Cisco

Leader, Software Engineering

Cisco$151K — $222K *
Information Technology
8 - 10 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • BS or MS in Computer Science, AI, or equivalent experience
  • 8+ years in software, DevOps, or systems engineering
  • 4+ years of engineering leadership experience
  • Fluency in AI-enabled enterprise application design and deployment
  • Track record of adopting AI-first engineering practices
  • Extensive experience with SaaS, cloud infrastructure, and distributed systems
  • Proven ability to drive technical strategy on AI initiatives
  • Strong communication and stakeholder management skills across teams

Responsibilities

  • Lead and mentor software and AI engineers, fostering innovation
  • Collaborate with technical leads on architecture and performance improvement
  • Partner with multiple departments to align priorities for AI solutions
  • Monitor production issues to ensure system stability and model integrity
  • Remove obstacles and manage risks for timely project delivery
  • Conduct 1:1s and performance reviews to enhance team health and engagement
  • Drive hiring and onboarding for high-performing AI engineering teams

Benefits

  • Opportunities for professional development and continuous learning
  • Collaboration with diverse and cross-functional teams
  • A supportive environment fostering innovation and technical excellence
  • Access to modern AI tools and cutting-edge technologies
  • Leadership in impactful AI initiatives that drive business solutions
Full Job Description
The application window is expected to close on: 09/27/2026
Job posting may be removed earlier if the position is filled or if a sufficient number of applications are received.

What You'll Do:

  • Lead, mentor, and develop software and AI engineers while fostering innovation, collaboration, and technical excellence
  • Collaborate with technical leads to guide architectural decisions, improve system performance, manage technical debt, and integrate modern AI capabilities
  • Partner with Product, Supply Chain, Business Operations, and SMEs to clarify requirements, align priorities, and drive AI-enabled business solutions
  • Monitor and resolve production issues to ensure system stability, model/data integrity, and timely support
  • Remove obstacles, manage risks, and ensure teams have the tooling, platform infrastructure, and support needed for delivery
  • Conduct 1:1s, performance reviews, and drive team health, engagement, and continuous learning initiatives
  • Lead hiring, onboarding, and workforce planning to build high-performing engineering teams skilled in modern AI paradigms
  • Collaborate with cross-functional teams, customers, and external AI/technology vendors

Minimum Qualifications
  • BS or MS in Computer Science, Artificial Intelligence, or equivalent experience
  • 8+ years of experience in software, DevOps, or systems engineering,
  • 4+ years of experience in engineering leadership across diverse teams and time zones
  • Fluency in designing, architecting, and deploying AI enabled enterprise applications.
  • Proven track record of adopting an AI-first engineering approach and driving team-wide usage of AI-assisted development tools and workflows
  • Extensive SaaS, cloud infrastructure, and distributed systems experience
  • Proven ability to drive technical strategy and deliver large-scale enterprise engineering and AI initiatives
  • Skilled at balancing tactical operational needs with long-term strategic, architectural, and quality objectives
  • Experience leading agile teams and managing complex engineering priorities, deadlines, and deliverables
  • Strong communication and stakeholder management skills across engineering, product, and executive leadership
  • Deep experience developing, scaling, and managing high-performing engineering teams


Preferred Qualifications
  • Experience or familiarity with MLOps/LLMops tooling, evaluation frameworks, and AI data pipelines
  • Experience with building and maintaining various Oracle Fusion Cloud modules, including ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning), SCM (Supply Chain Management), and CX (Customer Experience).
  • A solid grasp of core business processes in areas such as finance and supply chain management to effectively align technical solutions with business needs.


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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