Job Description

What You'll Do :

Join our innovative SDWAN development team as a Software Engineer where you'll design and deliver next-generation security solutions for Cisco's industry-leading SDWAN technology. You will actively contribute to the development of advanced features in SDWAN, with a focus on security, data plane, and infrastructure, while integrating Artificial Intelligence techniques to optimize and safeguard SDWAN operations. You'll leverage modern AI tools to enhance software development practices to help drive greater efficiency, quality, and innovation across the team.

Who You'll Work With

You'll be a key part of Cisco's Enterprise Routing group. Our SDWAN team is responsible for architecting and engineering cutting-edge SDWAN features that set industry standards. You'll work closely with cross-functional teams to deliver secure SDWAN solutions that address the evolving needs of global enterprise networks, and you'll champion the adoption of AI-powered tools throughout the development lifecycle.

Who You Are

Software Engineer focused on delivering Secure SDWAN solutions for customers.
Operate within a process-driven environment, emphasizing robust, disciplined software development, secure coding, and the effective use of AI tools.
Understand and contribute to requirements, author functional and design specifications, demonstrate technical leadership, and drive high-quality execution.
Champion the adoption of AI tools for tasks such as code generation, automated testing, intelligent code review, and continuous integration/deployment optimization.
Lead subsystem development, independently designing and implementing large-scale software components—especially within networking data paths—with an eye for performance and security.
Strong understanding of CPU architectures and their implications for secure, high-performance code.
Demonstrated expertise in network security best practices, and secure software lifecycle principles.
Eagerness to learn and apply new technologies, including AI/ML frameworks, AI-powered development tools, and security solutions.
Motivated, collaborative, and adaptable team player; able to work independently and communicate technical concepts effectively.

Minimum Qualifications

Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Engineering, or related field (or equivalent experience)
1 to 3 years of relevant software development experience (networking, embedded systems, or related areas)
Expert proficiency in C; experience with C++ and other languages is highly desirable.
Proficient in at least one scripting language (Python required), with hands-on experience with AI/ML techniques is highly desirable.
Experience using modern AI tools for development (e.g., AI-driven code assistants, static analysis tools, test automation platforms).
Experience with POKY or other custom kernel environments is desirable.
Deep knowledge of Linux OS, including kernel driver development and Linux system programming.
Experience with embedded operating systems and Linux in resource-constrained environments.
Background in implementing secure code, security protocols, and/or leveraging AI/ML for security analytics is highly desirable.
Strong self-motivation and problem-solving skills, with a passion for innovation and improving customer experience through secure, intelligent solutions.

Preferred Qualifications

Direct experience in integrating AI/ML techniques within networking or security products.
Familiarity with security frameworks, encryption standards, and best practices in enterprise networking.
Familiarity with security for dataplane including various flavors of NAT
Demonstrated experience in evaluating and deploying AI tools in software development pipelines.

Why Cisco

At Cisco, we're revolutionizing how data and infrastructure connect and protect organizations in the AI era – and beyond. We've been innovating fearlessly for 40 years to create solutions that power how humans and technology work together across the physical and digital worlds. These solutions provide customers with unparalleled security, visibility, and insights across the entire digital footprint.

Fueled by the depth and breadth of our technology, we experiment and create meaningful solutions. Add to that our worldwide network of doers and experts, and you'll see that the opportunities to grow and build are limitless. We work as a team, collaborating with empathy to make really big things happen on a global scale. Because our solutions are everywhere, our impact is everywhere.

We are Cisco, and our power starts with you.

SDWAN Security and Data plane Software Engineer