Cisco · 7 hours ago
Principal Software Engineer
San Jose, CA
Full-time
Hybrid
Lead/Staff
$225K/yr - $325K/yr
10+ years expCisco’s Cloud Security organization is at the forefront of securing the modern workforce, protecting users, data, and applications wherever they reside. As a Principal Software Engineer, you will serve as the overall architect for Cisco’s Web and Data Security portfolio, leading innovations to secure sensitive data in the age of AI.
Communications InfrastructureEnterprise SoftwareHardwareSoftware
Responsibilities
Architect Next-Gen Security: Define and drive the overall architecture for Cisco’s web and data security solutions—including Secure Web Gateway, Data Loss Prevention (DLP), Cloud Access Security Broker (CASB), and malware prevention
Technical Leadership: Serve as the technical authority for web and data security, influencing design, implementation, and delivery of enterprise-scale, cloud-native security services
Innovation in the AI Era: Lead technical innovation for data security, using artificial intelligence and machine learning to address emerging threats and compliance requirements
Cross-Team Collaboration: Collaborate closely with product management, engineering, research, and operations teams to translate vision into robust, scalable, and secure products
Mentorship: Guide and mentor senior engineers, helping to shape technical direction and grow technical talent within the team
Technical Evangelism: Represent Cisco’s vision and technical leadership both internally and externally, contributing to industry thought leadership and standards
Expert Technologist: 10+ years in software engineering or cybersecurity, with a deep understanding of cloud security architectures and protocols. Experience with public cloud platforms (AWS, GCP, Azure) and Kubernetes-based deployment
Architectural Vision: Significant experience architecting and delivering enterprise-class security solutions—such as Secure Web Gateway, DLP, CASB, and malware detection/prevention
AI Security Innovator: Demonstrated ability to integrate AI/ML into security products to solve real-world data protection and threat detection challenges
Influential Leader: Strong cross-functional leadership, able to drive consensus and technical direction across teams and stakeholders
Mentor and Collaborator: Proven experience mentoring engineers and fostering an environment of learning and technical excellence
Effective Communicator: Exceptional written and verbal communication skills; able to convey complex technical concepts to diverse audiences
Qualification
Required
Bachelor's or Master's degree in Computer Science, Engineering, or related field
10+ years of experience in software engineering or cybersecurity, including 5+ years architecting enterprise-class security solutions (e.g., SWG, DLP, CASB, malware protection)
3+ years of experience with public cloud platforms (AWS, GCP, or Azure) and Kubernetes-based production deployments
Experience working with AI/ML technologies in the context of data security or threat detection
Demonstrated technical leadership and mentoring experience with senior engineering teams, including effective communication of advanced technical concepts
Preferred
Master's or Ph.D. in Computer Science, Engineering, Cybersecurity, or a related field
Experience integrating AI/ML into security solutions for data protection and threat detection
Expertise in delivering innovative solutions to emerging security challenges, particularly in AI and generative models
Proven expertise in advanced web communication protocols and security architectures, with a strong focus on Secure Service Edge (SSE) frameworks and diverse Proxy technologies to enhance network security and data protection
Active participation in industry forums, standards bodies, or open-source security projects
Experience representing technical vision to both internal and external customers (e.g., conferences, industry panels)
History of fostering technical excellence and a culture of learning within engineering teams
Strong mentorship capabilities to guide senior engineers and shape technical direction
A strong record of innovation and thought leadership, evidenced by patents and publications in cybersecurity, AI/ML, or related technical domains
Benefits
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
Flexible vacation time off program
80 hours of sick time off provided on hire date
Up to 80 hours of unused sick time carried forward
Additional paid time away may be requested to deal with critical or emergency issues for family members
Optional 10 paid days per full calendar year to volunteer
Annual bonuses subject to Cisco’s policies
Company
Cisco
Cisco develops, manufactures, and sells networking hardware, telecommunications equipment, and other technology services and products. It is a sub-organization of Cisco Press.
10001+ employees
H1B Sponsorship
Cisco has a track record of offering H1B sponsorships. Please note that this does not
guarantee sponsorship for this specific role. Below presents additional info for your
reference. (Data Powered by US Department of Labor)
Distribution of Different Job Fields Receiving Sponsorship
Represents job field similar to this job
Trends of Total Sponsorships
2025 (1045)
2024 (1231)
2023 (1273)
2022 (2127)
2021 (1991)
2020 (1173)
Funding
Current Stage
Public CompanyTotal Funding
unknown1990-02-13IPO
Leadership Team
Chuck Robbins
Chair and CEO
Carl Solder
Chief Technology Officer - Cisco System Australia/New Zealand
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