Senior Hardware Security Architect | Roots of Trust

Cisco; Durham (NC); Hybrid; USD 252,000 - 321,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Annual bonus

Stock options

Flexible vacation

Paid time off

Volunteer time off

Job summary

Cisco seeks a Distinguished Engineer to lead hardware security across networking, data center, and cloud platforms. You will define roadmaps, architect roots of trust, and guide secure-by-design programs in collaboration with BU leaders and industry groups.

In this role, you’ll mentor engineers, influence regulatory alignment, and translate complex cryptographic concepts into strategic business outcomes, while thriving in a hybrid setting across Cisco hubs.

Qualifications

• Education & Experience: BS/MS/PhD with 15+ years in hardware systems design, silicon security, or embedded architecture.
• Distinguished leadership: track record as Distinguished Engineer, Fellow, Chief Architect, or senior leader driving hardware security strategy.
• Hardware & networking depth: deep knowledge of terabit switches, routers, security appliances, optics, board design, FPGA/ASIC, lifecycle management.
• Applied cryptography & platform security: PKI, key management, side-channel and fault-injection mitigations.
• Multifunction & executive communication: ability to bridge low-level silicon/firmware and executive strategy.

Responsibilities

• Set security standards and technical direction across Cisco's hardware and embedded software portfolio.
• Architect roots of trust at chip and platform levels; ensure firmware resiliency and secure identity.
• Advise BU leaders on embedded security decisions and translate trade-offs into business outcomes.
• Monitor regulatory landscape (CRA, FIPS, CNSA, etc.) and align roadmaps accordingly.
• Collaborate with hyperscale customers and standards bodies; mentor future hardware security leaders.

Skills

Hardware security

Embedded systems

Cryptography

Executive communication

Standards & consortia

Education

BS/MS/PhD in EE/CE/CS

Job description

Cisco seeks a Distinguished Engineer to lead hardware security across networking, data center, and cloud platforms. You will define roadmaps, architect roots of trust, and guide secure-by-design programs in collaboration with BU leaders and industry groups.

In this role, you’ll mentor engineers, influence regulatory alignment, and translate complex cryptographic concepts into strategic business outcomes, while thriving in a hybrid setting across Cisco hubs.