Software Engineering Lead

Cisco

Technical Leader building secure networking and simulation platforms for Cisco’s domain-specific AI models. Architecting cloud-native systems, controller automation, and data validation pipelines.

Posted 9/4/2026full-timeSan Jose • California, Washington • 🇺🇸 United StatesSenior💰 $186,900 - $267,700 per yearWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

Use this summary to align your resume positioning with the role.

Demonstrates expertise in designing and implementing secure, cloud-native networking solutions, with a strong focus on network programmability, simulation platforms, and automation. Proficient in applying zero-trust principles and managing complex distributed systems while mentoring peers and collaborating with cross-functional teams.

Highest-signal resume keywords

Cloud-Native InfrastructureNetwork Simulation/Modeling PlatformsSecure Software Development LifecycleEnterprise/Datacenter Networking ProtocolsProgramming Languages (Python, Go, C++, Java)

ATS Keywords

Tailor your resume

Applicant Tracking System Keywords

Tip: use these terms in your resume and cover letter to boost ATS matches.

Hard Skills

Software EngineeringNetwork Protocols (TCP/IP, BGP, EVPN, VXLAN)Containerization Technologies (Docker, Kubernetes)REST APIs/SDKs IntegrationData Contract DesignTelemetry and MonitoringThreat ModelingRBAC/IAMSecrets ManagementDistributed Systems Architecture

Soft Skills

MentoringCollaborationCommunication

Tools & Technologies

Cisco Modeling LabsNexus DashboardCatalyst CenterIntersightEVE-NGGNS3

Industry Keywords

Cloud ArchitectureNetwork ProgrammabilitySimulation-Driven WorkflowsSecurity AutomationVulnerability Management

Tech Stack

Tools & technologies

C++CloudDistributed SystemsDockerGoJavaKubernetesPythonTCP/IP

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Build secure, cloud-native networking and simulation platforms powering Cisco’s domain-specific large language models
Partner across AI research, security, product, and infrastructure engineering
Architect high-fidelity, secure network topologies using Cisco Modeling Labs
Establish data contracts and validation pipelines for provenance and integrity of AI training and evaluation data
Lead secure automation and integration of Cisco controllers across on-premises, hybrid, and cloud-native environments
Design, build, and test high-performance distributed software
Set engineering standards for network programmability, cloud architecture, and simulation-driven workflows
Apply zero-trust principles, threat modeling, RBAC/IAM, and secrets management
Implement telemetry and monitoring for simulation performance and cloud infrastructure
Drive postmortems and root-cause analyses into preventive platform controls
Mentor peers through design reviews and knowledge sharing
Shape the engineering roadmap and communicate technical trade-offs to cross-functional stakeholders

Requirements

What you’ll need

Bachelor’s degree in computer science or related field + 8 years of related experience, OR Master’s degree in STEM + 6 years of related experience, OR PhD in STEM + 3 years of related experience (or equivalent related work experience)
5+ years of professional software engineering experience designing, developing, and testing production-grade software
Experience with modern programming languages such as Python, Go, C++, or Java
4+ years of professional experience in enterprise/datacenter networking protocols such as TCP/IP, BGP, EVPN, and VXLAN
Experience with network simulation/modeling platforms such as Cisco Modeling Labs (CML), EVE-NG, or GNS3
3+ years of experience with cloud-native infrastructure, distributed systems architecture, and containerization technologies such as Docker and Kubernetes
3+ years of experience integrating and automating network controllers, SDN platforms, or infrastructure management systems via REST APIs/SDKs
Experience with Nexus Dashboard, Catalyst Center, or Intersight
2+ years of experience implementing secure software development lifecycle practices, including threat modeling, RBAC, and secrets management
Preferred: experience developing, securing, and validating high-fidelity CML simulation models
Preferred: expertise managing and automating Cisco controller environments, including Nexus Dashboard, Catalyst Center, Intersight, Secure Firewall Management Center, and Cisco HyperFabric
Preferred: understanding of data-contract design, schema evolution, data provenance, and automated validation methodologies
Preferred: experience with containers, Kubernetes, infrastructure as code, CI/CD pipelines, APIs, distributed data services, and observability platforms
Preferred: knowledge of application and infrastructure security, secure software supply chains, vulnerability management, IAM, encryption, secrets management, and security automation
Preferred: record of technical innovation through rapid prototyping, applied research, invention disclosures, patents, open-source contributions, technical publications, or successful incubation of new capabilities

Benefits

Comp & perks

Medical, dental and vision insurance
401(k) plan with a Cisco matching contribution
Paid parental leave
Short and long-term disability coverage
Basic life insurance
Cisco restricted stock unit grants may be available, vesting following continued employment
10 paid holidays per full calendar year
1 floating holiday for non-exempt employees
1 paid day off for employee’s birthday
Paid year-end holiday shutdown
4 paid days off for personal wellness
16 days of paid vacation time per full calendar year for non-exempt employees
Flexible vacation time off program with no defined limit for eligible exempt employees
80 hours of sick time off provided on hire date and each January 1st thereafter
Up to 80 hours of unused sick time carried forward
Additional paid time away for critical or emergency family issues
Optional 10 paid volunteer days per full calendar year
Annual bonuses for non-sales roles, subject to Cisco’s policies