Security Research Engineer

Application window expected to close on 08/09/2026; posting may be removed earlier if the position is filled or sufficient applications are received.

About the team

The Security & Trust Organization (S&TO) secures Cisco’s products and services, protects Cisco and its employees, and cultivates trust with customers, partners, and regulators. You’ll collaborate with a diverse network of internal and external stakeholders on essential security initiatives, working across Cisco—including IT, Product, Customer Experience (CX), and nearly every business unit—to deliver critical security solutions.

Responsibilities

• Work on daily certification team activities for EUCC, Common Criteria, and national cybersecurity certification projects.
• Uphold and enforce high-quality standards for technical documentation and peer reviews.
• Manage complex certification programs from scoping and feasibility through evaluation, lab engagement, and final certification.
• Resolve escalated certification challenges, including technical findings, documentation gaps, evaluation evidence issues, and scheme-specific requirements.
• Lead specific project workstreams from initial requirements through final execution.
• Develop comprehensive project plans for specialized testing requirements, including procurement of demo units.
• Present program status updates at key milestones and stakeholder meetings.
• Ensure certification delivery remains on schedule, within scope, and aligned with quality, budget, and regulatory expectations.
• Collaborate across the entire certification lifecycle, including technical writing, network analysis, and business feasibility studies.
• Maintain rigorous project tracking, evidence traceability, certification reporting, and risk mitigation plans.
• Conduct proactive risk assessments and develop effective mitigation strategies.

Requirements

• Fluency in English.
• Bachelor’s degree.
• Minimum of 2–3 years of hands-on experience with Common Criteria, EU Common Criteria (EUCC).
• Demonstrated technical knowledge of network security (IDS/IPS, encryption), routing, switching, and data center/cloud computing architectures.
• Proven ability to architect Cisco product solutions and translate complex technical specifications into formal certification documentation.

Preferred Qualifications

• Current CCNA, CCNP, or equivalent Cisco-recognized technical certifications.
• Ability to interface effectively with cross-functional teams, including product management, engineering, and external regulatory bodies.
• Strong logical reasoning skills with the ability to apply security engineering expertise to resolve complex certification roadblocks.
• Proven ability to manage multiple concurrent tasks and high-complexity projects with minimal supervision.
• Deep practical experience in deploying and administering Cisco products and enterprise-level network environments.

Why Cisco?

Cisco revolutionizes how data and infrastructure connect and protect organizations in the AI era. With 40 years of innovation, Cisco creates solutions that provide security, visibility, and insights across digital footprints. The company fosters a collaborative culture with opportunities to grow, experiment, and make a global impact.

Pay

Starting salary range for this position in the U.S. and Canada is $111,700.00 to $157,200.00, not including incentive compensation, equity, or benefits. Individual pay is determined by hiring location, market conditions, job-related skillset, experience, qualifications, education, certifications, and training. Full salary ranges for specific locations:

• New York City Metro Area: $125,700.00 - $203,100.00
• Non-Metro New York State & Washington State: $111,700.00 - $180,800.00

For quota-based sales roles, 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.
• Basic life insurance.
• 10 paid holidays per full calendar year, plus 1 floating holiday for non-exempt employees.
• 1 paid day off for employee’s birthday.
• Paid year-end holiday shutdown.
• 4 paid days off for personal wellness.
• Non-exempt employees: 16 days of paid vacation time per full calendar year (accrued at 4.92 hours per pay period).
• Exempt employees: Flexible vacation time off with no defined limit (subject to business limitations).
• 80 hours of sick time off provided on hire date and each January 1st thereafter, with up to 80 hours carried forward annually.
• Additional paid time away for critical or emergency family issues.
• Optional 10 paid days per full calendar year for volunteering.
• Eligibility for annual bonuses (subject to Cisco’s policies).
• Eligibility for grants of Cisco restricted stock units (vesting based on continued employment).

Employees on sales plans earn performance-based incentive pay, split between quota and non-quota components. Quota-based incentive pay structure:

• 0.75% of incentive target for each 1% of revenue attainment up to 50% of quota.
• 1.5% of incentive target for each 1% of attainment between 50% and 75%.
• 1% of incentive target for each 1% of attainment between 75% and 100%.
• No cap on incentive compensation once performance exceeds 100% attainment.
• For non-quota-based sales performance elements, Cisco may pay 0% up to 125% of target.