Cisco Systems is cutting 221 jobs in California’s Bay Area, with 157 roles affected in Milpitas and 64 in San Francisco, effective October 13, 2025. The layoffs primarily impact software engineering and development positions, marking another wave of job reductions in Silicon Valley. This follows similar moves by tech giants like Microsoft and Intel, who are also restructuring operations despite strong financial performance.

Cisco recently reported Q4 revenue of $14.7 billion—an 8% year-over-year increase—and $56.7 billion in total revenue for the 2025 fiscal year. Still, the company is realigning resources toward high-growth areas like artificial intelligence and security. CEO Chuck Robbins emphasized that AI is expected to boost productivity but acknowledged that it may reduce the need for future hiring.

This move reflects a growing trend across the tech industry: while AI investment is booming, traditional roles—particularly in software engineering—are increasingly being downsized to reallocate budgets. Cisco, Microsoft, Oracle, and others are pouring billions into AI data centres and partnerships with firms like OpenAI.

For Canadian tech professionals, especially in AI, data science, and infrastructure, opportunities may continue to grow—particularly in Toronto, Vancouver, and Montreal. However, the shift away from general software roles could create hiring slowdowns or restructuring among Canadian teams tied to U.S.-based operations. As global firms rebalance talent for the AI era, adaptability and specialized skills will be key to staying competitive.

Have you been laid off by Cisco in Canada? Contact our employment lawyers today. Our legal team offers a free consultation and works on a contingency basis—there are no fees unless you win your case.

Shreya Biswas and Global Desk’s original article, “After Microsoft and Intel, now Cisco to layoff staff in its Bay Area office - here are the departments affected ” was published in Economic Times News on August 22, 2025. Read the Full Economic Times News story.