Software Engineer, Backend

Cisco

Backend engineer developing Cisco’s production AI/ML platform and applications. Deploying cloud services, containerized microservices, and AI infrastructure from the San Jose office in a hybrid role.

Posted 8/10/2026full-timeSan Jose • California • 🇺🇸 United StatesJuniorMid-Level💰 $125,700 - $176,600 per yearWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

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Demonstrates expertise in building and maintaining AI/ML systems in production environments, with strong programming skills in Python and/or Go. Proficient in deploying services on cloud platforms like AWS, Azure, or GCP, and experienced with containerization technologies such as Docker and Kubernetes.

Highest-signal resume keywords

AI/ML Platform DevelopmentPython ProgrammingAWS DeploymentDocker ContainerizationGenerative AI Technologies

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills

Machine Learning SystemsPythonGoAWSAzureGCPDockerKubernetesMicroservices ArchitectureData Pipelines

Soft Skills

Team CollaborationProblem SolvingQuick LearningProcess Improvement

Industry Keywords

AI ToolsLLM FrameworksDistributed SystemsService ReliabilityOperational Workflows

Tech Stack

Tools & technologies

AWSAzureDistributed SystemsDockerGoGoogle Cloud PlatformKubernetesMicroservicesPython

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Contribute to the design and implementation of AI/ML platform components for Cisco’s AI products under senior engineering guidance
Assist in deploying, testing, and validating AI/ML infrastructure and services in production
Analyze performance data and troubleshoot routine technical issues to ensure service reliability
Collaborate with cross-functional team members on process improvements and standard operational workflows
Build foundational knowledge of AI tools, LLM frameworks, and distributed systems
Support the ongoing development and maintenance of backend AI/ML platform technologies

Requirements

What you’ll need

Bachelor's degree in STEM plus 2 years of related experience, or Master's degree in STEM
Professional experience building or maintaining ML systems in a production environment
Programming experience using Python and/or Go
Experience deploying and managing services on AWS, Azure, or GCP
Experience with containerization technologies such as Docker and Kubernetes
Experience with microservices architectures
Exposure to Generative AI technologies and LLM frameworks
Interest in modern AI tools, ML methodologies, and data pipelines
Ability to learn quickly and apply best practices to improve product quality and service efficiency
Desire to grow skills in reliable, maintainable, and distributed backend systems
Experience participating in team-based projects and contributing to cross-functional initiatives

Benefits

Comp & perks

Medical, dental and vision insurance
401(k) plan with a Cisco matching contribution
Paid parental leave
Short- and long-term disability coverage
Basic life insurance
Cisco restricted stock unit grants may be available, vesting following continued employment
10 paid holidays per full calendar year
1 floating holiday for non-exempt employees
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 per full calendar year for non-exempt employees
Exempt employees participate in Cisco’s flexible vacation time off program with no defined limit, subject to availability and business limitations
80 hours of sick time off provided on hire date and each January 1st thereafter
Up to 80 hours of unused sick time carried forward annually
Additional paid time away may be requested for critical or emergency family issues
Optional 10 paid days per full calendar year to volunteer
Annual bonuses may be available for non-sales roles
Opportunities to grow and build through Cisco’s worldwide network of doers and experts