Cisco Systems is building and refining the compilation and debugging capabilities that support core networking platforms, and this role focuses on improving those toolchains end to end. As a Compiler and Debugger Software Engineer, you will design and maintain advanced compilation, runtime diagnostics, and debug tooling, with a strong emphasis on performance across ARM64 and x86 architectures.
This onsite position is based in Austin, TX, with an expected salary range of USD 84,600 - 157,400 per year.
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
- Enhance GDB and LLDB debugger capabilities
- Build automated regression pipelines using Python and CI/CD tooling
- Integrate DWARF debug information standards into the toolchain workflow
- Integrate AI-assisted developer productivity tools into modern IDE environments
- Drive end-to-end toolchain excellence across the development lifecycle
- Advocate secure coding practices
- Contribute meaningful improvements to open source toolchain ecosystems
Required qualifications
- Meet one of the following (completed within the past 3 years or expected within the next 12 months):
- Bachelor's degree with 0 years of work experience
- Educational or workforce development program (for example, Associate’s, Apprenticeship, Boot camp, or Certification) with 1 year of work experience
- High school diploma (or equivalent) with 2 years of work experience
- Qualifying education and experience in Computer Engineering, Software Engineering, Computer Science, Information Technology, or a related field
- Demonstrated programming proficiency in C or C++, including strong fundamentals in 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 projects related to compiler construction, code generation, LLVM infrastructure, or debugger fundamentals (GDB, LLDB, DWARF)
Tools and technologies
Work will involve C, C++, Cisco IOS-XE, LLVM, GCC, ARM64, x86, GDB, LLDB, DWARF, Python, CI/CD, ELF, GNU Binutils, VSCode, and Language Server Protocol / DAP.
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, a 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 4.92 hours per pay period for full-time employees)
- Exempt employees participate in Cisco’s flexible vacation time off program with no defined limit (subject to availability and business limitations)
- 80 hours of sick time off provided on hire date and each January 1st thereafter, with up to 80 hours of unused sick time carried forward
- Additional paid time away may be requested for critical or emergency issues for family members
- Optional 10 paid days per full calendar year to volunteer
- For non-sales roles, employees may be eligible to earn annual bonuses subject to Cisco’s policies
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
Application window: expected to close on 09/29/2026.
U.S. and/or Canada applicant notice (salary details)
- The starting salary range posted for this position is $84,600.00 to $113,600.00 and reflects the projected salary range for new hires in U.S. and/or Canada locations, not including incentive compensation, equity, or benefits
- Individual pay is determined by hiring location, market conditions, and job-related skillset, experience, qualifications, education, certifications, and/or training
- U.S. employees are offered benefits, subject to Cisco’s plan eligibility rules, including medical, dental and vision insurance; a 401(k) with Cisco matching contribution; paid parental leave; short- and long-term disability coverage; and basic life insurance
- Employees may be eligible for Cisco restricted stock units that vest after continued employment for defined periods
- Non-sales employees may be eligible to earn annual bonuses subject to Cisco’s policies
- Employees on sales plans earn performance-based incentive pay in addition to base salary, with quota and non-quota components, subject to the applicable Cisco plan
State-specific full salary ranges
- New York City Metro Area: $107,800.00 - $157,400.00
- Non-Metro New York state and Washington state: $94,800.00 - $140,000.00
