Distinguished Hardware Security Architect — Remote/Hybrid

Cisco Systems, Inc.; North Carolina; Hybrid; USD 252,000 - 321,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental & vision insurance

401(k) with company match

Parental leave

Disability insurance

Employee stock units

Generous paid time off & holidays

Job summary

Cisco Systems, Inc. is seeking a Distinguished Engineer for hardware and embedded system security to shape Cisco's security roadmap across networking, data center, and AI infra.

This role requires leading architectural decisions, setting immutable roots of trust, and guiding cross‑functional teams through complex trade‑offs. You will mentor security architects, engage with industry standards bodies, and partner with customers to translate security requirements into Cisco's silicon strategy.

Qualifications

• 15+ years in hardware systems design, silicon security, or embedded architecture.
• Distinguished leadership track record in hardware security strategy at top-tier tech companies.
• Deep knowledge of terabit networks, board-level design, FPGA/ASIC development, and cost/performance trade-offs.

Responsibilities

• Set security standards and technical direction securing hardware and embedded software across Cisco's product portfolio.
• Architect roots of trust at platform level, including firmware resiliency and anti-tamper protections.
• Advise BU leaders on embedded security decisions translating technical trade-offs into business outcomes.
• Ensure compliance with evolving regulations (CRA, US orders, CNSA) and standards groups.
• Collaborate with hyperscale customers to translate security needs into silicon and system roadmaps.

Skills

Hardware security

Embedded systems

Applied cryptography

Executive communication

Networking depth

Education

BS/MS/PhD in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Computer Science

Tools

FPGA

ASIC development

Job description

Cisco Systems, Inc. is seeking a Distinguished Engineer for hardware and embedded system security to shape Cisco's security roadmap across networking, data center, and AI infra.

This role requires leading architectural decisions, setting immutable roots of trust, and guiding cross‑functional teams through complex trade‑offs. You will mentor security architects, engage with industry standards bodies, and partner with customers to translate security requirements into Cisco's silicon strategy.