Principal Product Manager - AI Defense (Hyrbid)

Cisco•Milpitas, CA

1d•$233,900 - $330,400•Hybrid

About The Position

Cisco’s AI Software & Platform Group builds enterprise AI platforms and developer tooling, integrating networking, security, and observability products with modern AI to support autonomous systems. The group works to improve reinforcement learning, simulation, and predictive analytics so enterprise AI is accurate, grounded, and trustworthy. The Principal Product Manager will define and implement next-generation AI Security capabilities, owning a core area of the AI Defense portfolio and driving product strategy, customer adoption, and cross-functional execution. The role covers enterprise AI security capabilities including AI application security, agentic AI, runtime protection, AI governance, AI supply chain security, and AI validation. This person will help shape Cisco’s long-term vision for securing enterprise AI and turn market opportunities into differentiated products that scale globally. The position is based in San Jose and requires working in the office under a hybrid model. The application window is expected to close on 12/10/2026.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree and 15 years, 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 using data-driven presentations and business cases.

Nice To Haves

Solid understanding of enterprise AI architectures, large language models, AI agents, retrieval-augmented generation, Model Context Protocol, 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 security.
Partner with Engineering, Design, Threat Research, and go-to-market teams to turn market threats and customer requirements into solutions.
Build and leverage strategic relationships with hyperscalers, AI platforms, and developer ecosystems to support differentiation and platform adoption.
Influence stakeholders across 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, 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.
Paid holidays and a floating holiday for non-exempt employees.
Birthday day off, year-end holiday shutdown, and paid personal wellness days.
Paid vacation or a flexible vacation time-off program, depending on employee classification.
Sick time off, with eligible unused time carried forward subject to policy.
Additional paid time away may be requested for critical or emergency family issues.
Optional paid volunteer days.
Annual bonuses for eligible non-sales roles, subject to Cisco policies.
Potential Cisco restricted stock unit grants, subject to eligibility and vesting conditions.