Software Engineer

Round 1: Online coding assessment (DSA & language specific problems) → Round 2: Technical interview (design, networking concepts, coding) → Round 3: System design / deep dive interview → Round 4: HR interview (fit, motivations, compensation).

Cisco promotes a collaborative, inclusive environment where engineers are encouraged to experiment and innovate. Employees benefit from structured learning programs, mentorship and a healthy work‑life balance supported by flexible work arrangements.

Cisco’s interview process typically starts with an online coding test focusing on data‑structures and algorithms, followed by two technical rounds that assess networking fundamentals, system design and coding proficiency. The final HR round evaluates cultural fit and motivation. Candidates should practice problem‑solving under time pressure and be ready to discuss real‑world networking scenarios.

B.E/B.Tech/M.Sc in Computer Science, Electronics, Electrical or related fields with 0-1 year of relevant experience. Minimum 60% aggregate (or CGPA 6.0/10) in the qualifying degree. No active backlogs at the time of joining. Fresh graduates from the 2024‑2026 batch are encouraged to apply.

Cisco is a global technology leader that designs, manufactures and sells networking equipment, software and services. With a presence in more than 100 countries, Cisco drives digital transformation for enterprises, service providers and governments. The company’s culture is built around innovation, collaboration and a relentless focus on customer success, making it a top destination for engineers who want to work on cutting‑edge products that power the internet. The Silicon One portfolio represents Cisco’s most advanced network processor line, enabling high‑performance, low‑latency data‑plane processing for cloud, AI/ML and edge workloads. As a Software Engineer in the Silicon One Software team, you will be part of a fast‑moving, startup‑like group within a stable corporate environment. You will work closely with Cisco’s customers, architecture teams and hardware designers to develop, test and support the full software stack that runs on the Silicon One NPU. The role demands a blend of strong coding skills, deep networking knowledge and the ability to translate customer requirements into robust, production‑grade software. Key responsibilities include: 1. Design, develop and maintain control‑plane and data‑plane software components for the Silicon One NPU using modern C++ and Python. 2. Collaborate with customers to gather requirements, troubleshoot issues and deliver custom solutions that enhance product adoption. 3. Write and maintain technical documentation, SDK guides and integration manuals for internal and external stakeholders. 4. Participate in code reviews, unit testing and performance profiling to ensure high‑quality, scalable code. 5. Debug complex software/hardware interactions using tools such as GDB, PDB and custom trace utilities. 6. Contribute to the definition of new ASIC features by providing software feasibility feedback to architecture teams. 7. Develop automation scripts and test harnesses to validate networking protocols (L2/L3, MPLS, BGP, OSPF) on the platform. 8. Mentor junior engineers and share best practices around software development methodologies. 9. Stay updated with open‑standards initiatives and incorporate relevant innovations into Cisco’s product roadmap. 10. Own end‑to‑end delivery of software releases, ensuring timely hand‑off to support and operations teams. Tech Stack: Modern C++ (C++17/20), Python, Silicon One network processing language, Linux, Git, GDB/PDB, networking protocol suites, CI/CD pipelines. Growth Path: Successful engineers can progress to Senior Software Engineer, Lead Engineer, Principal Engineer or move into Product Management, Architecture or Customer Engineering leadership roles, leveraging Cisco’s internal mobility programs. Why Join Cisco? You will work on industry‑defining silicon that powers the next generation of data‑center and edge infrastructure, collaborate with world‑class talent, and benefit from Cisco’s extensive learning resources, mentorship programs and global exposure. The role offers a unique blend of customer‑facing interaction and deep technical challenges, making it an ideal launchpad for a rewarding engineering career.