Senior Hardware Security Architect – Hybrid/Remote

Cisco Systems, Inc; Raleigh, Northern (NC, KY); Hybrid; USD 252,000 - 321,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Annual bonuses

Cisco RSUs

Medical, dental, vision insurance

Paid time off & holidays

Parental leave

Job summary

Cisco Systems, Inc. is seeking a Distinguished Engineer to drive hardware security innovations across networking, data center, and cloud platforms.

You will architect roots of trust, secure firmware resiliency, and cryptographic device identity, partnering with BU leaders and customers to translate technical trade-offs into strategic outcomes. The role requires 15+ years in hardware systems design and embedded security, with leadership in standards groups and regulatory programs.

Qualifications

• 15+ years in hardware systems design, silicon security, or embedded architecture.
• Track record as a Distinguished Engineer, Fellow, Chief Architect, or senior leader.
• Deep knowledge of terabit networking, routers, security appliances, and FPGA/ASIC design.
• Applied cryptography, PKI, and hardware security countermeasures (side-channel, fault injection).
• Strong communication across silicon/firmware details and executive strategy.

Responsibilities

• Set security standards and technical direction for hardware and embedded software across Cisco’s product portfolio.
• Architect roots of trust and platform firmware resiliency as core security building blocks.
• Advise BU leaders on embedded security decisions, translating trade-offs to business outcomes.
• Ensure compliance with regulations (CRA, CNSA, etc.) and contribute to global standards.
• Collaborate with hyperscalers and customers to align roadmaps with security requirements.
• Represent Cisco in industry standards bodies (OCP Security, TCG, DMTF, GlobalPlatform, IEEE, NIST).
• Mentor next-gen hardware security architects and leaders.

Skills

Distinguished leadership

Hardware security strategy

Embedded security

Executive communication

Applied cryptography

Platform security

Networking systems depth

Education

BS/MS/PhD in EE/CE/CS

Job description

Cisco Systems, Inc. is seeking a Distinguished Engineer to drive hardware security innovations across networking, data center, and cloud platforms.

You will architect roots of trust, secure firmware resiliency, and cryptographic device identity, partnering with BU leaders and customers to translate technical trade-offs into strategic outcomes. The role requires 15+ years in hardware systems design and embedded security, with leadership in standards groups and regulatory programs.