Engineering Program Manager

Cisco · San Jose, CA · 1 wk ago

Project Management$172k–$245k/yrFull-time

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 that uses 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 approach, 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 problem-solving 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 and resolve them.
Provide timely issue resolution and critical path management while facilitating effective communication.
Drive day-to-day program activities to meet overall program objectives with a self-directed approach, weighing tradeoffs between engineering resources and operational improvements.
Provide weekly updates and offer multiple levels of status across a wide 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 + 8 years, a Master’s degree + 6 years, or PhD + 3 years of complex program management experience, preferably in software cloud environments, using both agile and waterfall methodologies. Degree should be in Engineering, Computer Science, or a related technical field.
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.
Prior 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 team members 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.

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, 1 floating holiday for non-exempt employees, 1 paid day off for your birthday, and a paid year-end holiday shutdown.
Non-exempt employees receive 16 days of paid vacation per full calendar year, accrued at 4.92 hours per pay period. Exempt employees participate in Cisco’s flexible vacation program with no defined limit (subject to business needs).
80 hours of sick time provided on hire and each January 1st, with up to 80 hours of unused sick time carried forward annually.
Additional paid time off for critical or emergency family issues.
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 uncapped earnings potential for exceeding targets.

Pay

The starting salary range for this position is $171,600.00 to $245,000.00 for U.S. and Canada locations, not including incentive compensation, equity, or benefits. Individual pay is determined by hiring location, market conditions, job-related skills, 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 sales roles, the ranges include base pay and sales target incentive compensation combined. Employees in Illinois will participate in a unique time-off program to meet local requirements.