Embedded Software Engineering Technical Leader

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 switches and routers, which feature advanced application awareness to build a flexible and agile network infrastructure. These capabilities support multi-layered 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 and develop BIOS, BSP, and diagnostics for Cisco's Core and Edge routing products.   * Design, develop, and test device drivers for FPGA and high-speed networking peripherals.   * Develop and execute software test plans.   * Collaborate with cross-functional teams to debug prototypes and validate software.   * Innovate and drive unique software, hardware, and technology solutions with a global impact on Cisco's product portfolio.   * Utilize deep technical expertise for complex consultations and act as an expert both internally and externally.   * Shape technology and industry trends to enable a competitive advantage and ensure long-term business impact.  Minimum Qualifications  * Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, or related field with 14+ years experience, or Master’s degree with 12+ years experience.   * Current experience in C, C++, and Python programming for embedded systems.   * Prior experience in hardware and device driver development, including Linux hardware bring-up, multi-threading, event handling, and state machine implementation.  * Prior experience with Sonic, ONIE, BMC, IPMI, and/or Redfish technologies.   * Prior experience developing, debugging, and validating embedded systems using protocols such as I2C, SPI, UART, PCIe, GPIO.  Preferred Qualifications  * Prior experience in kernel debugging tools such as GDB and KGDB.   * Experience leading board bring-up, validation, and debugging of embedded systems.   * Ability to develop software from concept through delivery for large-scale, high-bandwidth systems.   * Prior experience with troubleshooting skills for software defects from kernel modules to applications.   * Prior experience in collaborative system design, specification writing, and requirements review.   * AI/ML experience and knowledge of Layer 2/3 network protocols, network processors, optical networking, secure-boot, open-source tools, CMIS, and SFF standards (SFP, QSFP).  Why Cisco?  At Cisco, we’re revolutionizing how data and infrastructure connect and protect organizations in the AI era – and beyond.