Software Engineer, Technical Leader – Network Data Plane

Cisco

Technical Leader designing and developing high-performance data plane software for Cisco Hypershield Smart Switches. Collaborating with engineering teams on innovative networking solutions.

Posted 7/25/2026full-timeRemote • California, Maine, Montana, North Dakota, Ohio • 🇺🇸 United StatesSenior💰 $210,600 - $305,100 per yearWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

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Expertise in designing and optimizing high-performance data plane software using C/C++ in Linux environments, with a strong focus on networking protocols and packet processing technologies. Proven ability to lead technical discussions and collaborate with cross-functional teams to deliver innovative networking solutions.

Highest-signal resume keywords

C/C++ Software DevelopmentLinux Environment ExperienceNetworking Protocols KnowledgeHigh-Performance Packet ProcessingDPU and SmartNIC Development

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills

C ProgrammingC++ ProgrammingLinux SystemsNetworking Software DevelopmentPacket Processing ApplicationsDPDKLayer 2 ProtocolsLayer 3 ProtocolsP4 ProgrammingSystems Software Design

Soft Skills

Technical LeadershipCollaborationProblem-SolvingCommunication

Tools & Technologies

Data Processing Units (DPUs)SmartNICsNetworking AppliancesNetworking Stacks

Industry Keywords

Data Plane SoftwareNetworking ArchitectureDistributed Networking SolutionsCross-Functional Engineering

Tech Stack

Tools & technologies

Linux

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Designing, developing, and optimizing high-performance data plane software using modern C/C++ on Linux-based systems
Developing networking software for DPU-based Smart Switch platforms
Troubleshooting complex software defects, networking issues, and customer-reported problems
Leading technical design discussions and participating in architecture and code reviews
Collaborating with cross-functional engineering teams to deliver innovative networking and security capabilities

Requirements

What you’ll need

Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a related technical field and 12+ years of related experience, or Master’s degree with 10+ years, or PhD with 7+ years of related experience
10+ years of professional software development experience using C or C++ in Linux environments
Experience developing networking or data plane software with strong knowledge of Layer 2, Layer 3, and common networking protocols
Experience developing or optimizing high-performance packet processing applications using DPDK, networking stacks, or similar technologies
Experience designing, implementing, debugging, reviewing, and delivering production-quality systems software
Preferred: Experience developing software for Data Processing Units (DPUs), SmartNICs, network processors, or networking appliances
Experience with P4 or other programmable data plane technologies
Experience contributing to networking architecture, systems software design, or large-scale distributed networking solutions
Experience working across cross-functional or geographically distributed engineering teams

Benefits

Comp & perks

medical, dental and vision insurance
a 401(k) plan with a Cisco matching contribution
paid parental leave
short and long-term disability coverage
basic life insurance
paid time away including 10 paid holidays plus 1 floating holiday
1 paid day off for employee’s birthday
paid year-end holiday shutdown
4 paid days off for personal wellness
16 days of paid vacation time accrued at rate of 4.92 hours per pay period
access to a flexible vacation time off program with no limit on vacation time
80 hours of sick time off provided on hire date and annually
up to 80 hours of unused sick time carried forward
optional 10 paid days per full calendar year to volunteer
eligibility to receive grants of Cisco restricted stock units that vest after a defined period