Embedded Software Engineer

Cisco

. Design, develop, debug, and validate embedded software for Cisco networking devices .

Posted 11/5/2026full-timeSan Jose • California • United StatesMid-LevelSenior💰 $155,000 - $222,600 per yearWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

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Demonstrates expertise in designing and developing embedded software for networking devices, with a strong focus on Linux systems and automated validation processes. Proficient in C programming, CI/CD workflows, and debugging complex hardware/software interactions.

Highest-signal resume keywords

Embedded Software DevelopmentLinux Kernel DevelopmentC Programming for Embedded SystemsAutomated Validation with Python/PytestCI/CD Workflow Management

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills

C ProgrammingLinux DevelopmentEmbedded Systems DebuggingPython ProgrammingTest AutomationFirmware DevelopmentDevice Driver DevelopmentNetworking ProtocolsGDB/KGDB DebuggingJTAG

Soft Skills

Strong OwnershipEffective CommunicationTechnical JudgmentCross-Functional Collaboration

Tools & Technologies

GitJiraJenkinsGitHub ActionsGitLab CIYoctoU-BootPower/Thermal Measurement ToolsTestbed OrchestrationAutomated Test Suites

Industry Keywords

Networking FundamentalsEthernetTCP/IPVLANsLayer 2/3 ForwardingSecure BootHardware Roots of TrustTrustZoneCryptographic SigningWireless Embedded Devices

Tech Stack

Tools & technologies

JenkinsLinuxPythonShell ScriptingTCP/IPC++Go

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Design, develop, debug, and validate embedded software for Cisco networking devices
Work closely with hardware and silicon teams while partnering with platform, ASIC, systems, security, manufacturing, and product teams
Develop bootloader, BSP, diagnostics, platform software, and low-level device drivers for networking hardware
Bring up new switch and wireless platforms on Linux and embedded systems across CPU, memory, buses, peripherals, storage, and networking components
Debug complex hardware/software issues on prototype and production devices using logs, traces, debuggers, serial consoles, and lab-based test equipment
Build automated hardware-in-the-loop validation and regression infrastructure for real devices, including Python/Pytest test suites, testbed orchestration, power/thermal measurements, and stability testing
Develop and maintain CI/CD workflows for compiling, testing, analyzing, signing, packaging, and releasing firmware

Requirements

What you’ll need

Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, or a related field with 5 years of relevant experience, or a Master’s degree with 3 years of relevant experience
Proficient programming experience in C for embedded, systems, firmware, or device-driver development
Prior experience developing, debugging, and validating embedded systems or platform software on Linux
Prior experience writing software test plans and automated validation for hardware-dependent software
Knowledge of networking fundamentals and protocols, including Ethernet, TCP/IP, VLANs, MAC learning, and Layer 2/3 forwarding
Experience with Linux kernel development or debugging, GDB/KGDB, JTAG, U-Boot, Yocto, or embedded build systems
Proficiency in Python and experience with Pytest or similar test automation frameworks
Experience with Git, Jira, Jenkins, GitHub Actions, GitLab CI, or other CI/CD systems
Familiarity with secure boot, hardware roots of trust, TrustZone, cryptographic signing, or product security processes
Experience with wireless or radio-connected embedded devices, such as Wi-Fi or BLE
Experience with power, thermal, performance, or reliability characterization of embedded or edge-compute platforms
Experience with C++, Go, shell scripting, or AI/ML edge workloads
Strong ownership, communication, technical judgment, and ability to work effectively in a cross-functional engineering environment

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 per full calendar year for non-exempt full-time employees
Flexible vacation time off program with no defined limit for eligible exempt employees
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
Additional paid time away for critical or emergency family issues
Optional 10 paid volunteer days per full calendar year
Annual bonuses for non-sales roles, subject to Cisco policies
Performance-based incentive pay for sales-plan employees