Distinguished Software Engineer, Identity Engineering

This is a fully remote position, open to applicants in California, +4 more states.

📋 Description

• Innovate, develop, and implement cutting-edge software, hardware, and technology solutions that have a global impact across Cisco’s product offerings.

• Serve as a recognized thought leader both internally and externally, shaping industry direction through technical expertise, innovation, and execution.

• Function as a cross-domain technology leader, converting emerging technology trends into strategic advantages for Cisco.

• Define and propel the long-term technical vision and architecture for platform and identity systems while influencing senior leadership and technical communities.

• Establish and maintain engineering and architectural standards that guide various organizations and product lines.

• Drive a company-wide technology strategy that aligns with long-term business outcomes and market leadership.

• Anticipate and cultivate industry trends, ensuring Cisco remains at the forefront of identity and security innovation.

• Convert complex technologies into scalable platform strategies and business opportunities across Cisco’s portfolio.

• Lead intricate, cross-functional initiatives that span multiple business units from concept to delivery.

• Mentor and influence senior and principal engineers, enhancing technical leadership and architectural consistency across teams.

• Represent Cisco externally through industry forums, standards organizations, patents, publications, and strategic partnerships.

⛳️ Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree with 15+ years of relevant experience, Master’s degree with 12+ years of relevant experience, or PhD with 10+ years of relevant experience in designing and developing large-scale software, platforms, or distributed systems.

• Proven experience in defining and influencing architecture and technical strategy across multiple teams, organizations, or product lines.

• Over 10 years of experience in platform, identity, or security systems, or demonstrated success as a cross-domain technology leader.

• More than 8 years of experience in building and scaling highly available, secure, and distributed systems in cloud or hybrid environments.

• Established record of driving technical impact at the company-wide or industry level across large, complex organizations.

• Recognized industry leadership through patents, publications, conference presentations, or contributions to standards bodies.

• Experience in defining and executing platform or identity strategy at an enterprise or industry level.

• In-depth understanding of security, identity, privacy, and data protection principles within large-scale platform systems.

• Experience in integrating across platform services such as observability, data platforms, AI/ML systems, and security infrastructure.

• Proven track record of leading complex, cross-functional initiatives with significant business impact.

• Experience in influencing senior leadership, including executives, on technical direction and business strategy.

• Strong capacity to align diverse stakeholders and achieve consensus across large, matrixed organizations.

• Demonstrated ability to translate emerging technology trends into long-term strategic direction and measurable business outcomes.

🏝️ Benefits

• 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.

• Paid time off including 10 paid holidays per full calendar year, plus 1 floating holiday for non-exempt employees, 1 paid day off for the employee’s birthday, paid year-end holiday shutdown, and 4 paid days off for personal wellness determined by Cisco.

• 16 days of paid vacation time per full calendar year for non-exempt employees; exempt employees participate in Cisco’s flexible vacation time off program.

• 80 hours of sick time off provided on the hire date and each January 1st thereafter, with up to 80 hours of unused sick time carried forward from one calendar year to the next.

• Optional 10 paid days per full calendar year to volunteer.