Cisco

Senior Director of Engineering - Policy and Data Platform

Cisco$293K — $406K *
Information Technology
11 - 15 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree in Computer Science or related field, or equivalent experience with 15+ years in software engineering.
  • 5+ years in an engineering leadership role, managing teams of managers or senior engineers.
  • Proven experience in architecting and scaling production data platforms or policy systems.
  • Skilled in managing engineering budgets and planning resources for teams of 30+ engineers.
  • Experience in delivering large-scale distributed systems from design to production.

Responsibilities

  • Own the strategy, architecture, and roadmap for the Policy and Data Platform.
  • Build and scale a multi-team engineering organization, focusing on developing managers and senior engineers.
  • Translate customer security policy needs into robust technical systems.
  • Partner with product and security teams to ensure platform capabilities match customer requirements.
  • Set and enhance engineering standards and operational practices for improved platform reliability.

Benefits

  • Preferred hybrid work location with options for remote work across the US.
  • Opportunity to work on a critical platform impacting customer security.
  • Collaboration with cross-functional teams to drive efficiency and innovation.
Full Job Description
The application window is expected to close on: 09/13/2026Location: Milpitas, CA or Boston, MA Preferred Hybrid

Alternate Locations: Open to remote anywhere in the US for candidates outside of these locations
Meet the Team

You will join the Policy and Data Platform team, the group responsible for building the security policy systems that protect customers' environments. The team builds the platform that lets customers define, enforce, and manage security policies at scale across their infrastructure. This work spans UI, data engineering, platform architecture, and policy enforcement, with a strong emphasis on reliability and trust. The team works across Cisco to enable other teams to integrate with the platform, strengthening the signals used to recommend new policies and expanding the number of enforcement points.
Your Impact
  • Own the strategy, architecture, and roadmap for the Policy and Data Platform.
  • Build and scale a multi-team engineering organization, developing managers and senior engineers.
  • Translate customer security policy needs into durable technical systems.
  • Partner with product and security teams to align platform capabilities with customer needs.
  • Set engineering standards and operational practices that improve platform reliability.
Minimum Qualifications
  • Bachelor's degree or higher in Computer Science, Engineering, or a related technical field, or equivalent experience, with 15+ years of software engineering experience.
  • 5+ years of experience in an engineering leadership role managing managers or senior engineers.
  • Experience architecting and scaling data platforms or policy systems in production.
  • Experience managing engineering budgets and resource planning for an organization of 30+ engineers.
  • Experience delivering large-scale distributed systems from design through production launch.
Preferred Qualifications
  • Experience building systems that secure customer environments, such as access control, firewall, or workload protection policies.
  • Familiarity with security policy enforcement across cloud, network, or hybrid environments.
  • Strong communicator able to translate technical tradeoffs into business terms for executives.
  • Experience building and scaling engineering teams through periods of rapid growth.
  • Demonstrated ability to build trust and alignment across cross-functional, matrixed organizations.


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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