Software Engineer 1

The application window is expected to close on: 08/04/2026

Job posting may be removed earlier if the position is filled or if a sufficient number of applications are received.

Applications accepted until 8/4

Meet the Team

You will be a part of Distributed Systems Engineering group in Cisco Networking organization that champions new methodologies and builds and tests scalable software solutions that interact with widely deployed Internet products, thereby touching an endless number of users worldwide.

Our products lead the service provider industry with most of the world’s largest deployments, and we promise you the real-world class experience with a world class team. Be a part of the Cisco organization that is driving the evolution and expansion into new technology areas and market segments. You will be working on hardware and software that will run the Internet for the foreseeable future.

At Cisco, there has never been a better time as we are in an exciting phase in the constantly evolving market. The opportunities here are boundless, and we are sure you will add a character to the dynamism of this team!

Your Impact

You will be part of the Cisco's Distributed Systems Engineering group, and you will be responsible for testing network software and building scalable automation environment and continuous deployment framework using Python for qualifying Software targeted for deployment on WebScaler production environments.

As a team member of this group, you would be responsible for being a core member of the test of automation development and execution of the next generation of routing & packet-optical products for the Service Provider.

Minimum Qualifications

• Completion within the past 3 years, or current enrollment with expected completion within 12 months, of a certification or relevant degree program (e.g., Associate’s, Apprenticeship, Boot Camp, or Certification in a specialized program + 1 year of relevant experience, High School Diploma + 2 years of relevant experience) or Bachelor’s + 0 years of relevant experience. 

• Proficiency in at least one of the following programming or scripting languages: Python, Java, C/C++, Bash
• Experience in testing, quality assurance (QA), and/or debugging in an academic, project-based, or work-related setting.
• Experience in Automation testing, writing testcases, regression, CI/CD Pipeline
• Ability to legally reside and work in the country of application, without the need for visa support or employer sponsorship

Preferred Qualifications

• Knowledge of Linux, networking concepts, operating system fundamentals, embedded development, and/or machine learning, and AI.
• Knowledge of Network protocols (TCP/IP, ISIS, OSPF, BGP, MPLS)
• Exposure Traffic generator test tools such IXIA or Spirent including Virtual environments.
• Excellent multi-tasking, written, & verbal communication, and organizational skills.
• Must be a great teammate, results oriented, and have a high degree of accountability, dedication, and responsibility.

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. 

Message to applicants applying to work in the U.S. and/or Canada:

The starting salary range posted for this position is $107,800.00 to $136,800.00 and reflects the projected salary range for new hires in this position in U.S. and/or Canada locations, not including incentive compensation*, equity, or benefits.

Individual pay is determined by the candidate's hiring location, market conditions, job-related skillset, experience, qualifications, education, certifications, and/or training. The full salary range for certain locations is listed below. For locations not listed below, the recruiter can share more details about compensation for the role in your location during the hiring process.

U.S. employees are offered benefits, subject to Cisco’s plan eligibility rules, which include medical, dental and vision insurance, a 401(k) plan with a Cisco matching contribution, paid parental leave, short and long-term disability coverage, and basic life insurance. Please see the Cisco careers site to discover more benefits and perks.  Employees may be eligible to receive grants of Cisco restricted stock units, which vest following continued employment with Cisco for defined periods of time.

U.S. employees are eligible for paid time away as described below, subject to Cisco’s policies:

• 10 paid holidays per full calendar year, plus 1 floating holiday for non-exempt employees

• 1 paid day off for employee’s birthday, paid year-end holiday shutdown, and 4 paid days off for personal wellness determined by Cisco

• Non-exempt employees** receive 16 days of paid vacation time per full calendar year, accrued at rate of 4.92 hours per pay period for full-time employees

• Exempt employees participate in Cisco’s flexible vacation time off program, which has no defined limit on how much vacation time eligible employees may use (subject to availability and some business limitations)

• 80 hours of sick time off provided on hire date and each January 1st thereafter, and up to 80 hours of unused sick time carried forward from one calendar year to the next

• Additional paid time away may be requested to deal with critical or emergency issues for family members

• Optional 10 paid days per full calendar year to volunteer

For non-sales roles, employees are also eligible to earn annual bonuses subject to Cisco’s policies.

Employees on sales plans earn performance-based incentive pay on top of their base salary, which is split between quota and non-quota components, subject to the applicable Cisco plan. For quota-based incentive pay, Cisco typically pays as follows:

• .75% of incentive target for each 1% of revenue attainment up to 50% of quota;

• 1.5% of incentive target for each 1% of attainment between 50% and 75%;

• 1% of incentive target for each 1% of attainment between 75% and 100%; and

• Once performance exceeds 100% attainment, incentive rates are at or above 1% for each 1% of attainment with no cap on incentive compensation.

For non-quota-based sales performance elements such as strategic sales objectives, Cisco may pay 0% up to 125% of target. Cisco sales plans do not have a minimum threshold of performance for sales incentive compensation to be paid.

The applicable full salary ranges for this position, by specific state, are listed below:

New York City Metro Area:

$107,800.00 - $157,400.00

Non-Metro New York state & Washington state:

$94,800.00 - $140,000.00

* For quota-based sales roles on Cisco’s sales plan, the ranges provided in this posting include base pay and sales target incentive compensation combined.

** Employees in Illinois, whether exempt or non-exempt, will participate in a unique time off program to meet local requirements.