Principal Product Manager - AI Defense (Hyrbid)

Cisco•Milpitas, MI

1d•Hybrid

About The Position

Cisco’s AI Software & Platform Group builds enterprise AI platforms and developer tooling, integrating networking, security, and observability with modern AI. The Principal Product Manager will define and implement next-generation AI Security capabilities and own a core area of the AI Defense portfolio, driving product strategy, customer adoption, and cross-functional execution across engineering, design, go-to-market, and research teams. The role focuses on enterprise AI security capabilities spanning AI application security, agentic AI, runtime protection, AI governance, AI supply chain security, and AI validation. The position will help shape Cisco’s long-term vision for securing enterprise AI and translate market opportunities into differentiated products that scale globally. This position is based in San Jose and requires reporting to the office in a hybrid model. The application window is expected to close on 12/10/2026.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree and 15 years, or master’s degree and 12 years, or PhD and 8 years of related Product Management experience.
Experience defining and delivering enterprise software or cloud platform products from strategy through general availability.
Experience building AI, cybersecurity, cloud, identity, networking, observability, or similar enterprise platform products.
Experience leading cross-functional organizations across Engineering, UX, Marketing, Sales, Customer Success, and executive stakeholders.
Experience influencing and securing executive alignment for product strategy, investment, and roadmap prioritization through data-driven presentations and business cases.

Nice To Haves

Solid understanding of enterprise AI architectures, large language models (LLMs), AI agents, retrieval-augmented generation (RAG), Model Context Protocol (MCP), AI governance, and runtime security.
Experience developing platform strategies spanning APIs, SDKs, marketplaces, and ecosystem integrations.
Track record of translating emerging technology trends into commercially successful product strategies.
Experience working directly with Fortune 500 customers, strategic design partners, and industry analysts.
Ability to balance long-term platform strategy with near-term execution and customer delivery.
Passion for building products that simplify enterprise AI adoption while delivering measurable business outcomes.

Responsibilities

Lead the multi-year vision, strategy, and execution for a major AI Security product area from concept through production and lifecycle management.
Drive investment decisions, roadmap prioritization, and tradeoffs across AI Security domains, including governance, application and runtime security, and supply chain.
Partner with Engineering, Design, Threat Research, and GTM teams to translate market threats and customer requirements into market-leading solutions.
Build and leverage strategic relationships with hyperscalers, AI platforms, and developer ecosystems to drive competitive differentiation and platform adoption.
Influence Cisco’s Security and AI organizations and represent the company at executive meetings, industry conferences, and analyst briefings.
Develop customer, partner, and analyst relationships to define enterprise workflows and position Cisco as a trusted platform for secure AI.

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 terms.
Paid holidays and a floating holiday for non-exempt employees
Paid birthday day off
Paid year-end holiday shutdown
Paid personal wellness days
Flexible vacation time off for eligible exempt employees; non-exempt employees receive paid vacation time
Paid sick time
Additional paid time away may be requested for critical or emergency family issues
Optional paid volunteer days
Annual bonuses may be available for non-sales roles, subject to Cisco policies.