Account Executive - Splunk - Military Defense

Cisco•Ashburn, VA

3d•$269,300 - $440,900•Remote

About The Position

Cisco is hiring an Account Executive to support Splunk’s military defense business, focused on the Department of War, U.S. Navy, and U.S. Marine Corps. The role can be performed remotely from any location in the United States. As a trusted Cisco/Splunk partner to federal customers, the Account Executive will help protect the mission by identifying, enabling, and implementing strategies that strengthen the cybersecurity posture of vital agencies. The position involves developing mission opportunities in restricted markets, building trust and setting direction amid ambiguity, and influencing outcomes across multiple stakeholders. The Account Executive will work with engineers, internal teams, external partners, and executive sponsors to deliver holistic, impact-focused security solutions. The role requires a strong understanding of military operations and defense organizations, experience briefing senior military and government leaders, and willingness to travel up to 40% for customer briefings.

Requirements

At least 6 years of direct military operational service in the U.S. Armed Forces (Active Duty, Reserve, or National Guard) with knowledge of military command structures, or at least 4 years of direct experience selling or supporting software/SaaS/IT solutions within the Department of Defense.
Demonstrated understanding of U.S. Armed Services operational command workflows, PEO program structures, or military technical operational environments.
Proven experience delivering formal operational or technical briefings to military officers, Senior Executive Service leaders, or defense technical evaluation panels.
Active U.S. Government security clearance at the Top Secret or TS/SCI level at application, or demonstrated eligibility to obtain and maintain a U.S. Government security clearance.
Willingness and ability to travel up to 40% locally and nationally for customer briefings at defense commands.
Bachelor's degree in business, computer science, information systems, or a related field, or equivalent practical experience consisting of at least 4 additional years of relevant military operational or technical sales experience.

Nice To Haves

Prior commissioned officer, senior non-commissioned officer, or civilian technical specialist experience within the U.S. Navy or U.S. Marine Corps, such as Information Warfare, C4ISR, or Cyber Fleet Command.
Active Top Secret/SCI security clearance with a current background investigation.
At least 3 years of quota-carrying enterprise software sales, technical account management, or solutions consulting experience supporting DoD commands.
Familiarity with enterprise cybersecurity architectures, SIEM/SOAR platforms, cloud observability, and DoD cybersecurity directives, including DoDI 8500.01, NIST SP 800-53, and the Zero Trust Strategy.
Demonstrated understanding of Department of the Navy, U.S. Navy, or U.S. Marine Corps operational command workflows, PEO program structures, or military technical operational environments.
Working knowledge of structured sales methodologies such as MEDDPICC or Command of the Message, and defense procurement contract vehicles.

Responsibilities

Identify and develop mission opportunities in restricted defense markets.
Lead through ambiguity by building trust, setting vision, and influencing outcomes across stakeholders.
Collaborate with engineers, internal teams, external partners, and executive sponsors to deliver security solutions.
Deliver formal operational or technical briefings to military officers, SES leaders, or defense technical evaluation panels.
Travel locally and nationally for customer briefings at defense commands, as required.

Benefits

Medical, dental, and vision insurance, subject to plan eligibility rules.
401(k) plan with a Cisco matching contribution.
Paid parental leave.
Short- and long-term disability coverage.
Basic life insurance.
Potential eligibility for Cisco restricted stock unit grants, which vest following continued employment for defined periods.
10 paid holidays per full calendar year and, for non-exempt employees, 1 floating holiday.
Paid day off for the employee’s birthday, paid year-end holiday shutdown, and 4 paid personal wellness days.
Non-exempt employees receive 16 days of paid vacation per full calendar year; exempt employees participate in a flexible vacation time off program with no defined limit, subject to availability and business limitations.
80 hours of sick time provided on hire and each January 1, with up to 80 unused hours carried forward.
Additional paid time away may be requested for critical or emergency family issues.
Optional 10 paid volunteer days per full calendar year.
Sales employees earn performance-based incentive pay on top of base salary, subject to the applicable Cisco plan; quota-based incentive compensation has no cap.
Employees in Illinois participate in a unique time-off program to meet local requirements.