Software Engineering Manager-Networking

Join a pioneering team driving innovation in networking solutions. We build high-performance systems using Cisco's industry-leading Silicon One ASIC and IOS XR software to power the next generation of platforms. Our work spans the Cisco 8000 series, where we develop SDKs and control plane components that enable core networking protocols. We partner closely with some of the world's largest cloud, web-scale, service provider, and mobile infrastructure companies to deliver cutting-edge features and scalable solutions.

As a Software Engineering Manager, you will lead a high-impact team responsible for designing and delivering critical control plane and SDK features on the Cisco 8000 platform. You will guide the team's development across hardware-software integration, networking protocols, and system architecture, ensuring quality, performance, and alignment with customer needs.

• Lead, coach, and grow a diverse team of software engineers focused on building embedded systems and networking control plane features.
• Drive technical excellence and execution in the development of APIs between software and hardware layers.
• Partner with architects, hardware teams, NOS software teams and product owners to define and deliver technical roadmaps.
• Foster a culture of innovation, collaboration, and accountability, balancing delivery timelines with high engineering standards.
• Oversee team growth and development by ensuring hands-on technical mentorship and review code and designs.
• Act as a liaison to stakeholders and customers, ensuring the team's work aligns with broader Cisco platform strategies.
• Manage and drive down technical debt as well as internally and externally found defects, and drive prompt problem resolution across technical disciplines.

• Bachelor's Degree + 8 years of experience (or Master's + 6 years), with a strong background in systems or embedded software development
• Experience leading teams that work in C++ and/or Python, with hands-on experience building and debugging complex systems
• Experience and/or familiarity with networking protocols such as BGP, OSPF, TCP/IP, DNS, IPv4/IPv6
• Experience with SDK development or hardware/software API design

• Prior engineering leadership experience, including mentoring or managing other engineers
• Familiarity with network processor programming, hardware internals, or embedded software debugging (e.g., memory/register-level troubleshooting)
• Experience with IOS XR or similar network operating systems
• A passion for building high-performance routing platforms and working closely with hardware teams and ASICs
• Ability to drive features end-to-end from concept through production

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. Simply put - we power the future.

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.