Principal Software Engineer – Security & Policy Platform

Cisco

Principal Software Engineer innovating and developing security and policy solutions for Cisco's platform. Collaborating with global teams to deliver scalable technology.

Posted 8/2/2026full-timeRemote • California • 🇺🇸 United StatesLead💰 $250,600 - $362,600 per yearWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

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Demonstrates expertise in designing and developing large-scale software and distributed systems, with a strong focus on security, privacy, and data protection principles. Proven ability to mentor technical leaders and drive architectural consistency while influencing technology strategies across diverse teams.

Highest-signal resume keywords

Large-Scale Software DevelopmentCloud or Hybrid EnvironmentsModern Programming Languages (Go, Rust, C++)Security, Privacy, and Data Protection PrinciplesTechnical Mentorship and Consultation

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills

Software DevelopmentDistributed SystemsCloud ComputingHigh-Quality Code WritingArchitectural Consistency

Soft Skills

MentorshipCollaborationInfluencingStrategic Vision Translation

Certifications & Qualifications

Bachelor’s Degree in Computer ScienceBachelor’s Degree in Electrical Engineering

Industry Keywords

Technology SolutionsEmerging Technology TrendsTechnical DirectionBusiness ImpactEngineering Excellence

Tech Stack

Tools & technologies

CloudDistributed SystemsGoRust

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Innovate, develop, and drive unique software and technology solutions with global impact across Cisco’s broader product portfolio and multiple technology and business groups.
Act as an internal, external, and industry expert, applying deep technical expertise to provide mentorship and consultation on sophisticated challenges.
Serve as a domain expert or cross-domain integrator, leveraging breadth of knowledge to connect emerging technology trends and assess their impact on Cisco products.
Guide and set standards for the technical direction of Cisco’s software and technology solutions, influencing industry trends, business leaders, and Cisco’s technical community.
Ensure the development, execution, and enablement of technology strategies that deliver long-term business impact.
Stay ahead of evolving technology and industry trends, shaping innovation and enabling Cisco to maintain a strong competitive advantage.
Partner across engineering, product, and business teams to translate strategic vision into scalable, high-impact solutions.
Mentor and influence senior technical leaders, driving architectural consistency and engineering excellence across the organization.

Requirements

What you’ll need

Bachelor’s degree or higher in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, or a related technical field with 12+ years of experience designing and developing large-scale software, platform, or distributed systems.
Experience building and scaling highly available, secure, and distributed systems in cloud or hybrid environments.
Experience writing high-quality, production-grade code using modern programming languages (e.g., Go, Rust, or C++).
5+ years of experience with security, privacy, and data protection principles as applied to policy and platform systems.

Benefits

Comp & perks

medical, dental and vision insurance
a 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, plus 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
Non-exempt employees receive 16 days of paid vacation time per full calendar year
Exempt employees participate in Cisco’s flexible vacation time off program
80 hours of sick time off
Additional paid time away may be requested
Optional 10 paid days per full calendar year to volunteer
annual bonuses subject to Cisco’s policies