Software Engineering Technical Leader

Overview In this role you will architect secure, cloud-native networking and simulation platforms that power Cisco’s domain-specific LLMs. You’ll collaborate across AI research, security, product, and infrastructure to translate advanced AI and networking concepts into production-grade capabilities. You will design high-fidelity, secure topologies and data validation pipelines to enable trustworthy AI training and evaluation. This position offers the opportunity to shape scalable, secure simulations and controller integrations in a global, cross-functional team. Compensation / Benefitsmedical, dental, and vision insurance401(k) with Cisco matchingpaid parental leaveshort and long-term disabilitybasic life insuranceRSU grants eligibility ResponsibilitiesArchitect secure, high-fidelity network topologies using Cisco Modeling Labs (CML)Define data contracts and validation pipelines to ensure data provenance for AI trainingLead secure automation and integration of Cisco controllers (Nexus Dashboard, Catalyst Center, Intersight) across on-premises, hybrid, and cloud environmentsDesign, build, and test distributed software with a focus on network programmability, cloud architecture, and simulation workflowsApply zero-trust principles, threat modeling, RBAC/IAM, and secrets management to protect integrations and pipelinesImplement telemetry and monitoring for simulation performance and cloud infra, performing postmortems and root-cause analysesMentor peers through design reviews, shape engineering roadmap, and communicate trade-offs to stakeholders Key requirementsBachelor’s degree in computer science or related field with 5+ years of software engineering experience, or Master’s with 6+ years, or PhD with 3+ years (or equivalent)5+ years designing, developing, and testing production-grade software in modern languages (Python, Go, C++, Java)4+ years in enterprise/datacenter networking protocols (TCP/IP, BGP, EVPN, VXLAN) and network simulation platforms (CML, EVE-NG, GNS3)3+ years cloud-native infrastructure, distributed systems, and containerization (Docker, Kubernetes)3+ years integrating/automating controllers or infrastructure via REST APIs/SDKs (Nexus Dashboard, Catalyst Center, Intersight)2+ years SSDLC practices including threat modeling, RBAC, and secrets managementCollaborative mindset across cross-functional teamsMentorship and knowledge sharingAbility to communicate trade-offs and technical concepts to stakeholdersPythonGoC++