Cisco

Architect - AI / Agentic Automation

Cisco$186K — $267K *
Enterprise Technology
8 - 10 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree in STEM
  • 8+ years of software engineering experience
  • Proficient in Python, Go, Rust, TypeScript, React, Node.js, .NET
  • Experience in distributed systems with APIs and cloud-native technologies
  • Familiar with Kubernetes, Docker, CI/CD, and production operations
  • Skilled in designing advanced multi-agent architectures

Responsibilities

  • Define architecture for AI decision systems
  • Establish technical direction for agent architectures and tool orchestration
  • Guide architectural decisions across backend services and databases
  • Drive technical alignment across cross-functional teams
  • Provide mentorship to senior engineers and technical leads
  • Influence platform strategy and engineering standards

Benefits

  • Opportunity to work with cutting-edge AI technologies
  • Impact on next-generation intelligent network validation
  • Collaboration in a global team of diverse experts
  • Mentorship opportunities in a technical leadership role
  • Dynamic and innovative work environment
Full Job Description
The application window is expected to close on: 09/29/2026
Job posting may be removed earlier if the position is filled or if a sufficient number of applications are received.

Meet the Team

The Cisco IQ and Validation team is building the next generation of intelligent, AI-driven network validation and automation capabilities. We combine cloud-native software engineering, Agentic AI, LLMs, MCP, A2A, and network automation to enable customers to validate and operate complex environments more intelligently. The team brings together architects, senior engineers, software engineers, AI specialists, and domain experts working across a global organization. We are building foundational capabilities that will enable AI agents to reason, interact with enterprise tools, and safely execute validation workflows at scale.

Your Impact

Define and drive the architecture for AI decision systems, Agentic AI platforms, and enterprise-scale validation and automation capabilities within Cisco IQ and Validation. Establish technical direction for agent architectures, MCP and A2A integrations, agent routing, tool orchestration, workflow execution, approval-gated actions, and distributed event-driven systems. Guide architecture across backend services, APIs, databases, Kubernetes, cloud infrastructure, observability, and production operations to ensure solutions are scalable, secure, reliable, and maintainable. Drive technical alignment across Engineering, Product, UX, Security, Infrastructure, QA, and partner teams and provide technical leadership for complex, ambiguous, cross-functional initiatives. Mentor senior engineers and technical leads while influencing platform strategy, engineering standards, and the long-term evolution of Validation.

Minimum Qualifications
  • Bachelor's degree in STEM, 8+ years of software engineering experience designing and building complex backend, distributed, automation, or platform systems.
  • Experience with Python Go, Rust, TypeScript, React, Node.js, .NET, PostgreSQL, Redis, Kafka, or similar technologies.
  • Experience designing distributed systems using APIs, databases, event-driven architectures, workflow systems, or cloud-native technologies.
  • Experience developing or architecting Generative AI, LLM, Agentic AI, MCP, A2A, or AI-enabled automation systems.
  • Experience with Kubernetes, Docker, CI/CD, cloud platforms, and production software operations.
  • Experience designing advanced multi-agent architectures, including planner/executor patterns, agent handoffs, state management, checkpointing, retries, cancellation, or durable workflows.

Preferred Qualifications
  • Experience designing AI quality, evaluation, observability, and governance frameworks.
  • Experience with network automation, device connectivity, validation platforms, infrastructure automation, or enterprise network systems.
  • Experience leading architecture across multiple engineering teams and influencing technical strategy, standards, and platform roadmaps.
  • Experience architecting MCP and A2A systems, including capability discovery, tool schemas, authentication, context propagation, streaming, approval gates, auditability, and failure handling.

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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