Distinguished Software Engineer (Remote)

Cisco is a technology company developing solutions that connect and protect organizations across digital infrastructure. The Distinguished Software Engineer will define and drive the technical vision and architecture for secure, scalable platform and policy systems, lead complex cross-functional initiatives, influence technical strategy, and mentor senior engineers. The role focuses on cloud and client infrastructure, security, policy, networking, reliability, interoperability, and long-term scalability.

Responsibilities:

• 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 policy 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 policy 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:

• 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 policy, platform, 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
• Proven track record of driving company-wide or industry-level technical impact across large, sophisticated organizations
• Recognized industry leadership through patents, publications, conference speaking, or contributions to standards bodies
• Experience defining and driving platform or policy strategy at enterprise or industry scale
• Deep understanding of security, policy, privacy, and data protection principles within large-scale platform systems
• Experience integrating across platform services such as observability, data platforms, AI/ML systems, and security infrastructure
• Track record of leading highly complex, multi-functional initiatives with significant business impact
• Experience influencing senior leadership, including executives, on technical direction and business strategy
• Strong ability to align diverse stakeholders and drive consensus across large, matrixed organizations
• Proven track record to translate emerging technology trends into long-term strategic direction and measurable business outcomes