Software Engineering Manager – Networking & Data Plane

The Mass-Scale Infrastructure Group (MIG) Platform Forwarding team builds the high-performance data plane software that powers Cisco IOS XR platforms. Running on Cisco Silicon One (SiOne) NPUs, our solutions form the foundation of large-scale service provider networks worldwide.

We operate at the intersection of hardware and software, enabling reliable, scalable, and high-performance networking. The team is also driving modernization through DevOps practices, automation, and AI-assisted engineering workflows.

As an Engineering Manager – NPU Data Plane & Forwarding, you will lead a team of highly skilled engineers responsible for developing and optimizing forwarding software for carrier-grade routing platforms. You will provide technical and organizational leadership, drive execution of strategic initiatives, and foster a culture of innovation, collaboration, and engineering excellence.

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

• 12+ years of software development experience in networking products.

• Strong programming expertise in C/C++; solid scripting capability in Python.

• Lead, mentor, and develop a team of engineers working on Layer 2 and Layer 3 forwarding technologies, including EVPN, VPLS, SRv6, Segment Routing, MPLS, and IPv4/IPv6.
• Drive technical strategy, architecture reviews, and execution planning for NPU-based forwarding solutions on Cisco Silicon One platforms.

• Deep understanding of NPU-based architectures (e.g., Broadcom DNX – Jericho/Qumran, Silicon One, ezChip), including pipeline design, TCAM management, and traffic management.

• Expert-level knowledge of Layer 2 and Layer 3 forwarding (EVPN, VPLS, Pseudowire, SRv6, Segment Routing, MPLS, IPv4/v6).

• Proven experience implementing TE-Tunnels, GRE, BFD, BGP Flowspec, ACLs, or equivalent data plane features.

• Strong system-level debugging skills across hardware/software boundaries.

• Solid understanding of service provider router deployments (Core, Peering, Aggregation environments).

• Experience leading complex technical initiatives across the full SDLC.

• Technical leadership experience guiding 3–5 engineers (architecture reviews, mentoring, code quality oversight).

• Hands-on experience with P4 or similar NPU programming languages.

• Direct experience with carrier-grade network operating systems, particularly Cisco IOS XR.

• Experience integrating AI/ML tools (e.g., Copilot, AI-driven log triage) into embedded development workflows.

• Demonstrated ability to influence cross-functional stakeholders and drive architectural alignment.

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.