Distinguished Software Engineer, Identity Engineering

Cisco

Distinguished Software Engineer driving innovation in identity solutions at Cisco. Collaborating with teams to influence strategy and architecture while mentoring engineers.

Posted 8/2/2026full-timeRemote • California • 🇺🇸 United StatesSeniorLead💰 $293,900 - $406,800 per yearWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

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Demonstrates expertise in defining and driving technical vision and architecture for platform and identity systems, with a strong focus on innovation and strategic alignment to business outcomes. Proven ability to lead cross-functional initiatives and mentor technical teams to elevate architectural standards and influence industry direction.

Highest-signal resume keywords

Platform ArchitectureIdentity SystemsSecurity SystemsCloud EnvironmentsCross-Domain Technology Leadership

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills

Software DevelopmentDistributed Systems DesignTechnical Strategy DefinitionScalable Platform StrategiesEngineering Standards Establishment

Soft Skills

MentoringInfluencingThought Leadership

Industry Keywords

Cloud ComputingHybrid EnvironmentsTechnical ExecutionIndustry TrendsStrategic Partnerships

Tech Stack

Tools & technologies

CloudDistributed Systems

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

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 identity 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 identity 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.

Requirements

What you’ll need

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 platform, identity, 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.

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
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 determined by Cisco
16 days of paid vacation time 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 from one calendar year to the next
optional 10 paid days per full calendar year to volunteer