Distinguished Software Engineer (Remote)

Job Summary

Cisco is seeking a Distinguished Software Engineer to join its Security and Policy Platform Group, a foundational organization responsible for transforming Cisco's security products from single point products to comprehensive security outcomes. This remote position offers a unique opportunity to shape the technical vision and architecture of platforms that enable customers to control and enforce security policies across Cisco and third-party products. As a Distinguished Engineer, you will lead cross-domain initiatives, influence industry direction, and mentor senior engineers while working on cloud and client infrastructure, security, policy, and networking systems. With a strong emphasis on reliability, interoperability, and long-term scalability, this role is ideal for a seasoned technologist who thrives on solving complex challenges and driving company-wide impact.

Key Responsibilities

• Innovate, 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 policy 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 develop industry trends, positioning Cisco at the forefront of policy and security innovation.
• Translate sophisticated 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.

Role Requirements & 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.
• Experience defining and influencing architecture and technical strategy across multiple teams, organizations, or product lines.
• 10+ years of experience in policy, platform, or security systems, or demonstrated success operating as a cross-domain technology leader.
• 8+ years of experience building and scaling highly available, secure, and distributed systems in cloud or hybrid environments.
• Preferred: Proven track record of driving company-wide or industry-level technical impact across large, sophisticated organizations.
• Preferred: Recognized industry leadership through patents, publications, conference speaking, or contributions to standards bodies.
• Preferred: Experience defining and driving platform or policy strategy at enterprise or industry scale.
• Preferred: Deep understanding of security, policy, privacy, and data protection principles within large-scale platform systems.
• Preferred: Experience integrating across platform services such as observability, data platforms, AI/ML systems, and security infrastructure.
• Preferred: Track record of leading highly complex, multi-functional initiatives with significant business impact.
• Preferred: Experience influencing senior leadership, including executives, on technical direction and business strategy.
• Preferred: Strong ability to align diverse stakeholders and drive consensus across large, matrixed organizations.
• Preferred: Proven track record to translate emerging technology trends into long-term strategic direction and measurable business outcomes.

Skills Inventory

• Expertise in large-scale software architecture and distributed systems.
• Deep knowledge of cloud and hybrid infrastructure, including security and networking.
• Strategic thinking and ability to translate trends into business outcomes.
• Cross-functional leadership and stakeholder alignment.
• Mentoring and elevating technical talent.
• Excellent communication and presentation skills for executive and external audiences.
• Familiarity with AI/ML systems, observability, and data platforms.
• Understanding of security, privacy, and compliance frameworks.

Salary & Compensation Estimation

The starting salary range for this position is $293,900 to $406,800, reflecting the projected range for new hires in U.S. and/or Canada locations. Individual pay is determined by hiring location, market conditions, job-related skillset, experience, qualifications, education, certifications, and/or training. For specific locations, full salary ranges are provided, such as $293,900 to $467,900 for the New York City Metro Area and $285,600 to $432,300 for non-metro New York and Washington state. In addition to base salary, Cisco offers incentive compensation (for non-sales roles, annual bonuses), equity grants in the form of restricted stock units, and comprehensive benefits including medical, dental, vision insurance, 401(k) matching, paid parental leave, and life insurance. U.S. employees also receive paid time away, including 10 paid holidays, 1 floating holiday, birthday day off, year-end shutdown, 4 wellness days, flexible vacation for exempt employees, 80 hours of sick time, and up to 10 volunteer days per year.