Director, AI Engineering

The application window is expected to close on: 08/07/2026 Job posting may be removed earlier if the position is filled or if a sufficient number of applications are received . Meet the Team The Cisco AI Software & Platform Group incubates and delivers Generative AI based solutions to reinvent Cisco's existing Products and how customers interact with them. Our Group is also introducing new offerings that help customers roll out Generative AI at scale while doing so responsibly. Ultimately, we are doing so through internal platforms that unlock the benefits of this technology for Cisco teams and partners across our Security, Enterprise Networking, Collaboration and Splunk portfolios. This team operates like a startup within Cisco, comprising front-end, backend, and ML engineers focused on innovative AI solutions.

Cisco is seeking a Director of Engineering, AI to lead our new platform engineering team in the AI Software and Platforms group and to spearhead new agentic initiatives. This role is pivotal in developing our Agentic Ops Solution AI Canvas and AI-based solutions that ease management and operation of various Cisco products. The Director will take the team and product from concept to delivery, overseeing a talented team leveraging cutting-edge AI technologies. Build and lead the core platform team for AI applications and agentic management applications. Own end-to-end delivery of platform capabilities and features at scale to drive business growth. Evaluate, perform due diligence, select, and standardize tools and technologies for AI platform development. Stay updated on emerging AI technologies and architectural trends to make informed technology adoption decisions. Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including product management and design.

Proven engineering leadership experience in Cloud software development for enterprise platforms and applications, or in Cloud development, or AI/ML (preferably Generative AI). 5+ years in a management role leading teams of software engineers, architects, or ML engineers. Bachelor’s degree with 15+ years of engineering experience OR Master’s degree with 12+ years of engineering experience. Experience leading teams engaged in AI software development lifecycle (AI-DLC) building AI applications or similar AI assistants, co-pilot products. Hands-on experience with generative AI tools such as Codex and Claude.

Strong leadership skills with the ability to build and lead fast-paced teams, including experience leading managers. Experience building front-end applications and developer experience services. PhD with 8+ years of engineering experience is preferred. Resourceful and thorough, comfortable leading design sessions with technologists and business executives. Experience working in both large companies and startups. Why Cisco?  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.  Message to applicants applying to work in the U.S. and/or Canada: The starting salary range posted for this position is $250,600.00 to $362,600.00 and reflects the projected salary range for new hires in this position in U.S. and/or Canada