Cisco

Technical Marketing Engineering Technical Leader

Cisco$194K — $285K *
Telecommunications & Hardware
8 - 10 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Bachelors + 12 years experience, or Masters + 8 years experience in relevant field.
  • Expertise in Coherent Optical Technology, Digital Signal Processing (DSP), and high-speed interfaces.
  • Experience with standards organizations like OIF and IEEE in the optical networking sector.
  • Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively across Engineering, Marketing, and Sales functions.

Responsibilities

  • Lead technical engagement for premier customers during product integration.
  • Drive product strategy by aligning with market trends and technology.
  • Differentiate products by leveraging competitive landscape insights.
  • Collaborate with cross-functional teams to refine existing products.
  • Validate features during early product development as the 'voice of the customer.'
  • Establish and nurture relationships with customer technical teams.
  • Champion product functionality through demonstrations and industry forums.
  • Create training materials and technical documentation for partner enablement.

Benefits

  • Comprehensive training and development programs.
  • Access to cutting-edge technology and innovation.
  • Opportunities for professional networking within the industry.
  • Collaborative work environment with cross-functional teams.
Full Job Description
The application window is expected to close on: 09/11/2026
Job posting may be removed earlier if the position is filled or if a sufficient number of applications are received.

Your Impact

As a Senior Systems Applications Engineer (SAE) at Acacia, you will serve as the primary technical bridge between our premier customers and our internal product organizations. You are a technical authority who facilitates the "design-in" process, ensuring our cutting-edge coherent optical technology is seamlessly integrated into customer platforms.

This is a high-impact role that combines deep technical expertise with strategic business acumen. You will not only support existing products but also influence the future of the Acacia portfolio by collaborating with Product Management, Engineering, and Sales to define, validate, and launch the next generation of optical solutions.

Key Responsibilities
  • Customer Design-in & Technical Support: Lead the technical engagement for Acacia's premier customers. Provide expert guidance during the hardware and software integration phases to ensure successful product adoption and performance.
  • Strategic Product Influence: Leverage broader industry knowledge and technical expertise to contribute to portfolio development and technical product strategy. Partner with Product Management to align our roadmap with market drivers and technical trends.
  • Competitive Differentiation: Apply specialist knowledge of Acacia's products and the competitive landscape to differentiate our offerings. Support Sales teams in high-stakes customer engagements by articulating our unique value propositions.
  • Cross-Functional Product Refinement: Work closely with Product Development, UX Design, Customer Experience (CX), and Sales to refine products. Ensure that new features and functions are designed specifically to address evolving customer needs and expand market share.
  • Early-Stage Validation: Participate in early product development cycles by validating features and functions. Act as the "voice of the customer" during the NPI (New Product Introduction) process to ensure high-quality, executable results.
  • Trusted Advisor & Advocate: Build and maintain deep-rooted relationships with customer technical teams. Serve as a champion for the customer internally while acting as a trusted advisor externally on product functionality and roadmaps.
  • Technical Evangelism: Lead product demonstrations, participate in industry forums, and champion technical functionality throughout the entire product lifecycle-from launch to maturity.
  • Enablement & Documentation: Develop comprehensive training materials, product specifications, and technical documentation to empower partners, field engineers, and the global sales team.


Minimum Qualifications
  • Bachelors + 12 years of experience, or Masters + 8 years of experience or related work experience.
  • Experience with one or more of the following, Coherent Optical Technology, Digital Signal Processing (DSP), and high-speed host/client interfaces (Ethernet/OTN).
  • Prior experience with standards organizations (OIF, IEEE, OpenZR+, OpenROADM) or the competitive landscape of the optical networking market.
  • Proven experience working across functional silos (Engineering, Marketing, Sales) to drive consensus and deliver measurable results.


Preferred Qualifications
  • Communication: Exceptional ability to translate complex technical concepts into clear, executable requirements and compelling marketing narratives.
  • Problem Solving: A "roll-up-your-sleeves" approach to debugging and resolving complex system-level issues.
  • Prior experience working as an SAE or similar role.

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.
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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
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