Cisco Systems, Inc.
Sr. SW Engineering Technical Lead (Kernel Development)
Cisco Systems, Inc., Miami, Florida, us, 33222
Sr. SW Engineering Technical Lead (Kernel Development)
Location: Offsite, Miami, Florida, US; Remote option available. This is a hybrid role located in San Jose with 2-3 days in office required.
Job Type : Professional
Area of Interest : Software Development
Compensation Range : 174700 USD - 253400 USD
Job Id : 1439455
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 demonstrable experience with the kernel.
Use proven leadership skills in executing complex, cross-functional projects.
Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including hardware, QA, product management, and customer support.
Effectively communicate 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 (process management, memory management, scheduler, file system, network, security, 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; experience with kernel subsystems, toolchains, sysroot, rootfs, kernel loadable modules (KLMs), patch management & addressing CVEs.
Linux Security and Policy Management — Knowledge of auditd, SELinux, and Linux Security Modules (LSM); ability to implement and manage security policies and analyze their architectural impact.
Performance Monitoring and Optimization — Proficient with tools such as BCC, eBPF; strong understanding of x86 architecture; knowledge of compilers, loaders, linkers, and build tools.
Virtualization and Containerization — Experience with virtualization technologies (e.g., ESX, KVM) and containerization platforms (e.g., Docker, LXC) and their integration in embedded systems.
Demonstrated knowledge/experience with 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 CI/CD pipelines and related tools.
Familiarity with open-source Linux test tools (LTP) and automation technologies.
Comfortable using modern IDEs such as VS Code, 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.
Message to applicants applying to work in the U.S. and/or Canada When available, the salary range posted for this position reflects the projected hiring range for new hire, full-time salaries in U.S. and/or Canada locations, not including equity or benefits. For non-sales roles the hiring ranges reflect base salary only; employees are also eligible to receive annual bonuses. Hiring ranges for sales positions include base and incentive compensation target. Individual pay is determined by the candidate’s hiring location and additional factors, including but not limited to skillset, experience, and relevant education, certifications, or training.
U.S. employees have access to quality medical, dental and vision insurance, a 401(k) plan with a Cisco matching contribution, short and long-term disability coverage, basic life insurance and numerous wellbeing offerings.
Employees receive up to twelve paid holidays per calendar year, plus a day off for their birthday. Exempt vs. non-exempt vacation policies and sick time off apply as described in Cisco policy documents. All new hires are eligible for Sick Time Off, with accruals per policy; specific details may vary by location. Cisco also offers paid time off to volunteer and give back to the community.
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Job Type : Professional
Area of Interest : Software Development
Compensation Range : 174700 USD - 253400 USD
Job Id : 1439455
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 demonstrable experience with the kernel.
Use proven leadership skills in executing complex, cross-functional projects.
Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including hardware, QA, product management, and customer support.
Effectively communicate 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 (process management, memory management, scheduler, file system, network, security, 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; experience with kernel subsystems, toolchains, sysroot, rootfs, kernel loadable modules (KLMs), patch management & addressing CVEs.
Linux Security and Policy Management — Knowledge of auditd, SELinux, and Linux Security Modules (LSM); ability to implement and manage security policies and analyze their architectural impact.
Performance Monitoring and Optimization — Proficient with tools such as BCC, eBPF; strong understanding of x86 architecture; knowledge of compilers, loaders, linkers, and build tools.
Virtualization and Containerization — Experience with virtualization technologies (e.g., ESX, KVM) and containerization platforms (e.g., Docker, LXC) and their integration in embedded systems.
Demonstrated knowledge/experience with 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 CI/CD pipelines and related tools.
Familiarity with open-source Linux test tools (LTP) and automation technologies.
Comfortable using modern IDEs such as VS Code, 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.
Message to applicants applying to work in the U.S. and/or Canada When available, the salary range posted for this position reflects the projected hiring range for new hire, full-time salaries in U.S. and/or Canada locations, not including equity or benefits. For non-sales roles the hiring ranges reflect base salary only; employees are also eligible to receive annual bonuses. Hiring ranges for sales positions include base and incentive compensation target. Individual pay is determined by the candidate’s hiring location and additional factors, including but not limited to skillset, experience, and relevant education, certifications, or training.
U.S. employees have access to quality medical, dental and vision insurance, a 401(k) plan with a Cisco matching contribution, short and long-term disability coverage, basic life insurance and numerous wellbeing offerings.
Employees receive up to twelve paid holidays per calendar year, plus a day off for their birthday. Exempt vs. non-exempt vacation policies and sick time off apply as described in Cisco policy documents. All new hires are eligible for Sick Time Off, with accruals per policy; specific details may vary by location. Cisco also offers paid time off to volunteer and give back to the community.
Sign up to receive notifications of similar jobs #J-18808-Ljbffr