build are limitless. We work as a team, collaborating with empathy to make really big things happen on a global scale. Because our solutions are everywhere, our impact is everywhere.

We are Cisco, and our power starts with you.