Senior Software Engineer – Backend

Cisco

Backend engineer leading distributed systems and data-processing architecture for Splunk Enterprise Security’s SIEM platform. Driving scalable security monitoring, threat detection, and compliance capabilities.

Posted 9/4/2026full-timeSan Jose • California • 🇺🇸 United StatesSenior💰 $167,700 - $245,200 per yearWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

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Demonstrates expertise in leading technical strategy and execution for backend systems, ensuring scalability, reliability, and security. Proficient in cloud technologies and software development for distributed systems, with a strong focus on mentoring and cross-functional collaboration.

Highest-signal resume keywords

Cloud Technologies (AWS, Azure, GCP)Python, Go/Golang, SQLDistributed Systems DevelopmentTechnical Roadmap OwnershipMentoring Engineering Teams

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills

Software DevelopmentQuery OptimizationPerformance BenchmarkingSearch TechnologiesData ProcessingSecure CodingCI/CD PracticesArchitectural IntegrityAI Tools (Claude, Codex)Splunk Query Language (SPL)

Soft Skills

Strong Communication SkillsMentoringProactive Problem Solving

Tools & Technologies

C++TypescriptCypressWPT

Industry Keywords

Agile MethodologiesTechnical DebtIncident InvestigationsSecurity MonitoringThreat Detection

Tech Stack

Tools & technologies

AWSAzureC++CloudCypressDistributed SystemsGoGoogle Cloud PlatformPythonSplunkSQLTypeScript

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Lead technical strategy and execution for multiple teams and backend/platform product areas across cloud and on-premises deployments
Ensure systems are scalable, performant, reliable, secure, and maintainable
Own the technical roadmap and architectural integrity of backend services and data-processing workflows
Translate requirements into implementation using Agile guidelines
Improve engineering excellence through documentation, code review, secure coding, testing, observability, architecture standards, and CI/CD practices
Partner with Product Management, UX, Architects, multifunctional teams, and customers
Resolve complex production issues and support customer concerns
Deliver solutions that improve security monitoring, threat detection, compliance, and incident investigations
Mentor engineers and lead design sessions and architecture reviews
Build deep knowledge of product architecture, deployment models, and real-world operating environments to advance platform evolution and customer value

Requirements

What you’ll need

Bachelor's degree with 7+ years of experience, or Master's degree with 4+ years of experience
4+ years of experience developing software for distributed systems and databases, including query optimization
3+ years of experience with cloud technologies such as AWS, Azure, or GCP
4+ years of experience with Python, Go/Golang, and SQL
2+ years of experience with AI tools such as Claude or Codex to drive development and testing efficiency
4+ years of experience writing code released into production
Proven track record of translating industry trends into scalable features
Strong experience designing highly reliable, maintainable, and distributed backend systems
3+ years of experience with performance benchmarking using tools like WPT
3+ years of experience with search technologies, data processing, or query execution
Experience or knowledge of Splunk Query Language (SPL)
Experience with C++, Typescript, and Cypress
Experience architecting and maintaining high-traffic, distributed systems
Strong communication skills and demonstrated ability to mentor engineering teams and lead cross-functional platform initiatives
Proactive approach to identifying, documenting, and resolving technical debt

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
10 paid holidays per full calendar year
1 floating holiday for non-exempt employees
Paid birthday day off
Paid year-end holiday shutdown
4 paid days off for personal wellness
16 days of paid vacation per full calendar year for non-exempt employees
Flexible vacation time off program for 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 policies