Cisco Systems, one of the world’s leading networking and technology companies, is recruiting experienced and early-career Software Engineers for its engineering teams in India. This role offers competitive compensation and the opportunity to work on high-impact software projects that support global infrastructure, cloud, security, and enterprise networking systems.
The details below provide comprehensive insights into the Cisco Software Engineer position, including expected salary ranges, job responsibilities, skills required, application process, interview stages, and frequently asked questions. This guide is designed to help you understand what Cisco looks for and how to prepare for this high-value opportunity.
Job Overview – Cisco Software Engineer 2026
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Company | Cisco Systems |
| Job Title | Software Engineer |
| Locations | Bengaluru, Hyderabad, and other Cisco India engineering centers |
| Experience Required | Freshers to mid-level engineers (varies by posting) |
| Qualification | Bachelor’s/Master’s degree in Computer Science, IT, or related field |
| Employment Type | Full-Time |
| Salary (Estimated) | Up to ₹30 LPA depending on skill and experience |
| Apply Link | Apply for Cisco Software Engineer |
About Cisco Systems
Cisco Systems is a global technology leader that develops networking hardware, software, and telecommunications equipment to power the internet’s infrastructure. The company is widely recognized for its innovations in routing, switching, cybersecurity, cloud technologies, and enterprise collaboration services. Cisco’s products and services are used by enterprises, service providers, government, and small businesses around the world.
Working at Cisco offers opportunities to engage with cutting-edge technologies, collaborate with diverse teams, and contribute to solutions that operate at massive scale. Cisco fosters a culture of innovation, continuous learning, and diversity, making it an attractive employer for software engineers and technology professionals worldwide.
Software Engineer Job Description
The Software Engineer role at Cisco typically involves designing, building, testing, and maintaining software components that power Cisco’s products and services. While the exact responsibilities can vary with the specific team and project, most software engineers engage in end-to-end application development and engineering tasks.
| Key Responsibility | Description |
|---|---|
| Software Development | Design, implement, and maintain software features and systems, ensuring high performance and scalability. |
| Problem Solving | Investigate technical issues, propose solutions, and improve code quality and system reliability. |
| Collaboration | Work with cross-functional teams including QA, product, architecture, and DevOps. |
| Code Reviews | Participate in peer reviews to uphold coding standards and best practices. |
| Testing | Write unit tests, integration tests, and support deployment validation to ensure quality. |
| Documentation | Document design decisions, APIs, and software changes for internal and external stakeholders. |
Expected Salary – Up to ₹30 LPA
While Cisco’s official job listing does not publicly disclose exact compensation, salary analysis from industry data suggests that Software Engineer roles in India at Cisco typically offer competitive packages. Salaries for software engineers range from entry-level to experienced levels, with many early career engineers earning up to ₹30 Lakhs per annum including benefits and variable components.
| Salary Component | Estimated Details |
|---|---|
| Base Salary | Up to ₹30 LPA (varies based on experience and role level) |
| Variable Pay | Performance bonuses and stock awards (where applicable) |
| Benefits | Health coverage, retirement contributions, learning credits |
Eligibility Criteria
Eligibility for the Cisco Software Engineer role typically includes the following academic and professional qualifications:
| Criteria | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Education | Bachelor’s or Master’s in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, IT, or equivalent |
| Experience | 0+ years (role may include both entry-level and experienced positions) |
| Programming Languages | Proficiency in languages such as Python, C++, Java, or JavaScript |
| Algorithms & Data Structures | Strong understanding of core algorithmic concepts and complexity analysis |
| Communication | Effective verbal and written communication skills |
Skills That Make You Stand Out
In addition to foundational software development skills, the following areas are highly valued by Cisco recruiters for engineering roles:
- Knowledge of cloud platforms and distributed systems
- Experience with containerization and orchestration technologies (Docker, Kubernetes)
- Familiarity with networking protocols and security fundamentals
- Experience with version control systems such as Git
- Understanding of microservices architecture
Career Growth Opportunities at Cisco
Working as a Software Engineer at Cisco opens multiple pathways for career advancement. As engineers gain experience, they can move into senior engineering, team lead, architect, or technical management roles. Cisco’s global footprint also offers opportunities to work cross-geographically and cross-domain, including roles in networking, security, cloud, and AI engineering.
| Career Stage | Potential Role |
|---|---|
| Entry-Level | Software Engineer / Associate Engineer |
| Mid Level | Senior Software Engineer |
| Advanced | Technical Lead / Principal Engineer |
| Leadership | Engineering Manager / Director |
Apply Link: https://careers.cisco.com/global/en/job/CISCISGLOBAL2008812EXTERNALENGLOBAL/Software-Engineer
How to Apply Online for Cisco Software Engineer Position Job?
Follow these steps to submit your application for the Cisco Software Engineer position:
- Click the official apply link listed in the table above.
- Sign in or create an account on the Cisco Careers portal.
- Complete your profile with accurate personal, academic, and professional details.
- Upload your updated resume and any relevant project portfolios.
- Review your information and submit the application before the deadline.
Selection and Interview Process
Cisco’s Software Engineer hiring process typically includes several stages designed to assess both technical and problem-solving abilities:
| Stage | Description |
|---|---|
| Resume Screening | Initial review of qualifications and skill alignment |
| Coding Assessment | Online test focusing on algorithms and data structures |
| Technical Interview | Live problem-solving, system design, and coding questions |
| HR Interview | Discussion on career goals, culture fit, and compensation |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1. Is Cisco a good company for software engineers?
Cisco is widely regarded as a reputable employer with strong engineering culture, global brands in networking and cloud, and opportunities for innovation and growth.
Q2. What skills are most important for a Cisco Software Engineer?
Strong programming fundamentals, problem-solving abilities, and knowledge of distributed systems and cloud architecture are highly valued.
Q3. What is the expected salary range for this role?
Entry-to-mid level software engineers at Cisco in India typically earn packages that can range up to around ₹30 LPA based on experience and skills.
Q4. Do I need prior experience to apply?
Cisco hires both fresh graduates and experienced professionals; specific experience requirements depend on the role posting.
Q5. How long does the interview process take?
The interview process can vary but typically spans multiple rounds including assessments and technical interviews over 1–4 weeks.
Becoming a Software Engineer at Cisco means joining a global technology leader where you can work on impactful projects, grow your technical expertise, and build a rewarding career. If you are ready to take on challenging problems and innovate at scale, apply online through Cisco’s official careers portal today.