Leader, Software Engineering – Cygnus platforms

Cisco

Lead Software Engineering team for Cygnus platforms at Cisco. Engage in AI-powered automation and high-performance delivery of Silicon One products.

Posted 7/2/2026full-timeMilpitas • California • 🇺🇸 United StatesSenior💰 $210,600 - $305,100 per yearWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

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Demonstrates expertise in leading software engineering teams and managing complex, multi-functional projects, with a strong focus on quality, security, and performance. Proficient in programming with C and Python, and experienced in CI/CD processes and network operating systems.

Highest-signal resume keywords

Software Engineering ManagementC ProgrammingPython ProgrammingCI/CD and Build SystemsNew Platform Introduction (NPI)

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills

C ProgrammingPython ProgrammingCI/CDJenkinsGitHub ActionsNetwork Operating SystemsEmbedded PlatformsBoard Support Package (BSP) DevelopmentHardware Abstraction LayersProject Delivery

Soft Skills

Strong Communication SkillsMentoringCross-Team CollaborationStakeholder Management

Certifications & Qualifications

Bachelor's DegreeMaster's DegreePhD

Industry Keywords

Silicon OneRouting PlatformsNew Platform Introduction (NPI)AI-Powered WorkflowsSelf-Healing Pipelines

Tech Stack

Tools & technologies

iOSJenkinsPython

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Lead three critical functions—Spitfire NPI, Common BIOS, and Cygnus Applications—to ensure the rapid, high-quality delivery of Silicon One-based routing platforms
Manage the engineering team, processes, and infrastructure to optimize the developer experience and accelerate platform bring-up cycles
Drive the adoption of AI-powered workflows and automation to transform manual, repetitive tasks into intelligent, self-healing pipelines that improve quality and time-to-market
Champion a high-performing culture by mentoring engineers and setting rigorous standards for quality, security, and performance across all workstreams
Deliver complex, multi-functional projects that directly influence Cisco's Silicon One platform strategy and maintain our competitive edge in the routing industry

Requirements

What you’ll need

Bachelor's degree + 15 years of related experience, or Master's + 12 years of related experience, or PhD + 8 years of related experience
4+ years of supervisory/management experience leading software engineering teams
Experience delivering software projects spanning multiple teams and functions
Programming experience with C and Python
Experience with CI/CD and build systems such as Jenkins or GitHub Actions
Experience with network operating systems or embedded platforms (e.g., IOS-XR, NX-OS, SONiC) (preferred)
Familiarity with Board Support Package (BSP) development and hardware abstraction layers (preferred)
Experience leading New Platform Introduction (NPI) programs in networking or hardware-adjacent domains (preferred)
Strong communication skills for cross-team collaboration, stakeholder management, and executive-level reporting (preferred)

Benefits

Comp & perks

medical, dental and vision insurance
a 401(k) plan with a Cisco matching contribution
paid parental leave
short and long-term disability coverage
basic life insurance
10 paid holidays per full calendar year
1 floating holiday for non-exempt employees
1 paid day off for employee’s birthday
year-end holiday shutdown
4 paid days off for personal wellness determined by Cisco
16 days of paid vacation time 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
up to 80 hours of unused sick time carried forward from one calendar year to the next
optional 10 paid days per full calendar year to volunteer