Cisco

Account Executive - AI Defense

Cisco$257K — $344K *
Aerospace & Defense
11 - 15 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • 12+ years of overall sales experience, with 3+ years in security solutions sales.
  • Background in selling network security solutions or SaaS security offerings.
  • Experience in leading large deals and executing account plans.
  • Proven track record of exceeding sales targets consistently.
  • Strong understanding of the AI Security Market.
  • Excellent interpersonal, communication, and presentation skills.
  • Experience with solution-selling methodologies, particularly MEDDPICC.

Responsibilities

  • Serve as a Trusted Advisor, cultivating executive relationships for secure AI transformations.
  • Architect cohesive AI security frameworks aligned with cybersecurity standards.
  • Establish authority in adversarial AI and compliance to shape account strategies.
  • Develop pipeline and influence significant AI security engagements through negotiations.
  • Provide customer feedback to Engineering for product evolution.
  • Refine Go-To-Market strategies using competitive intelligence for resource alignment.
  • Lead threat-modeling and develop comprehensive security-focused materials.

Benefits

  • Work-in a dynamic and innovative AI defense environment.
  • Opportunity to influence product development directly.
  • Engage with C-suite executives and top-tier clients.
  • Collaborate with a broad spectrum of Cisco's solutions.
  • Flexible work location, including remote options.
Full Job Description
The application window is expected to close on: 07/11/2026
Job posting may be removed earlier if the position is filled or if a sufficient number of applications are received.

Job posting may be removed earlier if the position is filled or if a sufficient number of applications are received.

Ideal candidate will be located in Raleigh; Denver or Chicago, however; will also consider candidates in the Remote US

What You'll Do

As an Account Executive in Cisco's AI Defense initiative, you will serve as the primary architect of our customers' security transformation, turning complex challenges into resilient, business-enabling strategies. This will include:

Strategic Advisory & C-Suite Engagement:
• Being a Trusted Advisor: Cultivate executive-level relationships, positioning Cisco as the definitive partner for secure AI transformation by providing industry-leading insights into AI-specific risks.
• Architecting Resilience: Steer customer perspectives toward cohesive, cross-architectural AI security frameworks that integrate seamlessly with existing cybersecurity and data governance standards.
• Industry Authority: Establish yourself as an inspiring leader, leveraging deep expertise in adversarial AI, model-poisoning threats, and emerging compliance needs to shape long-term account strategies.

Driving Impact & Innovation
• Deal Evolution: Influence Cisco's most significant AI security engagements by developing pipeline, participating in complex negotiations, developing technical proposals for resilient AI infrastructure, driving deal execution, and client acquisition.
• Product Evolution: Act as the voice of the customer to our Engineering teams. Your sustained feedback will directly influence product roadmaps, ensuring our offerings remain ahead of adversarial tactics and market shifts.
• Market Strategy: Synthesize competitive intelligence to refine our Go-To-Market (GTM) strategies, aligning resource allocation with revenue objectives to maximize our defensive impact.

Operational Excellence
• Scenario Planning: Lead threat-modeling narratives and long-range security forecasting, overseeing the development of security-focused bills of materials to ensure comprehensive protection.
• Cross-Architectural Collaboration: Work as a hyper specialist across Cisco's broader portfolio to integrate AI security into the fabric of our enterprise solutions, amplifying account team effectiveness and driving our customers' strategic ambitions regarding AI safety.

Minimum Qualifications
• 12+ years of overall sales experience, with at least 3+ years dedicated to selling security solutions.
• Experience in selling network security solutions (e.g., Intrusion Detection, Firewall, VPN) or SaaS security offerings.

Preferred Qualifications
• Experience leading large deals and executing account and partner plans across geographic territories.
• Consistent track record of exceeding sales targets.
• Capable of building and implementing an account plan that incorporates a total systems-based security approach.
• Comprehensive knowledge of the AI Security Market.
• Excellent interpersonal, communication, and presentation skills.
• Experience in applying solution-selling methodologies to drive corporate revenue growth, with a history of closing both tactical and strategic opportunities. Experience with MEDDPICC is a plus.
• Bachelor's or master's Degree

About Cisco

Cisco Careers

Join the vibrant team at Cisco, a global leader in networking and cybersecurity solutions, where innovation and leadership thrive. Cisco offers a plethora of job opportunities that cater to a range of skills and experiences, making it an ideal place for both seasoned professionals and those seeking an internship to jumpstart their career. Work You’ll Do At Cisco, you’ll be part of a culture that values diversity, leadership, and professional growth. Engage in work that matters with a team that combines technology, creativity, and the power of human connection to redefine networking. Cisco’s commitment to innovation isn’t just about technology, but also about transforming the way we work and collaborate. Cisco’s employment philosophy supports career advancement and nurtures a leadership pipeline that is equipped with diversity training and opportunities for growth. Whether you’re applying your skills to drive our latest innovations or using our vast networking capabilities to solve complex problems, at Cisco, every role is impactful. Join Our Dynamic Team Explore job opportunities in areas ranging from engineering to marketing, sales to cybersecurity. Cisco is hiring individuals who are passionate, curious, and ready to drive change. Positions at Cisco offer competitive benefits, a supportive culture, and the chance to work with cutting-edge technology. Internship Programs Kickstart your career with a Cisco internship. Gain invaluable industry experience, enhance your resume, and build professional networks that last a lifetime. Our internships provide hands-on experience and the chance to work on projects that matter. Leadership and Development Cisco is committed to fostering leadership skills and providing employees with the training needed to succeed. Our leadership programs help you develop new skills, manage teams effectively, and lead with confidence. Cisco’s commitment to professional development ensures that your career path is as dynamic as our technologies. Benefits and Culture Cisco understands the importance of a balanced life. Our benefits package is designed to ensure that our team members are healthy, happy, and secure. At Cisco, you’ll find a supportive culture that encourages open communication, teamwork, and mutual respect. Stay Connected Join Cisco’s Talent Network Stay informed about new positions that match your skills and interests. At Cisco, we value the curiosity and unique perspectives of our team members. Subscribe to receive personalized job alerts and insider tips directly from our hiring managers. Explore Cisco Jobs Ready to advance your career at Cisco? Search open positions, prepare your resume, and get ready for an interview that could lead to your next big opportunity. At Cisco, we’re not just filling positions—we’re investing in leaders. Keep Up to Date Stay ahead with career tips, insider perspectives, and industry-leading insights you can put to use today—all from the people who work here. READ CAREERS BLOG Job Alert Emails Customize your subscription to receive job alerts, the latest news, and insider tips tailored to your preferences. Discover the exciting and rewarding career opportunities that await you at Cisco.
Learn more about Cisco
Size
79,500 employees
Market Cap
$194.5 billion
Industry
Net Income
$10.1 billion
Founded
2014
5 Year Trend
+1.4%
Revenue
$48 billion
NASDAQ

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