Software Engineer (Python, networking, system design | 7+ years)

Job description

Meet the teamThe Cisco Silicon One Bangalore team is at the heart of Cisco's next-generation networking innovation, developing the software, ASICs, and validation systems that power the industry's most advanced networking silicon. The team is building a unified, programmable silicon architecture that serves as the foundation for Cisco's future routing, switching, and AI/ML network infrastructure. Operating with the agility of a startup within Cisco's global ecosystem, the team designs, validates, and delivers high-performance, multi-terabit silicon solutions that enable faster, more scalable, power-efficient, and secure networks for service providers and web-scale customers worldwide. Your ImpactDevelop and enhance the core hardware validation framework for Cisco Silicon One ASICs. Design and automate end-to-end validation tests across hardware, simulation, and CI/CD environments. Build scalable, reliable test frameworks using modern software design principles and Python/pytest. Validate next-generation networking features including packet processing, QoS, ACLs, warm boot, and multi-device topologies. Collaborate with silicon, SDK, and architecture teams to ensure comprehensive test coverage and early defect detection. Own hardware smoke and regression testing to maintain high product quality across releases. Debug complex hardware and software issues, driving root cause analysis and resolution. Support bring-up and validation of new Silicon One ASICs and networking platforms. Minimum QualificationStrong Python and test-automation skills (pytest, CI, large test matrices) 7-12 years of experience in Software Development Understands networking fundamentals — L2/L3, ACLs, QoS/meters, tunnels, multicast, and packet forwarding concepts System design expertise — ability to architect large, evolving validation platforms with clear boundaries, interfaces, and ownership Proficiency in system design patterns — Demonstrated expertise in system design, software architecture, and design patterns, with the ability to evaluate design trade-offs and develop scalable, modular, and reusable software components. Comfort working close to hardware — lab boards, SerDes, port bring-up, and long-running HW regressions Experience with complex systems — build/test pipelines, distributed testing, or large-scale validation frameworks A mindset for quality and ownership — you care that silicon actually works at line rate, not just that code compiles Preferred QualificationExperience with Cisco Silicon One SDK, NPL, SAI, traffic generators (TGEN), or carrier/web-scale networking platforms 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.