Software Engineering Technical Leader, Backend (Hybrid)

Cisco•Milpitas, CA

2d•$214,100 - $309,800•Hybrid

About The Position

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 + 15 years of related experience, or Master's degree in STEM + 12 years of related experience, or PhD in STEM + 8 years of related experience.
10+ years of hands-on experience architecting and scaling backend platforms in a production environment.
10+ years of professional programming experience using Python and/or Go.
Experience deploying and managing services on major cloud platforms (AWS, Azure, or GCP) with a focus on enterprise-grade reliability.
Proficiency in containerization technologies (e.g., Docker, Kubernetes) and complex microservices architectures.

Nice To Haves

Proven track record of integrating and building with Generative AI technologies and LLM frameworks at scale.
Deep, comprehensive understanding of modern AI tools, ML methodologies, and complex data pipelines.
Demonstrated ability to drive technology innovation by translating emerging industry trends into scalable, actionable backend execution.
Exceptional ability to design highly reliable, maintainable, and distributed systems that serve as the foundation for global products.
Experience leading cross-functional platform initiatives and mentoring senior engineering staff to build organizational capability.

Responsibilities

Lead major, large-scale engineering projects with enterprise-wide impact, defining the architectural roadmap for Cisco’s AI-powered backend systems.
Proactively identify and resolve highly complex technical challenges that impact the strategic direction and resource allocation of the business.
Develop and implement innovative strategies that enhance product value for customers and clients, setting new standards for platform reliability and performance.
Act as a subject matter expert, providing guidance on advanced technical issues and influencing cross-functional leaders to adopt best practices.
Utilize independent judgment to determine methods and techniques for complex system design, ensuring alignment with long-term organizational objectives.

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, and 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, and up to 80 hours of unused sick time carried forward from one calendar year to the next
Optional 10 paid days per full calendar year to volunteer