Software Engineer – Technical Leader, Network Data Plane

Cisco

. Design, develop, and optimize high-performance data plane software using modern C/C++ on Linux-based systems .

Posted 10/12/2026full-timeRemote • United StatesSenior💰 $214,100 - $309,800 per yearWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

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Demonstrates expertise in designing and optimizing high-performance data plane software using C/C++ on Linux systems, with a strong focus on networking protocols and packet processing technologies. Proven ability to lead technical discussions, mentor teams, and collaborate across engineering disciplines.

Highest-signal resume keywords

C/C++ Software DevelopmentLinux Environment ProficiencyNetworking Protocols KnowledgeHigh-Performance Packet ProcessingTechnical Mentorship

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills

C ProgrammingC++ ProgrammingLinux SystemsNetworking Software DevelopmentPacket Processing ApplicationsDPDKSystems Software DesignDebuggingPerformance OptimizationProduction-Quality Systems

Soft Skills

Technical LeadershipCollaborationProblem-SolvingMentoring

Tools & Technologies

DPUSmartNICNetwork ProcessorsNetworking AppliancesP4

Industry Keywords

Data Plane SoftwareLayer 2 ProtocolsLayer 3 ProtocolsNetworking ArchitectureDistributed Networking Solutions

Tech Stack

Tools & technologies

LinuxC++

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Design, develop, and optimize high-performance data plane software using modern C/C++ on Linux-based systems
Develop networking software for DPU-based Smart Switch platforms
Enable scalable packet processing and advanced security capabilities
Troubleshoot complex software defects, networking issues, and customer-reported problems
Improve performance, scalability, and reliability
Lead technical design discussions
Participate in architecture and code reviews
Provide technical mentorship across the engineering organization
Collaborate with software, hardware, and security engineering teams
Work across the full software development lifecycle, from technical design and implementation to debugging, performance optimization, code reviews, and customer issue resolution

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
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 with DPUs, SmartNICs, network processors, or networking appliances
Preferred: experience with P4 or other programmable data plane technologies
Preferred: experience contributing to networking architecture, systems software design, or large-scale distributed networking solutions
Preferred: experience working across cross-functional or geographically distributed engineering teams

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
10 paid holidays per full calendar year
1 floating holiday for non-exempt employees
Paid birthday day off
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 for exempt employees
80 hours of sick time off provided on hire date and each January 1st
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