Leader, Software Engineering (Data Plane, Hypershield)

The application window is expected to close on: 05/29/2026 Job posting may be removed earlier if the position is filled or if a sufficient number of applications are received . Note: This is a remote U.S. based role, requiring work within the Pacific Time Zone. Meet the Team Join Cisco’s core Hypershield Data Plane team within the Security Business Group, where we are building the high-performance packet processing foundation behind one of Cisco’s most strategic next-generation security platforms. This team is responsible for delivering the data path that powers distributed security enforcement across modern infrastructure, including smart switches, DPUs, line cards, and high-throughput networking environments. The team operates as a small, highly experienced distributed engineering group made up of senior technical leaders and domain experts who work closely across software, hardware, and system architecture boundaries. This is a highly visible role tied directly to Hypershield’s product delivery, with strong executive attention and meaningful business impact as customers prepare for deployment. The environment combines Cisco scale with the agility and technical depth of the Isovalent culture—offering flexibility, technical ownership, and the opportunity to lead foundational innovation in modern network security. Your Impact In this role, you will lead a senior engineering team responsible for delivering core Data Plane capabilities for Cisco Hypershield , with focus on high-speed firewalling and packet processing across modern networking platforms. You will guide technical execution, drive engineering rigor across development cycles, and ensure smooth delivery across multiple concurrent workstreams. Success in this role requires strong technical judgment, the ability to lead experienced engineers, and confidence in driving architecture and execution without direct hands-on coding responsibility. Lead a distributed team of senior engineers and technical leaders delivering Data Plane features in sprint-based development cycles Manage and coordinate engineering execution across a primarily U.S.-based team, ensuring alignment during West Coast business hours (PST/PDT) Drive technical discussions, architecture alignment, and resolution of complex engineering roadblocks across packet processing and networking workflows Partner with cross-functional teams including hardware, platform software, test, and product engineering to align on milestones, schedules, and deliverables Oversee development quality including unit testing strategy, CI/CD readiness, defect triage, release planning, and branch management Minimum Qualifications Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science , Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or related technical field with 15 years of related experience, or Master’s degree with 12 years of related experience, or PhD with 8 years of related experience 4 years of supervisory experience leading software engineering teams Experience with C programming, embedded software development, or switch software development kits (SSDKs) Experience working with networking technologies such as VXLAN, VRF, VRRP, HSRP, SD-WAN, or related Layer 2 / Layer 3 protocols Experience leading software development in sprint-based delivery environments, including defect triage, release planning, and software delivery management Preferred Qualifications Experience with programmable networking technologies such as P4, DPUs, NPUs, or smart switch architectures Experience leading teams delivering networking, security, or packet processing software in distributed systems environments Familiarity with CI/CD pipelines, automated testing frameworks, and software quality processes from unit testing through end-to-end validation Experience participating in architecture discussions across software and hardware boundaries Experience leading remote or globally distributed engineering teams across multiple time z ... (truncated, view full listing at source)