Okay, I've searched for Embedded Software Engineer roles in San Jose, CA in the technology industry, requiring 5+ years experience, proficiency in C and C++, and full-time schedule. I have found 73 positions for you.

Sure. Here's the analysis:

Job Analysis:

This Embedded Software Engineer role at Cisco is fundamentally about advancing the next generation of high-performance network hardware—specifically, the CISCO 8000 series switches and routers—through developing and deploying robust embedded software diagnostics. The position demands strong technical fluency in low-level embedded programming, Linux environments, and hardware bring-up, with a key focus on collaboration across diverse teams including ASIC designers, hardware engineers, and external vendors. Success here means not only writing and debugging complex code but also diagnosing hardware issues efficiently and supporting mass production readiness. The candidate must be a self-driven problem solver who thrives in ambiguity, able to juggle deep technical complexity from embedded peripherals (I2C, SPI, PCIe) to networking protocols, and work effectively under pressure with minimal supervision. The integration of diagnostic software and hardware validation mandates deep understanding of computer architecture, real-time systems, and networking stacks. The role’s challenge lies both in technical mastery and in cross-functional communication to drive products from initial hardware bring-up through reliable mass deployment, ensuring quality and performance in fast-evolving networking infrastructure targeted at emerging AI/ML workloads. We can infer that early success will involve quickly mastering the product architecture, contributing meaningfully to the testing suites, and establishing reliable troubleshooting protocols that reduce time-to-market risks.

Company Analysis:

Cisco is a global technology leader with a mission to power an inclusive future through innovative networking solutions. This role resides within Cisco’s Common Hardware Group—a critical part of their infrastructure division—indicating a mature, innovation-driven, and highly technical environment focused on cutting-edge networking hardware supporting large-scale AI/ML demands. Cisco’s culture emphasizes diversity, inclusion, and continuous learning, fostering a collaborative atmosphere that respects individual contributions while encouraging holistic team problem-solving. This environment rewards initiative, technical excellence, and adaptability in a complex product and organizational ecosystem. The company’s hybrid work model and employee resource groups highlight a flexible, people-centered workplace that cares about well-being and community impact. Candidates in this role can expect to operate at a high visibility level within the hardware and software diagnostics teams, interfacing with multiple disciplines and leadership while advancing strategic hardware platforms that uphold Cisco’s market leadership and innovation standards. The position aligns with Cisco’s broader goals of sustaining technological dominance through next-gen product lines that support emerging workloads and scalability requirements, making this role both a strategic and operational linchpin. The candidate’s long-term growth opportunity is significant, as working at the forefront of diagnostics software for leading-edge networking devices builds a rare and valuable technical skill set within a stable yet dynamically evolving global company.

Absolutely. Here are some mock interview questions that could come up:

• Behavioral: Tell me about a time when you had to diagnose and solve a complex hardware-software integration issue under tight deadlines. How did you approach it?
• Behavioral: Describe an experience where you worked cross-functionally with hardware engineers and vendors to resolve a critical problem. What communication strategies did you use?
• Behavioral: Can you share an instance where you had to quickly learn a new technology or protocol to successfully deliver a project? How did you ensure your knowledge was sufficient?
• Behavioral: How do you manage working under pressure when debugging issues in production-level embedded software?
• Technical: Walk me through your experience with embedded Linux development and how you have used it in diagnostics or system bring-up projects.
• Technical: How would you design and implement a diagnostic test suite for PCIe hardware on a network switch?
• Technical: What is your approach to debugging intermittent issues that occur in low-level embedded systems involving communication protocols like I2C or SPI?
• Technical: Explain your experience with Linux kernel device drivers and how this knowledge applies to hardware testing.
• Situational: Imagine a newly integrated ASIC starts reporting sporadic errors during mass production testing. How would you investigate and isolate the root cause?
• Situational: You find a hardware peripheral behaving inconsistently during diagnostic testing, but hardware engineers believe it’s a software problem. How do you proceed?
• Situational: A vendor delivers a hardware module that does not meet its specs, delaying your software testing schedule. How do you coordinate resolution and keep your project on track?
• Company Fit: Why are you interested in contributing to Cisco's Common Hardware Group and specifically the CISCO 8000 product line?
• Company Fit: How do your personal values and career goals align with Cisco’s mission of powering an inclusive future?
• Company Fit: Cisco places emphasis on collaboration and innovation in a hybrid work environment. How do you ensure productivity and connection in such a setting?
• Questions for Interviewer: How does this role interact with other teams within Cisco’s hardware and software ecosystem to influence product development?
• Questions for Interviewer: What are the biggest technical challenges currently faced by the Diagnostic Software team working on CISCO 8000 products?
• Questions for Interviewer: How does Cisco support ongoing learning and professional growth for Embedded Software Engineers on this team?