Cisco

Senior Director

Cisco$280K — $356K *
Information Technology
8 - 10 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree with 15+ years experience or advanced degree with 10-12+ years in software/platform development.
  • 7+ years leading software engineering teams.
  • Experience influencing architecture and technical strategy across various teams.
  • 10+ years in platform, identity, or security systems with cross-domain leadership.
  • Extensive experience building and scaling secure, distributed systems in cloud or hybrid settings.

Responsibilities

  • Innovate and drive software, hardware, and technology solutions with global impact.
  • Serve as a thought leader, influencing industry through technical expertise.
  • Translate emerging technology trends into strategic advantages.
  • Define long-term technical vision and architecture for identity systems.
  • Establish engineering standards guiding multiple organizations.
  • Drive technology strategy aligned with business outcomes.
  • Lead complex cross-functional initiatives from concept to delivery.
  • Mentor senior engineers to elevate technical leadership across teams.

Benefits

  • Opportunity to lead transformative identity technology initiatives at Cisco.
  • Ability to influence industry direction and standards.
  • Mentorship opportunities with senior engineering leaders.
  • Engagement in cross-domain strategic initiatives.
  • Involvement in shaping the future of identity and security innovation.
Full Job Description
The application window is expected to close on: 07/31/2026
Job posting may be removed earlier if the position is filled or if a sufficient number of applications are received.

Meet the Team

You will join Cisco's Identity Engineering Group, a foundational organization responsible for transforming Cisco's Identity products into a unified Identity experience as a Senior Director. The team delivers secure, scalable Identity capabilities that enables customers to control and enforce access across humans, agents, and non-human identities.

This work spans cloud and client infrastructure, security, and the Identity domain, with a strong emphasis on reliability, interoperability, and long-term scalability.

Your Impact
  • Innovate, lead, develop, and drive industry-leading software, hardware, and technology solutions with global impact across Cisco's product portfolio.
  • Serve as a recognized internal and external thought leader, influencing industry direction through technical expertise, innovation, and execution.
  • Act as a cross-domain technology leader, translating emerging technology trends into strategic advantage for Cisco.
  • Define and drive the long-term technical vision and architecture for platform and identity systems while influencing senior leadership and technical communities.
  • Establish and uphold engineering and architectural standards that guide multiple organizations and product lines.
  • Drive company-wide technology strategy aligned to long-term business outcomes and market leadership.
  • Anticipate and shape industry trends, positioning Cisco at the forefront of identity and security innovation.
  • Translate complex technologies into scalable platform strategies and business opportunities across Cisco's portfolio.
  • Lead highly complex, cross-functional initiatives spanning multiple business units from concept through delivery.
  • Mentor and influence senior and principal engineers, elevating technical leadership and architectural consistency across teams.
  • Represent Cisco externally through industry forums, standards bodies, patents, publications, and strategic partnerships.


Minimum Qualifications
  • Bachelor's degree with 15+ years of related experience, Master's degree with 12+ years of related experience, or PhD with 10+ years of related experience designing and developing large-scale software, platform, or distributed systems.
  • 7+ years of experience leading software engineering teams
  • Experience defining and influencing architecture and technical strategy across multiple teams, organizations, or product lines.
  • 10+ years of experience in platform, identity, or security systems, or demonstrated success operating as a cross-domain technology leader.
  • 10+ years of experience building and scaling highly available, secure, and distributed systems in cloud or hybrid environments.


Preferred Qualifications
  • Proven track record of driving company-wide or industry-level technical impact across large, complex organizations.
  • Experience defining and driving platform or identity strategy at enterprise or industry scale.
  • Deep understanding of security, identity, privacy, and data protection principles within large-scale platform systems.
  • Experience integrating across platform services such as observability, data platforms, AI/ML systems, and security infrastructure.
  • Track record of leading highly complex, cross-functional initiatives with significant business impact.
  • Experience influencing senior leadership, including executives, on technical direction and business strategy.
  • Strong ability to align diverse stakeholders and drive consensus across large, matrixed organizations.
  • Proven ability to translate emerging technology trends into long-term strategic direction and measurable business outcomes.

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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