Cisco

Federal Account Executive - Defense Industrial Base

Cisco$80K — $120K *
Aerospace & Defense
Less than 5 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • 3+ years of professional experience in sales or technology environments
  • Mission-focused and highly motivated to make an impact
  • Strong communication and organizational skills with positive energy
  • Creative problem-solver passionate about technology and sales growth
  • Bachelor's Degree or equivalent experience preferred

Responsibilities

  • Partner with a senior sales executive in the sales cycle for a key customer
  • Identify and pursue new business opportunities creatively
  • Build and maintain relationships with key stakeholders
  • Engage in account planning and pipeline development
  • Collaborate with cross-functional teams for customer success
  • Learn Cisco's solutions to address customer challenges

Benefits

  • Quality medical, dental, and vision insurance
  • 401(k) plan with Cisco matching contributions
  • Generous vacation and sick leave policies
  • Flexible time off without defined limits for exempt employees
  • Paid volunteer time and community support initiatives
Full Job Description
The application window is expected to close on: July 31, 2025. Job posting may be removed earlier if the position is filled or if a sufficient number of applications are received.

Applicant must have the ability to obtain a US National Security clearance for this position.

MEET THE TEAM

Join a high-performing, passionate team at the forefront of Cisco's Federal Defense Industrial Base business. As part of our team, you'll collaborate with a passionate group of innovators who are strategic, growth-minded, and deeply committed to delivering unmatched value to our customers. We foster a culture of creativity, initiative, and teamwork-empowering you to explore new areas of the business with the full support of Cisco's best-in-class architecture and solution experts. Here, your hard work is matched with flexibility, your voice is valued, and your contributions make a real impact. And while we take our mission seriously, we never miss a chance to celebrate wins and have fun along the way!

YOUR IMPACT

Are you ready to take the next step in your technology sales career? As a Portfolio Account Executive supporting a major global account in the Federal Defense Industrial Base, you'll join a high-impact, mission-driven team dedicated to delivering Cisco's full suite of solutions to one of our most strategic customers. Working alongside an experienced sales leader, you'll leverage your professional experience while building new skills in complex deal development and account management.

We're looking for someone who is mission-focused, highly motivated, and ready to make a meaningful impact in our world. You'll bring energy, positivity, and tenacity to every challenge-actively hunting for new business, contributing creative strategies, and playing a hands-on role in closing complex deals as part of a collaborative team. If you're eager to learn, ready to grow, and inspired to drive real impact, we want to hear from you!

Key performance traits for this role include;

  • Partnering closely with a senior sales executive to support all aspects of the sales cycle for a large, strategic customer
  • Identifying and pursuing new business opportunities within the account, using your creativity and initiative
  • Building and fostering relationships with key stakeholders and decision-makers
  • Participating in account planning, pipeline development, and forecasting activities alongside your team
  • Deepening your understanding of Cisco's solutions and how they solve customer challenges
  • Collaborating with cross-functional teams to ensure customer satisfaction and success
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

  • 3+ years of professional experience, ideally with exposure to sales, customer engagement, or technology environments
  • Mission-focused, highly motivated, and eager to make a meaningful impact through your work.
  • Strong communication, interpersonal, and organizational skills, with a positive and energetic approach
  • Creative problem-solver with a passion for technology and a drive to learn and grow in your sales career
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

  • Experience in sales, customer-facing, or business development roles is a plus
  • Interest or background in technology, Federal markets, or Cisco solutions
  • Bachelor's Degree or equivalent experience
WHY CISCO

At Cisco, we're revolutionizing how data and infrastructure connect and protect organizations in the AI era - and beyond. We've been innovating fearlessly for 40 years to create solutions that power how humans and technology work together across the physical and digital worlds. These solutions provide customers with unparalleled security, visibility, and insights across the entire digital footprint. Simply put - we power the future.

Fueled by the depth and breadth of our technology, we experiment and create meaningful solutions. Add to that our worldwide network of doers and experts, and you'll see that the opportunities to grow and build are limitless. We work as a team, collaborating with empathy to make really big things happen on a global scale. Because our solutions are everywhere, our impact is everywhere.

We are Cisco, and our power starts with you.

Message to applicants applying to work in the U.S. and/or Canada:

When available, the salary range posted for this position reflects the projected hiring range for new hire, full-time salaries in U.S. and/or Canada locations, not including equity or benefits. For non-sales roles the hiring ranges reflect base salary only; employees are also eligible to receive annual bonuses. Hiring ranges for sales positions include base and incentive compensation target. Individual pay is determined by the candidate's hiring location and additional factors, including but not limited to skillset, experience, and relevant education, certifications, or training. Applicants may not be eligible for the full salary range based on their U.S. or Canada hiring location. The recruiter can share more details about compensation for the role in your location during the hiring process.

U.S. employees have to quality medical, dental and vision insurance, a 401(k) plan with a Cisco matching contribution, short and long-term disability coverage, basic life insurance and numerous wellbeing offerings.

Employees receive up to twelve paid holidays per calendar year, which includes one floating holiday (for non-exempt employees), plus a day off for their birthday. Non-Exempt new hires accrue up to 16 days of vacation time off each year, at a rate of 4.92 hours per pay period. Exempt new hires participate in Cisco's flexible Vacation Time Off policy, which does not place a defined limit on how much vacation time eligible employees may use, but is subject to availability and some business limitations. All new hires are eligible for Sick Time Off subject to Cisco's Sick Time Off Policy and will have eighty (80) hours of sick time off provided on their hire date and on January 1st of each year thereafter. Up to 80 hours of unused sick time will be carried forward from one calendar year to the next such that the maximum number of sick time hours an employee may have available is 160 hours. Employees in Illinois have a unique time off program designed specifically with local requirements in mind. All employees also have access to paid time away to deal with critical or emergency issues. We offer additional paid time to volunteer and give back to the community.

Employees on sales plans earn performance-based incentive pay on top of their base salary, which is split between quota and non-quota components. For quota-based incentive pay, Cisco typically pays as follows:

.75% of incentive target for each 1% of revenue attainment up to 50% of quota;

1.5% of incentive target for each 1% of attainment between 50% and 75%;

1% of incentive target for each 1% of attainment between 75% and 100%; and once performance exceeds 100% attainment, incentive rates are at or above 1% for each 1% of attainment with no cap on incentive compensation.

For non-quota-based sales performance elements such as strategic sales objectives, Cisco may pay up to 125% of target. Cisco sales plans do not have a minimum threshold of performance for sales incentive compensation to be paid.

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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