Lead AI-Driven Network Validation Architect

Cisco Systems, Inc.; Northern (KY); Hybrid; USD 223,000 - 301,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Annual bonus

RSU grants

Job summary

Cisco Systems, Inc. is seeking a senior backend architect to define the strategic vision for the Cisco IQ Validation framework and to champion an AI-first approach to automate network testing and lifecycle management.

You will architect scalable backend services for validating complex network environments, mentor engineering leaders, and drive multi-year roadmaps. Candidates should have deep expertise in backend systems, AI-driven workflows, and cross-functional leadership.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in CS/Engineering or related field.
• 15+ years in backend software architecture and core development with Python, Rust, or similar.
• Experience in networking with SD-WAN and data center infrastructure.
• Experience architecting AI-driven applications and complex agentic workflows.
• Experience leading large-scale technical initiatives and cross-functional engineering organizations.

Responsibilities

• Define the strategic vision for the Cisco IQ Validation framework and an AI-first approach to automate network testing and lifecycle management.
• Lead high-level strategy for scalable backend services that automate validation of complex network environments, including SD-WAN and data center infra.
• Set the vision across the organization, mentoring engineers to ensure architectural consistency and long-term technical excellence.
• Partner with stakeholders to define multi-year technical roadmaps aligning with innovation and reliability goals.
• Define best practices for complex prompt engineering and model interactions to ensure reliable AI-driven outputs at scale.
• Advance infrastructure and deployment methodologies to foster high velocity and system resilience.

Skills

Backend architecture

Python

Rust

AI-driven workflows

Technical leadership

Education

Bachelor’s degree in CS/Engineering or related field

Tools

Terraform

Ansible

AWS

GCP

Job description

Cisco Systems, Inc. is seeking a senior backend architect to define the strategic vision for the Cisco IQ Validation framework and to champion an AI-first approach to automate network testing and lifecycle management.

You will architect scalable backend services for validating complex network environments, mentor engineering leaders, and drive multi-year roadmaps. Candidates should have deep expertise in backend systems, AI-driven workflows, and cross-functional leadership.