Software Engineering Technical Leader, Backend (Hybrid)
About The Position
The application window is expected to close on: 08/24/2026 Job posting may be removed earlier if the position is filled or if a sufficient number of applications are received. This is a hybrid role based out of Cisco's San Jose office. Meet the Team Studio is the experience where anyone—engineers, non-technical builders, and AI agents—can go from a prompt to a running, production-grade app. It brings together an App Builder and a bring-your-own coding-agent path, with the docs and resources to build and manage apps your own way. We're building the platform for AI app development, and Studio is the craft-defined surface on top of it. Pioneers in our field, AISP enables Cisco product teams, customers, and partners to maximize value with a simple, unified Cisco AI experience, driving accelerated time to impact.
Requirements
- Bachelor's degree in STEM + 12 years of related experience, or Master's degree in STEM + 8 years of related experience, or PhD in STEM + 5 years of related experience.
- 7+ years of hands-on experience building and scaling backend platforms in a production environment.
- 7+ years of professional programming experience using Python and/or Go.
- Experience deploying and managing services on major cloud platforms (AWS, Azure, or GCP).
- Experience with containerization technologies (e.g., Docker, Kubernetes) and microservices architectures.
Nice To Haves
- Direct experience integrating and building with Generative AI technologies and LLM frameworks.
- Deep understanding of modern AI tools, ML methodologies, and data pipelines.
- Proven track record of driving technology innovation by translating industry trends into scalable backend execution.
- Strong passion for designing highly reliable, maintainable, and distributed backend systems.
- Experience mentoring engineering teams and leading cross-functional platform initiatives.
Responsibilities
- Lead the architectural design and development of scalable backend platform technologies for Cisco's next-generation AI products.
- Spearhead multi-functional engagements to architect, build, validate, and deploy AI/ML infrastructures and AI-powered networking and security solutions.
- Drive the resolution of highly complex technical challenges, applying ingenuity to novel situations that impact the direction of the business.
- Collaborate with product and research teams to transform groundbreaking AI strategies into robust, production-ready systems.
- Act as a technical thought leader, influencing internal and external stakeholders by communicating complex engineering strategies to senior leadership.
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
- 10 paid holidays per full calendar year
- plus 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 determined by Cisco
- 16 days of paid vacation time per full calendar year, accrued at rate of 4.92 hours per pay period for full-time employees (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 from one calendar year to the next
- 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
- Employees may be eligible to receive grants of Cisco restricted stock units, which vest following continued employment with Cisco for defined periods of time.
- Employees on sales plans earn performance-based incentive pay on top of their base salary
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Senior
