ForgeApplyTry it free

ForgeApply · Job listing

Embedded Software Technical Leader

Cisco

Milpitas, CA, US$184k – $264konsite

Tailor your resume for this Cisco job in about a minute.

ForgeApply tailors your resume and cover letter to this exact posting, then hands you a ready-to-submit application for Cisco's site. Free trial, no card required.

Tailor my resume for this jobView original posting →

About this role

The application window is expected to close on: 08/31/2026 Job posting may be removed earlier if the position is filled or if a sufficient number of applications are received .

Meet the Team

      The Common   Hardware   Group (CHG) at Cisco is seeking skilled software engineers to join our   Diagnostic /BSP team, responsible for ensuring the reliability and performance of our world-class   hardware . Our team develops software for Cisco’s network   switch es and   router s, which feature advanced application awareness to build a flexible and agile network   infra structure. These capabilities support multi- layer ed responses to the diverse workload demands of AI and ML. This is a unique opportunity to grow your technical skill set and gain visibility and recognition across cross-functional teams within Cisco. We value motivated individuals who enjoy solving complex challenges and thrive in a collaborative, innovative environment.

Your Impact • Architect, design, and develop   BIOS , BSP, and   Diagnostic s for Cisco Core and Edge routing products.

• Design, develop, and   test   kernel   and user space   device driver s for   FPGA   and   networking   peripherals.

• Develop and execute software   test   plans.

• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to   debug   prototypes and validate software.

• Lead technical reviews and discussions across teams.

Minimum Qualifications • Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, or related field with 10+ years experience, or Master’s degree with 8+ years experience.

• Prior experience in C,   C++ , and   Python   programming.

• Previous experience with   hardware   and   device driver   development background, including experience with   Linux   hardware   bring -up.

• Prior experience with   Sonic ,   ONIE ,   BMC ,   IPMI , and/or   Redfish   technologies.

• Prior experience in developing,   debug ging, and validating   embedded   systems and   device driver s for   protocol s such as   I2C ,   SPI ,   UART ,   PCIe , and/or   GPIO .

Preferred Skills  • Proficient in   kernel   debug ging tools such as   GDB   and   KGDB . 

• Prior experience developing software from concept through delivery for large-scale, high-bandwidth systems. 

• Previous experience in troubleshooting software defects from   kernel   modules to applications. 

• Prior experience with collaborative system design, specification writing, and requirements review. 

• Commitment to quality, mentoring, and continuous learning in   networking , optics, and   embedded   systems. 

• Experience with AI/ML. 

• Knowledge of   Layer   2/3 network   protocol s. 

• Strong troubleshooting and   debug ging skills. 

• Experience with network processors and optical   networking . 

• Familiarity with secure-boot, open-source tools,   CMIS , and   SFF   standards ( SFP ,   QSFP ). 

• Strong communication skills and knowledge of software quality processes. 

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. 

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

The starting salary range posted for this position is $183,800.00 to $263,600.00 and reflects the projected salary range for new hires in this position in U.S. and/or Canada locations, not including incentive compensation*, equity, or benefits. Individual pay is determined by the candidate's hiring location, market conditions, job-related skillset, experience, qualifications, education, certifications, and/or training. The full salary range for certain locations is listed below. For locations not listed below, the recruiter can share more details about compensation for the role in your location during the hiring process.

U.S. employees are offered benefits, subject to Cisco’s plan eligibility rules, which include medical, dental and vision insurance, a 401(k) plan with a Cisco matching contribution, paid parental leave, short and long-term disability coverage, and basic life insurance. Please see the Cisco careers site to discover more benefits and perks.  Employees may be eligible to receive grants of Cisco restricted stock units, which vest following continued employment with Cisco for defined periods of time.

U.S. employees are eligible for paid time away as described below, subject to Cisco’s policies: • 10 paid holidays per full calendar year, plus 1 floating holiday for non-exempt employees

• 1 paid day off for employee’s birthday, paid year-end holiday shutdown, and 4 paid days off for personal wellness determined by Cisco

• Non-exempt employees** receive 16 days of paid vacation time per full calendar year, accrued at rate of 4.92 hours per pay period for full-time employees

• Exempt employees participate in Cisco’s flexible vacation time off program, which has no defined limit on how much vacation time eligible employees may use (subject to availability and some business limitations)

• 80 hours of sick time off provided on hire date and each January 1st thereafter, and up to 80 hours of unused sick time carried forward from one calendar year to the next

• Additional paid time away may be requested to deal with critical or emergency issues for family members

• Optional 10 paid days per

Tailor your resume for this Cisco role before you apply.

Tailor my resume for this job

Similar jobs

More like this: Hardware & Electrical Engineering Jobs · More jobs at Cisco · Browse all jobs

Free ATS checker · How to Tailor Your Resume to a Job Description (Step by Step)