Cisco

Leader, Software Engineering

Cisco$183K — $263K *
Information Technology
8 - 10 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • 8+ years in software engineering, with 3-5 years of Engineering Management.
  • Experience with large-scale Java/GoLang, Data Engineering, and ADLC cloud-native AWS.
  • Hands-on expertise in AI/ML integration within software workflows.
  • Proven ability to concurrently lead 2-3 complex, high-impact projects.
  • Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Engineering, or related field.

Responsibilities

  • Lead cross-functional initiatives to implement unified security policies.
  • Drive clarity in complex environments to focus on actionable plans.
  • Leverage technical expertise to partner with Tech Leads for architectural solutions.
  • Champion AI/ML integration in platform workflows.
  • Foster a high-performance, inclusive team culture and mentor engineers.
  • Translate policy requirements into technical strategies with business partners.
  • Manage technical and project risks through continuous prioritization.
  • Communicate complex updates clearly for senior leadership.

Benefits

  • Medical, dental, and vision insurance.
  • 401(k) plan with matching contributions.
  • Paid parental leave and disability coverage.
  • Flexible vacation program with no defined limit for exempt employees.
  • Paid time off for holidays, personal wellness, and volunteer opportunities.
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.

Hybrid: Based in Milpitas, CA, being in the office 1 - 2 days a week.
Meet the Team

Cisco's Security Business Group (SBG) is at the forefront of protecting the world's most critical infrastructure. We are seeking a collaborative Engineering Manager to lead one of our Security Platform teams.

Your Impact:
  • Security Platform Leadership: Lead cross-functional initiatives to define and implement unified policy outcomes across the SBG ecosystem. Challenge existing assumptions and use data-driven insights to advocate for innovative, scalable security solutions.
  • Customer-Focused Delivery & Clarity: Drive clarity in ambiguous environments by distilling complex security challenges into actionable plans, ensuring the team remains focused on measurable customer outcomes.
  • Technical Partnership & Architecture: Leverage your strong technical background and hands-on expertise to partner with Tech Leads, driving pragmatic, high-quality architectural solutions and collaborative decision-making.
  • AI-Driven Software Delivery: Champion AI/ML integration into the platform workflow, utilizing your demonstrated hands-on experience to design solutions that boost efficiency and remove delivery barriers.
  • Team Leadership: Foster a culture of high performance, inclusivity, and continuous learning. Mentor engineers, manage career development, and attract top-tier talent to build a world-class platform team.
  • Cross-Functional Influence: Partner with Product, UX, and SBG business units to translate policy requirements into technical strategies that drive platform adoption and achieve shared Cisco/SBG goals.
  • Risk Management: Proactively manage technical and project risks by navigating constant change and high-demand requirements through rigorous, continuous prioritization to ensure system stability and compliance.
  • Executive Communication: Synthesize complex platform updates into clear, concise communications for senior leadership, representing engineering progress and strategic vision.

Minimum Qualifications:
  • Experience: 8+ years of experience in software engineering, with at least 3-5 years in a formal Engineering Management role leading high-performing, cross-functional teams.
  • Technical Background: Experience delivering large-scale Java/GoLang, Data Engineering, Data Streaming, ADLC cloud-native AWS, services. Candidates must demonstrate deep technical fluency-beyond people management-to provide architectural oversight and design guidance.
  • AI Proficiency: Demonstrated hands-on experience building and integrating AI/ML solutions into software workflows, including a clear understanding of the associated risks.
  • Project Management: Proven ability to successfully lead and deliver 2-3 complex, high-impact initiatives simultaneously in a fast-paced, high-demand environment.
  • Education: Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Engineering, or a related technical field (or equivalent practical experience).

Preferred Qualifications:
  • Communication & Influence: Strong executive presence with the ability to synthesize complex technical updates for senior leadership and drive consensus across multiple cross-functional business units.


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

The starting salary range posted for this position is $183,800.00 to $263,600.00 and reflects the projected salary range for new hires in this position in U.S. and/or Canada locations, not including incentive compensation*, equity, or benefits.

Individual pay is determined by the candidate's hiring location, market conditions, job-related skillset, experience, qualifications, education, certifications, and/or training. The full salary range for certain locations is listed below. For locations not listed below, the recruiter can share more details about compensation for the role in your location during the hiring process.

U.S. employees are offered benefits, subject to Cisco's plan eligibility rules, which include medical, dental and vision insurance, a 401(k) plan with a Cisco matching contribution, paid parental leave, short and long-term disability coverage, and basic life insurance. Please see the Cisco careers site to discover more benefits and perks. Employees may be eligible to receive grants of Cisco restricted stock units, which vest following continued employment with Cisco for defined periods of time.

U.S. employees are eligible for paid time away as described below, subject to Cisco's policies:
  • 10 paid holidays per full calendar year, plus 1 floating holiday for non-exempt employees
  • 1 paid day off for employee's birthday, paid year-end holiday shutdown, and 4 paid days off for personal wellness determined by Cisco
  • Non-exempt employees** receive 16 days of paid vacation time per full calendar year, accrued at rate of 4.92 hours per pay period for full-time employees
  • Exempt employees participate in Cisco's flexible vacation time off program, which has no defined limit on how much vacation time eligible employees may use (subject to availability and some business limitations)
  • 80 hours of sick time off provided on hire date and each January 1st thereafter, and up to 80 hours of unused sick time carried forward from one calendar year to the next
  • Additional paid time away may be requested to deal with critical or emergency issues for family members
  • Optional 10 paid days per full calendar year to volunteer


For non-sales roles, employees are also eligible to earn annual bonuses subject to Cisco's policies.

Employees on sales plans earn performance-based incentive pay on top of their base salary, which is split between quota and non-quota components, subject to the applicable Cisco plan. 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 0% up to 125% of target. Cisco sales plans do not have a minimum threshold of performance for sales incentive compensation to be paid.

The applicable full salary ranges for this position, by specific state, are listed below:

New York City Metro Area:
$183,800.00 - $303,100.00

Non-Metro New York state & Washington state:
$163,600.00 - $269,800.00

* For quota-based sales roles on Cisco's sales plan, the ranges provided in this posting include base pay and sales target incentive compensation combined.

** Employees in Illinois, whether exempt or non-exempt, will participate in a unique time off program to meet local requirements.

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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