Principal Software Engineer - AI Czar
About The Position
We are looking for a strong leader to drive AI strategy and execution across the Acacia Business Units. This role will serve as the central point of coordination for AI initiatives within Acacia and work across cross-functional teams inside the BU to identify, prioritize, and implement high-value AI opportunities and implementing proper end-to-end workflows. This role is focused solely on Acacia BU and will help teams across engineering organization, product, support, and other internal partner functions improve workflows, increase efficiency, and accelerate business outcomes through AI. The ideal candidate brings both strategic vision and practical execution experience, with the ability to translate fast-evolving AI trends into meaningful results for the business.
Requirements
- Bachelors + 15 years of related experience, or Masters + 12 years of related experience, or PhD + 8 years of related experience, or equivalent related work experience
- Experience leading AI, automation, advanced analytics, or digital transformation initiatives
- Experience with generative AI, workflow automation, and AI-enabled productivity tools, RAG, Agent, and Skill creations
- Experience working across business and technical teams
- Experience driving cross-functional programs from strategy through execution
- Experience with current AI trends and their practical application in business environments
Nice To Haves
- Experience with CI/CD workflow.
- Experience identifying and scaling high-impact use cases
- Experience presenting technical and non-technical content to cross-functional teams and executives.
- Experience balancing innovation with execution and measurable outcomes
Responsibilities
- Define and drive the AI strategy, roadmap, and priorities for Acacia BU
- Identify and prioritize AI use cases across functions within the business unit
- Partner with cross-functional teams to improve workflows and enable better business outcomes through AI
- Coordinate AI efforts across Acacia to improve alignment, reduce duplication, and increase scale
- Evaluate emerging AI trends and technologies for relevance to Acacia’s business needs
- Lead AI initiatives from concept through pilot, implementation, and adoption
- Track progress, outcomes, and business value of AI initiatives
- Provide clear updates, recommendations, and prioritization guidance
- Help establish consistent practices for AI adoption and execution within the BU
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
- Cisco restricted stock units
- 10 paid holidays per full calendar year
- 1 floating holiday for non-exempt employees
- 1 paid day off for employee’s birthday
- paid year-end holiday shutdown
- 4 paid days off for personal wellness
- 16 days of paid vacation time per full calendar year (non-exempt)
- flexible vacation time off program (exempt)
- 80 hours of sick time off provided on hire date and each January 1st thereafter
- up to 80 hours of unused sick time carried forward
- Additional paid time away may be requested to deal with critical or emergency issues for family members
- Optional 10 paid days per full calendar year to volunteer
- annual bonuses (non-sales roles)
- performance-based incentive pay (sales roles)
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Principal
