Job Summary

As a Software Engineer, you will focus on the 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, applying 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.
- Up-to-date Development Practices: Actively apply AI/LLM-based tools for code generation, unit test creation, and static analysis to improve individual productivity and code quality.

Minimum Qualifications

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




- 5-10 years of experience in embedded software development for networking products.
- Strong proficiency in Embedded C for software development and Python for scripting and test automation.
- 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.
- Understanding of router deployments in Service Provider networks (Core, Peering).
- Ability to debug issues at the component level, including hardware/software interactions and memory management.
- Experience with CI/CD pipelines, Git, and code review processes.
- 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.

📌 Software Engineer (Embedded C, forwarding protocols) (Bengaluru)
🏢 Cisco
📍 Bengaluru