Pros: 1. Cutting-edge technology and loads of opportunities and challenges for learning and growth. 2. Opportunities to work on high-end system design and development with brilliant minds. Vast products and platforms to explore your skillset. 3. Collaboration to work with cross-functional teams and understand the end-to-end development flow. 4. Visibility and response from vendors, suppliers, and customers with the Cisco brand. 5. Very good learning and development options for soft skill development. 6. Good work-life balance if you well understand your role and have clear planning. 7. Wonderful campus and infrastructure and workplace resources to balance your daily life.

Cons: 1. Growth may be limited compared to SW groups unless you are absolutely extraordinary. 2. Recognition and pay are not up to the market standard for people staying for long compared to those who join laterally. 3. No stock options for grade 10 or below. Your hard work and effort will help to get good stocks for your lead. 4. So much process orientation delays the timeline and execution. 5. Responsibility for the product release lies on the hardware engineer, who has to literally drive other teams to get their work done. 6. A short product development cycle creates time pressure and impacts the quality of the product.

Pros: Working from Home Options, Online Webex meetings

Cons: Salary is not competitive. Company growth is not impressive. Constant layoff threat.

Pros: Very good culture and work environment.

Cons: Low salary hike from year to year.