Software Engineer, SD-WAN Security

About this role

The application window is expected to close on: 09/08/2026 Job posting may be removed earlier if the position is filled or if a sufficient number of applications are received .

This is a hybrid role at the RTP, NC office.

Meet   the Team   The internet became a reality because of Cisco and its intelligent innovations in WAN engineering over multiple decades. Today, we are evolving our industry-leading, service-rich SD-WAN solution by building integrated multi-cloud and SASE solutions for our customers.   Our   technology   provide s   secure connectivity for users and devices from anywhere in the world to their favorite applications—whether running in the cloud,   on-premise ,   or   SaaS.   

We offer the opportunity to learn and innovate across a vast technology landscape, including Routing, Security, Analytics, Telemetry, Distributed Systems, Machine Learning, and many other areas. Join us and be part of a high-energy team helping transform and build the intelligent internet.  

Your Impact   We are   seeking   a highly skilled Software Development Engineer to join our SD-WAN Security Engineering team, which   is responsible for   securing the SD-WAN fabric that   operates   globally   at   a massive scale. In this role, you will work at the forefront of ground-breaking security technologies in enterprise routers that connect cloud infrastructure and applications. You will   be responsible for   developing and integrating advanced security features, including Firewall, IPS/IDS, Content Filtering, File Inspection, and various other next-generation   firewall   capabilities.  

• Design and develop   robust security software for Cisco’s routing portfolio, supporting diverse deployment modes.  

• Collaborate   closely with Product Managers and Architects on roadmaps and priorities to build the next-generation   firewall   features.  

• Write clean, maintainable code   with unit tests; perform code reviews and contribute to secure coding practices.  

• Drive high-quality execution   by distilling complex technical challenges into elegant, maintainable solutions; author functional and design specifications.  

• Mentor and guide   junior team members in a player-coach model, fostering professional growth and technical excellence.  

• Use modern development workflows   including AI‑assisted coding tools and   VSCode .  

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Minimum Qualifications  

• Bachelors + 5 years of related experience, or Masters + 3 years of related experience, or PhD + 0 years of related experience.  

• Working experience of C/C++ and Python programming, with a strong focus on developing efficient algorithms and optimized code.  

• Professional experience or related coursework within Network Security domains and common deployment scenarios.  

• Professional experience or related coursework in concepts such as Layer 3 and Layer 4 networking technologies and services.  

• Previous experience debugging, troubleshooting, and embedded software development.  

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Preferred Qualifications  

• Experience with     AI   assisted   development   tools   such as   Copilot, Claude ,   Codex   or similar technologies to improve engineering productivity and code quality.  

• Experience working in cross‑functional and distributed teams.  

• Ability to adapt quickly and deliver effectively in a fast-paced, evolving environment with changing priorities and technologies.  

• Demonstrated agility in learning new tools, technologies, and domains with strong problem-solving and analytical capabilities.

• Highly self-motivated with a passion for innovation and developing creative solutions.  

#sdwanhiring

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 $128,600.00 to $184,900.00 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 determ

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