Software Engineer, Embedded Systems II

Cisco

. Design, develop, and optimize high-performance embedded software, firmware, and low-level platform features .

Posted 10/13/2026full-timeUnited StatesSeniorLead💰 $125,700 - $203,100 per yearWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

Use this summary to align your resume positioning with the role.

Demonstrates expertise in designing and optimizing embedded software and firmware, with strong proficiency in C or C++ systems programming. Capable of implementing system-level test automation and collaborating effectively with cross-functional engineering teams.

Highest-signal resume keywords

C Or C++ Systems ProgrammingEmbedded Linux DevelopmentSystem-Level Test AutomationCI/CD PipelinesDevice Drivers Development

ATS Keywords

Tailor your resume

Applicant Tracking System Keywords

Tip: use these terms in your resume and cover letter to boost ATS matches.

Hard Skills

Embedded Software DevelopmentFirmware DevelopmentMemory ManagementMultithreadingConcurrencyLow-Level Hardware-Software InterfacesDebugging ToolsOperating Systems ConceptsPython AutomationBash Automation

Tools & Technologies

GDBValgrindGitCI/CD ToolsLab Instrumentation

Industry Keywords

RTOSPOSIX-Compliant Operating SystemsKernel ComponentsBootloadersNetworkingHIL Validation

Tech Stack

Tools & technologies

LinuxPythonRTOSC++

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Design, develop, and optimize high-performance embedded software, firmware, and low-level platform features
Build resilient device drivers, kernel components, and hardware-software interfaces with cross-functional engineering teams
Architect and implement system-level test automation and diagnostic tools using Python and modern CI/CD pipelines
Validate complex platform interactions and ensure product reliability
Diagnose platform-level issues and optimize memory and CPU performance
Support production triage
Independently deliver resilient, scalable embedded software across the software development lifecycle
Drive technical excellence across the software development lifecycle

Requirements

What you’ll need

Meet one of the following qualifications, completed within the past 3 years or expected within the next 12 months: Master’s degree with 0 years of work experience; Bachelor’s degree with 2 years of work experience; educational or workforce development program such as Associate’s, Apprenticeship, Boot camp, or Certification with 3 years of work experience; or high school diploma (or equivalent) with 4 years of work experience
Qualifying education and work experience in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Software Engineering, or a related field
Strong proficiency in C or C++ systems programming
Practical experience developing software in embedded Linux, RTOS, or POSIX-compliant operating system environments
Deep understanding of operating systems concepts, multithreading, concurrency, memory management, and low-level hardware-software interfaces
Familiarity with software development workflows in Linux environments
Familiarity with debugging tools such as GDB and Valgrind
Familiarity with Git version control
Preferred: experience with device drivers, kernel modules, BSPs, bootloaders, networking, Python or Bash automation, CI/CD pipelines, hardware bring-up, HIL validation, or lab instrumentation

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
Potential grants of Cisco restricted stock units, subject to eligibility and 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 employees
Flexible vacation time off program with no defined limit for eligible exempt employees, 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
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’s policies