The Cloud Security organization is part of Security Business Group (SBG) and its mission is to help people connect securely with confidence on any device, to any application, anywhere, anytime.
The Network Access Security Services team, which is part of the Cloud Security organization focuses on delivering FWaaS, VPNaaS solution to growing portfolio called Secure Access.
Cloud Security organization is looking for a Principal Engineer in software development in a senior technical role that focuses on providing high-level technical leadership, innovation, and expertise across multiple projects and teams
You'll be part of an encouraging and expert team who is responsible and passionate about delivery and producing results. You'll be able to carve your own path while working closely aligned with project and team goals.
WHAT YOU WILL DO:- Serve as the primary technical point of contact for the traffic head-end, VPN head-end, and firewall components of Cisco’s cloud-based Secure Access product.
- Contribute to the design, development, and optimization of data plane and service chaining for cloud-native networking solutions. Develop high-performance modular software data planes (L2–L7) using the FD.io/VPP packet processing engine.
- Collaborate with the engineering team to implement new features for packet processing across multiple protocols, ensuring seamless integration in virtualized, containerized, and bare-metal environments.
- Drive scalability, reliability, and performance improvements for the product.
- Mentor and guide engineers within the group while fostering a culture of engineering excellence.
- Lead the long-term architectural vision for the product, with a comprehensive understanding of data and control planes.
- Encourage and support rapid innovation and prototyping within the product development cycle.
- Partner with Product Management to create a best-in-class product experience, identifying opportunities for innovation.
- Recommend and implement best practices for the Software Development Lifecycle (SDLC).
- Collaborate with architects across Cisco on cross-functional initiatives and new product opportunities.
- Analyze and resolve critical customer issues as required, ensuring customer satisfaction.
WHO YOU ARE:- 15+ years of experience in software engineering, specializing in network security, firewalls, or related domains.
- Proven experience in building, operating, and scaling large SaaS and SASE services.
- Expertise in PaaS and IaaS platforms such as Kubernetes and AWS.
- Deep understanding of networking applications, with a strong grasp of Layer 2–7 packet processing, data plane, and control plane protocols.
- Proficient in coding with one or more programming languages, such as Python, C, or Golang.
- Solid networking knowledge, including TCP/IP, BGP, routing/switching, DNS, HTTP/HTTPS, IPSEC, and SSL/TLS, with the ability to debug and design enterprise-class networks.
- Effective communicator with the ability to engage expertly with customers, partners, and executive stakeholders.
- Demonstrated leadership with a clear strategic vision and the ability to inspire and guide teams.
PREFERRED SKILLS:- Strong technical and leadership skills, with the ability to mentor both senior and junior engineers.
- Adept at evaluating technical solutions and driving decisions through subject matter expertise.
- Encourages and supports innovation, proactively identifying opportunities for improvement.
- Experienced in rapid prototyping and evaluation of innovative solutions.
- Background in software optimization and performance analysis.
- Expertise in SDLC practices, with the ability to influence and enhance SDLC strategies.
- Familiarity with domains such as Information Security, SOC2 compliance, and SRE functions.
Why Cisco
#WeAreCisco where every individual brings their unique skills and perspectives together to pursue our purpose of powering an inclusive future for all.
Our passion is connection—we celebrate our employees’ diverse set of backgrounds and focus on unlocking potential. Cisconians often experience one company, many careers where learning and development are encouraged and supported at every stage. Our technology, tools, and culture pioneered hybrid work trends, allowing all to not only give their best, but be their best.
We understand our outstanding opportunity to bring communities together and at the heart of that is our people. One-third of Cisconians collaborate in our 30 employee resource organizations, called Inclusive Communities, to connect, foster belonging, learn to be informed allies, and make a difference. Dedicated paid time off to volunteer—80 hours each year—allows us to give back to causes we are passionate about, and nearly 86% do!
Our purpose, driven by our people, is what makes us the worldwide leader in technology that powers the internet. Helping our customers reimagine their applications, secure their enterprise, transform their infrastructure, and meet their sustainability goals is what we do best. We ensure that every step we take is a step towards a more inclusive future for all. Take your next step and be you, with us!
