Software Engineering Technical Leader, Backend (Hybrid

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.

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.

As a Technical lead, you will be responsible for leading major business projects that impact the entire function. You will act independently to define architectural strategies, solve unique and highly complex problems of substantial significance, and deliver innovative solutions that directly influence the direction of our business. You will serve as a key resource for the organization, applying deep technical expertise to ensure our AI platform remains at the forefront of the industry.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.

At Cisco, we’re revolutionizing how data and infrastructure connect and protect organizations in the AI era – and beyond. We’ve been innovating fearlessly for 40 years to create solutions that power how humans and technology work together across the physical and digital worlds. These solutions provide customers with unparalleled security, visibility, and insights across the entire digital footprint.

Fueled by the depth and breadth of our technology, we experiment and create meaningful solutions. Add to that our worldwide network of doers and experts, and you’ll see that the opportunities to grow and build are limitless. We work as a team, collaborating with empathy to make really big things happen on a global scale. Because our solutions are everywhere, our impact is everywhere.

We are Cisco, and our power starts with you.