Sr. SW Engineering Technical Lead (Kernel Development)

This is a hybrid role located in San Jose with 2-3 days in office required.

Meet the Team
The Data Center Networking Group develops the Nexus 9000 line of data center and cloud switches that feature application awareness to make the network infrastructure flexible and agile for dynamic response to application needs and virtual machine workload mobility. Data Center also developed a 400G Ethernet transceiver designed to drastically lower the optics price to out compete the competitor offerings.
As we realize our globalization strategies and move into new markets, our diverse, inclusive culture also creates a competitive advantage for Cisco. It ensures we have fresh ideas and execution capabilities and the local knowledge to best serve our customers and build Cisco brand recognition around the globe. By gaining a better understanding of the world and the differences in its people we can change the way it works, lives, plays, and learns.
Your Impact
As a Senior SW Embedded Engineering Technical Lead in the Data Center Networking Group, you will work with a team of high performing engineers in building, customizing, developing and delivering the Linux kernel. This is a hands-on technical role for an experienced engineer with extensive demonstrative with the kernel.
Responsibilities

• Use proven leadership skills in executing complex, cross-functional projects.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including hardware, QA, and product management and customer support
• Effectively communicate to convey complex technical concepts to both technical and non-technical stakeholders.
• Guide and mentor engineering teams.

Minimum Qualifications:

• 15+ years of software experience in computer systems and architecture, with a strong focus on embedded systems and 10+ years of knowledge in Linux kernel architecture and design, hands-on experience with kernel subsystems such as process management, memory management, scheduler, file system, network, security, and interrupt handling
• Demonstrated expertise in software architecture, modular design, and managing static/dynamic interactions within systems, with a focus on scalability, maintainability, and formal documentation practices
• Kernel System & Feature Development-Proven track record of introducing new kernel configurations and features across multiple software releases and hardware platforms with demonstrated experience in kernel subsystems, toolchains, sysroot, rootfs, kernel loadable modules (KLMs), patch management & addressing Common Vulnerabilities and Exposures (CVEs)
• Linux Security and Policy Management-Demonstrated knowledge of security tools like auditd, SELinux, and Linux Security Modules (LSM). Proven ability to implement and manage security policies, analyze system security, and evaluate their architectural impact on the software stack
• Performance Monitoring and Optimization-Proficient in using modern tools (e.g., BCC, eBPF) for security, performance monitoring, and debugging. Strong understanding of x86 architecture and its impact on system performance and design. Comprehensive knowledge of compilers (e.g., CLANG, GCC), loaders, linkers, and build tools for creating efficient and optimized software
• Virtualization and Containerization-Experience with virtualization technologies (e.g., ESX, KVM) and containerization platforms (e.g., Docker, LXC), including their integration and management within embedded systems
• Demonstrated knowledge and/or experience of AI/ML, Generative AI, Agentic AI, MCP, and VIBE coding

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with scripting languages such as Python and Bash for automation and tooling
• Familiarity with continuous integration/continuous deployment (CI/CD) pipelines and related tools
• Familiarity with open-source Linux test tools (LTP) and automation technologies.
• Comfortable using modern IDEs such as VSCODE, Github copilot, and Windsurf.
• Proficiency in networking protocols and their implementation within Linux
• Good understanding of EXT and Squash file systems
• Familiarity with Yocto framework

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. Simply put – we power the future.
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.