Sr Software Engineer--Routing Platform & Infrastructure

The application window is expected to close on: 10/04/2026 Job posting may be removed earlier if the position is filled or if a sufficient number of applications are received . ***Candidates must be local to Milpitas as this hybrid role requires being in office there at least 3 days each week*** Meet the Team: Join the Platform Infrastructure & Optics team, a powerhouse within Cisco’s Mass Infrastructure Group dedicated to redefining network performance for the AI era. We design and deliver the software intelligence behind Cisco’s next-generation high-performance routing platforms, including the Cisco 8000 series. Our work sits at the critical intersection of high-speed optics, custom Silicon One NPUs, and distributed system software. We are looking for engineers who are passionate about solving the challenges of exponential data growth and building the resilient, scalable, and efficient transport foundations that power the world’s most critically important networks. You will join this next-generation networking and AI infrastructure team, contributing to the design and development of scalable software systems for high-speed networking platforms, coherent optical transceivers, PHY devices, and next-generation NPU-based systems. You will work at the intersection of optics and its standards, silicon photonics, ASIC/NPU datapath, Linux embedded software and distributed network operating systems.

Own the lifecycle of management frameworks that ensure seamless, standardized interoperability between our hardware and the complex pluggable optics ecosystem. Bridge the gap between hardware and software by driving the integration of control-plane and datapath logic, ensuring our NPU and ASIC designs deliver peak performance in next-generation high-speed environments. Architect robust, Linux-based embedded solutions that enable deep integration of hardware optics and PHY layers Champion system reliability by designing the diagnostic and telemetry infrastructure that keeps our networks observable and autonomous. Lead the end-to-end design of medium-scope features, acting as a technical steward for our software roadmap and influencing the adoption of modern, agile engineering best practices. Elevate the team through technical mentorship with knowledge sharing, meticulous code reviews, and the creation of comprehensive user documentation.

Bachelor's degree and 6+ years, Master’s degree and 4+ years, or PhD and 1+ years of experience with a degree in CS, EE, or related field; this experience must include: C/C++/Python, Data Structures and Algorithms Embedded systems development and Linux OS programming experience Platform Infrastructure or Optics software development  Preferred Qualifications: Experience with coherent optics (ZR/ZR+), PHY / SerDes, FEC, ASIC / NPU, and DSP-based systems Familiarity with CMIS and / or SFF standards Experience with IOS-XR, SONiC, FBOSS, or similar NOS platforms Experience with AI networking infrastructure Knowledge of optical line systems and coherent transport technologies 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