Software Engineer Complier I

At Cisco Systems, this role focuses on building the software toolchains behind compilation and debugging for Cisco core networking platforms. You will help strengthen developer workflows by improving compiler behavior, runtime diagnostics, and debugging capabilities across architectures such as ARM64 and x86.

What you’ll do

• Design, implement, and maintain advanced compilation and debugging toolchains for Cisco core networking platforms
• Develop compiler enhancements and runtime diagnostic tools using C and C++
• Optimize code generation and LLVM infrastructure for ARM64 and x86 architectures
• Enhance GDB and LLDB debugging capabilities
• Build automated regression pipelines using Python and CI/CD tools
• Integrate DWARF debug information standards
• Integrate AI-assisted developer productivity tools into modern IDE environments
• Drive end-to-end toolchain excellence across the workflow
• Evangelize secure coding practices
• Contribute impactful enhancements to open source toolchain ecosystems

Required qualifications

• Meet one of the following criteria (completed within the past 3 years or expected to be completed within the next 12 months):
  • Bachelor’s degree with 0 years of work experience
  • An educational or workforce development program (for example: Associate’s, Apprenticeship, Boot camp, or Certification) with 1 year of work experience
  • A high school diploma (or equivalent) with 2 years of work experience
• Relevant education and work experience in Computer Engineering, Software Engineering, Computer Science, Information Technology, or a related field
• Demonstrated programming proficiency in C or C++, including strong foundational understanding of memory management, pointer arithmetic, and data structures
• Foundational understanding of computer architecture (ARM or x86), operating system fundamentals (processes, memory management), and ability to read assembly language
• Coursework, academic research, or hands-on project experience in compiler construction, code generation, LLVM infrastructure, or debugger fundamentals (GDB, LLDB, DWARF)

Technologies you’ll work with

• C, C++
• Cisco IOS-XE
• LLVM, GCC
• ARM64, x86
• GDB, LLDB
• DWARF, ELF, GNU Binutils
• Python, CI/CD
• VSCode, Language Server Protocol / DAP

Preferred qualifications

• Hands-on experience with LLVM, Clang, GCC, or GDB open-source toolchains, including writing custom LLVM passes or toolchain extensions
• Familiarity with DWARF debug format specifications, object file structures (ELF), symbol tables, and binary analysis utilities (GNU Binutils)
• Practical experience developing test automation scripts using Python and Linux shell utilities in a CI/CD environment
• Experience configuring or cross-compiling toolchains for Embedded Linux or networking operating systems (routers/switches)
• Interest or experience integrating AI-assisted developer tools or modern IDE plugins (VSCode, Language Server Protocol / DAP) to enhance software development workflows

Compensation and location

• Location: Austin, TX (onsite)
• Salary: USD 84,600 - 157,400 per year

Benefits

• Medical, dental and vision insurance
• A 401(k) plan with a Cisco matching contribution
• Paid parental leave
• Short and long-term disability coverage
• Basic life insurance
• Grants of Cisco restricted stock units, which vest following continued employment with Cisco for defined periods of time
• 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

Application window

The application window is expected to close on 09/29/2026.