Principal Hardware Security Architect

Cisco Systems, Inc.; Clegg (NC); Hybrid; USD 252,000 - 321,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Remote/hybrid work options

Travel opportunities

Competitive compensation and benefits

Job summary

Cisco Systems, Inc. is seeking a Distinguished Engineer to lead hardware security initiatives from Raleigh, NC or San Jose, CA, with a preferred hybrid setup; US remote is also possible.

Travel may be required as part of collaboration with product teams and customers. You will define the foundational hardware security roadmap across Cisco's networking, data centers, AI systems, and cloud infrastructure, architecting roots of trust, firmware resiliency, and anti-tamper protections while mentoring

Qualifications

• Education: BS/MS/PhD in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Computer Science, or related field.
• 15+ years of hardware systems design, silicon security, or embedded architecture.
• Distinguished leadership experience driving hardware security strategy at top-tier companies.
• Deep knowledge of terabit networks, board-level design, FPGA/ASIC, and lifecycle management.
• Applied cryptography knowledge including PKI, key management, and side-channel mitigations.
• Strong communication across silicon, firmware, and executive strategy.

Responsibilities

• Set security standards and technical direction for hardware across Cisco's product portfolio.
• Architect roots of trust and platform firmware resiliency for secure-by-design systems.
• Advise BU leaders on embedded security decisions and translate trade-offs into business outcomes.
• Monitor regulatory developments (CRA, US regs, Common Criteria) and adapt roadmaps.
• Collaborate with hyperscale customers to translate security requirements into roadmaps.
• Represent Cisco in hardware-security standards groups like OCP, TCG, DMTF, IEEE, NIST.
• Mentor next-gen hardware security architects and leaders.

Skills

Hardware security

Embedded security

Executive communication

Standards involvement

Cryptography

Networking depth

Education

BS/MS/PhD in EE/CE/CS or related field

Job description

Cisco Systems, Inc. is seeking a Distinguished Engineer to lead hardware security initiatives from Raleigh, NC or San Jose, CA, with a preferred hybrid setup; US remote is also possible.

Travel may be required as part of collaboration with product teams and customers. You will define the foundational hardware security roadmap across Cisco's networking, data centers, AI systems, and cloud infrastructure, architecting roots of trust, firmware resiliency, and anti-tamper protections while mentoring