Engineering Program Manager

About the role

Join the Cisco Cloud Security Group, a leading provider of Cloud Security and DNS services. We enable the world to connect to the Internet with confidence on any device, anywhere, anytime. Our approach combines Umbrella, a cloud-delivered security service that blocks advanced attacks including malware, botnets, and phishing threats, with a predictive intelligence engine using machine learning to automate protection against newly-discovered threats. Today, we handle over 80 billion daily Internet requests from 65 million+ users globally, ensuring proven reliability and no added latency. We protect every customer device without requiring hardware installation or software maintenance.

As an Engineering Program Manager within the Cisco Cloud Security organization, you will work closely with the Software Engineering team to support cloud products and deliverables. You will bring an AI-first Technical Program Management lens, embedding artificial intelligence, machine learning, and intelligent automation into program planning, execution, and delivery. This role thrives in a fast-paced, demanding environment where creative and critical thinking, leadership, and hands-on collaboration are essential.

Responsibilities

• Bring strong Technical Program Management expertise with an AI-first vision, pioneering the adoption of AI-driven tools, automation, and data-informed decision-making to accelerate program delivery and drive innovation.
• Support, track, and manage complex program execution, cross-functional coordination, and inter/intra team communications to deliver high-quality outcomes.
• Track and maintain cross-functional dependencies and deliverables, working with other groups within Cisco Security to manage them effectively.
• Provide timely issue resolution and critical path management while facilitating clear communication.
• Drive day-to-day program activities to meet overall objectives, weighing tradeoffs between engineering resources and operational improvements.
• Provide weekly updates and offer multiple levels of status across a spectrum of stakeholders, from individual contributors to executive management.
• Drive an AI-first approach to program management by identifying and deploying AI/ML tools and intelligent automation to streamline planning, reporting, risk detection, and decision-making.
• Partner with engineering teams to plan and deliver AI/ML-powered features, using data-driven insights and predictive analytics to improve program velocity, quality, and outcomes.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Computer Science, or a related technical field, plus 8 years of complex program management experience (preferred in software cloud environments), using both Agile and Waterfall methodologies. Alternatively, a Master’s degree + 6 years or PhD + 3 years of relevant experience.
• 3+ years of experience applying AI/ML tools, GenAI assistants, and intelligent automation to program management.
• 3+ years of experience coordinating cross-functional projects, facilitating team meetings, and collaborating with geographically distributed teams.
• Experience with Lean Enterprise, Agile, Kanban practices, and supporting tools.
• Experience with defect tracking applications like JIRA and business applications such as Word, Excel, and Project.

Preferred Qualifications

• Strong communication skills with the ability to collaborate and influence cross-functional teams to achieve project goals.
• Ability to understand, discuss, and communicate technical concepts with both technical and non-technical individuals.
• Ability to identify opportunities to embed AI across the software delivery lifecycle.
• Working knowledge of cloud and network security concepts and technologies such as SASE, Security Service Edge (SSE), Zero Trust, DNS-layer security, secure web gateway (SWG), and firewall/cloud-delivered security.
• Familiarity with security compliance and certification frameworks (e.g., FedRAMP, SOC 2, ISO 27001, PCI DSS, GDPR) and experience supporting audit- or compliance-driven programs.
• Experience delivering programs in a DevSecOps environment, integrating security controls and testing into CI/CD pipelines and the software development lifecycle.
• Awareness of AI/ML security and responsible-AI considerations, including model risk, data privacy, secure handling of sensitive data, and threat modeling for AI-enabled products.
• Understanding of vulnerability management, incident response, and secure SDLC practices; ability to coordinate cross-functional security remediation efforts.
• Relevant security certifications such as CISSP, CCSP, CompTIA Security+, or CISM are a plus.

Why Cisco?

At Cisco, we’re revolutionizing how data and infrastructure connect and protect organizations in the AI era and beyond. With 40 years of fearless innovation, we create solutions that power how humans and technology work together across physical and digital worlds. Our solutions provide unparalleled security, visibility, and insights across the entire digital footprint. Fueled by our technology and global network of experts, we experiment and create meaningful solutions. The opportunities to grow and build are limitless, and our impact is everywhere.

Pay

The starting salary range for this position is $171,600.00 to $245,000.00 for new hires in U.S. and Canada locations, not including incentive compensation, equity, or benefits. Individual pay is determined by the candidate’s hiring location, market conditions, job-related skillset, experience, qualifications, education, certifications, and training. Below are the full salary ranges for specific locations:

• New York City Metro Area: $171,600.00 - $281,800.00
• Non-Metro New York State & Washington State: $151,300.00 - $250,900.00

For quota-based sales roles, the ranges include base pay and sales target incentive compensation combined.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance.
• 401(k) plan with Cisco matching contribution.
• Paid parental leave, short- and long-term disability coverage, and basic life insurance.
• Restricted stock units (RSUs) that vest over time with continued employment.
• Paid time off, including:
  • 10 paid holidays per full calendar year, plus 1 floating holiday for non-exempt employees.
  • 1 paid day off for your birthday.
  • Paid year-end holiday shutdown.
  • 4 paid days off for personal wellness.
  • For non-exempt employees: 16 days of paid vacation per full calendar year, accrued at 4.92 hours per pay period.
  • For exempt employees: Flexible vacation time off with no defined limit (subject to business availability).
  • 80 hours of sick time off provided on hire and each January 1st thereafter, with up to 80 hours of unused sick time carried forward annually.
  • Additional paid time off for critical or emergency family issues.
  • Optional 10 paid days per full calendar year for volunteering.
• Annual bonuses for non-sales roles, subject to Cisco’s policies.
• For sales roles: Performance-based incentive pay split between quota and non-quota components, with no cap on incentive compensation for quota-based attainment exceeding 100%.