Kubernetes Platform Architect

Cisco Systems, Inc.; San Jose, Northern (CA, KY); Hybrid; USD 251,000 - 363,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, and vision insurance

401(k) matching contributions

Paid parental leave

Paid time off and volunteer days

Job summary

Cisco Systems, Inc. is seeking a senior Platform Engineer to shape a Kubernetes-based platform that runs reliably across cloud and customer-managed environments.

You will lead architecture decisions, define implementation plans, and partner with multiple teams to ensure scalable, maintainable platform services. The role emphasizes designing APIs, lifecycle orchestration, and modernization while maintaining customer trust and compatibility, with a strong focus on production reliability and

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in a related field and 15+ years of experience.
• 10+ years of professional software engineering experience (backend/platform/infrastructure).
• 5+ years designing, building, or operating production distributed systems.
• 2+ years hands-on Kubernetes experience (workload orchestration, operators/controllers).
• Experience designing production APIs, lifecycle orchestration, configuration or upgrade systems, or platform services.
• Proficiency in backend languages such as Go, C++, Java, or Python.

Responsibilities

• Lead technical direction for Kubernetes-based platform architecture across cloud and customer-managed environments.
• Translate complex requirements into designs, contracts, and implementation plans.
• Collaborate across runtime, Kubernetes operator, configuration, and product teams to ensure aligned execution.
• Identify dependencies, failure modes, and migration risks early to avoid customer impact.
• Drive modernization of a mature enterprise platform while preserving reliability and compatibility.

Skills

Kubernetes experience

Go

C++

Java

Python

Education

Bachelor's degree in related field

Tools

Kubernetes

Job description

Cisco Systems, Inc. is seeking a senior Platform Engineer to shape a Kubernetes-based platform that runs reliably across cloud and customer-managed environments.

You will lead architecture decisions, define implementation plans, and partner with multiple teams to ensure scalable, maintainable platform services. The role emphasizes designing APIs, lifecycle orchestration, and modernization while maintaining customer trust and compatibility, with a strong focus on production reliability and