Engineering Program Manager

Cisco • Milpitas, MI

8h

About The Position

Cisco’s 10-member program management team serves as the strategic engine for the Enterprise Networking business, leading high-impact technical initiatives across the full stack, from embedded systems to cloud. The team focuses on integrating security and using AI to simplify network operations, connecting initial concepts with successful customer delivery through innovation and modern AI-driven processes.

The Engineering Program Manager leads high-stakes, large-scale programs with complex cross-functional interdependencies. The role promotes operational excellence through workflow optimization and continuous technical improvement, uses data-driven metrics to track performance and guide course corrections, and manages budgets, resources, and critical-path schedules. The position also presents program results and actionable recommendations to executive leadership to support business decisions.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree and 8 years of experience as an engineering program manager in the networking domain or a related field, or a master’s degree and 6 years of related experience.
• Experience managing complex cross-functional programs using Waterfall, Agile, and Hybrid methodologies described in the Cisco Product Development Methodology.
• Experience with Atlassian tools, including Jira and Confluence.
• Networking-domain experience with network devices, including Catalyst 9k and Cisco 9k products, and network controllers both on-premises (Catalyst Center) and in the cloud (Cisco Switching Cloud and Cisco Cloud Control).
• Knowledge of AI tools and hands-on ability to build dashboards and automations using OpenAI Codex.

Nice To Haves

• Ability to mentor and coach program managers or cross-functional team members.
• Expertise building and maintaining relationships with senior-level stakeholders across global business units.
• Experience developing and implementing CI/CD strategies or quality assurance tools to streamline development lifecycles.
• Exceptional communication skills, including presenting complex technical roadmaps to non-technical executives.
• Experience identifying, documenting, and resolving systemic project roadblocks to improve future operational efficiency.

Responsibilities

• Lead high-stakes, large-scale technical programs involving complex cross-functional interdependencies.
• Implement best practices to optimize workflows and foster continuous technical improvement.
• Use data-driven metrics to track performance, guide course corrections, and support efficient project execution.
• Manage program budgets, resources, and critical-path schedules.
• Present program achievements and actionable recommendations to executive leadership.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• 401(k) plan with Cisco matching contribution
• Paid parental leave
• Short- and long-term disability coverage
• Basic life insurance
• Restricted stock unit grants may be available, subject to eligibility and vesting conditions.
• Paid holidays and a floating holiday for non-exempt employees
• Paid birthday day off
• Paid year-end holiday shutdown
• Paid personal wellness days
• Paid vacation or flexible vacation time off, depending on employee classification
• Paid sick time
• Additional paid time away may be requested for critical or emergency family issues.
• Optional paid volunteer days
• Annual bonuses for eligible non-sales employees, subject to Cisco policies

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior