So… why is it free?

Employers pay when they hire through Elip. You're not the product — you're the talent it finds. No contracts, no card. Not useful? One message wipes everything. No hidden Pro tier. No “contact sales.” This is the entire pricing page.

Software Engineer - C/C++ , Dataplane, Forwarding, Layer 2 at Cisco — Bengaluru

Experience6–10 yrs
SalaryNot disclosed
Work modeonsite
Levelsenior
Posted18 Sept 2026

Apply for this job

About Cisco

Cisco is hiring in Bengaluru in technology software. This role looks for around 6+ years of experience.

Skills

C/C++
Python
embedded software development
NPU programming
carrier-grade networking
forwarding architectures
Layer 2 networking
Layer 3 routing
QoS
packet processing
embedded software debugging
Git
CI/CD
GDB
Valgrind
ClearCase
DDTS

The role

An embedded software engineer at a networking technology company designs high-performance forwarding software using C/C++, NPU programming, and carrier-grade networking. The work applies Python, Internet Protocols, and embedded software debugging to optimize packet processing and service-provider network performance.

Full job description

Job Summary

Meet the Team

MIG Platform Forwarding team, the engine room behind the world's most robust service provider networks. We build the high-performance data plane software that powers IOS-XR platforms, leveraging cutting-edge Silicon One (SiOne) Network Processing Units (NPUs).

Our team operates at the intersection of hardware and software, defining how packets traverse the internet backbone. We are transitioning into a new era of embedded development, utilizing modern AI-assisted methodologies to deliver features faster and with higher quality.

Your Impact

As a Software Engineer, you will focus on the hands-on design, coding, and optimization of our forwarding software. You will be responsible for delivering high-quality code for complex Layer 2 and Layer 3 forwarding features, ensuring they extract maximum performance from our NPUs. You will act as a key technical contributor, utilizing modern software practices and AI-driven workflows to streamline development and debugging.

Key Responsibilities

Feature Design & Implementation : Own the design and development of specific forwarding features within the IOS-XR platform. Write high-performance, production-grade code for QoS, Mirroring, Slowpath, OAM, Layer 2 (EVPN, VPLS) and Layer 3 (SRv6, Segment Routing, MPLS) technologies.

NPU Data Plane Programming: Implement data plane logic to optimize packet processing. Translate network protocol requirements into efficient NPU microcode and SDK interactions.

Debugging & Root Cause Analysis : Investigate and resolve complex software defects found during internal testing or customer deployments. Analyze logs, core dumps, and packet traces to distinguish between NPU behavior and software logic issues.

Performance Optimization: Profile and tune code to minimize latency and maximize throughput, ensuring the software meets strict service provider performance metrics.

Modern Development Practices : Actively utilize AI/LLM-based tools for code generation, unit test creation, and static analysis to improve individual productivity and code quality.

Embedded Development: Strong proficiency in C/C++ for high-performance embedded systems. Proficiency in Python for scripting and test automation.

NPU Familiarity: Working knowledge of NPU-based data plane architectures (e.g., Broadcom DNX, Silicon One, or ezChip). Understanding of pipelining, table management, and packet processing flows.

Forwarding Protocols (L2/L3): Strong understanding and implementation experience in QoS, Mirroring, OAM, Layer 2 (EVPN, VPLS) or Layer 3 routing (SRv6, Segment Routing, MPLS, IPv4/v6). Implementation experience with TE-Tunnels, GRE tunnels, BFD, BGP Flowspec, ACLs, or Slowpath forwarding mechanisms.

Network Knowledge & Debugging :

Service Provider Context: Understanding of router deployments in Service Provider networks (Core, Peering).

Technical Troubleshooting: Ability to debug issues at the component level, including hardware/software interactions and memory management.

Methodology : Modern SDLC: Experience with CI/CD pipelines, Git, and code review processes. Willingness to adopt AI/LLM-based tools to enhance coding efficiency and automated testing.

Minimum Qualifications

BS/MS in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, or related field.

6-10 years of experience in embedded software development for networking products.

Strong programming skills in C/C++ and scripting in Python

Solid knowledge of carrier-grade networking OS and forwarding architectures.

Experience debugging complex embedded software issues.

Experience working on tools such as Clearcase, Valgrind, DDTS, GDB, etc.

Preferred Qualifications

Experience with IOS-XR or similar carrier-grade network operating systems.

Knowledge of Internet Protocols (TCP/UDP, IPv4/IPv6).

Exposure to Networking Protocols (L2/L3, QoS, ACLs).

Experience with BCM , Sione,, Ezchip NPU programming

Familiarity with AI/ML tools for software engineering (e.g., Copilot for code, AI for log analysis).

Disclaimer: This job posting has been aggregated from external source. Role details, content, and availability are subject to change. Applicants are advised to confirm the latest information directly on the company website before applying.