Solutions Engineer

Application window expected to close on 08/26/2026; posting may be removed earlier if the position is filled or sufficient applications are received.

About the team

You will join the Defense Joint Forces Region team, serving as the technical lead for one of Cisco’s most strategic Department of War customers, the Defense Information Systems Agency (DISA). Our team is responsible for the critical networks, cloud, and cyber infrastructure that the Joint Force depends on for mission success. We operate as a collaborative group of technology advisors, working shoulder-to-shoulder with Federal Account Managers and industry partners to drive modernization. You will report to the Systems Engineering Manager in a culture that values technical credibility, proactive ownership, and mission alignment.

Responsibilities

• Lead the technical relationship for DISA accounts by driving architecture, customer engagement, and mission alignment to deliver measurable operational outcomes.
• Design secure and scalable solutions across networking, Zero Trust, and cloud environments that adhere to strict FedRAMP and IL5 compliance standards.
• Partner with account teams to shape go-to-market strategies, capture new opportunities, and accelerate the adoption of Cisco innovation within the Department of War.
• Deliver high-impact technical presentations and demonstrations to stakeholders to ensure our solutions meet evolving defense requirements and mission needs.
• Own project outcomes from conception to completion, serving as a trusted advisor who bridges the gap between complex technology and mission-critical objectives.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent professional experience.
• 3+ years of experience in customer-centric IT, delivery, or pre-sales roles specifically within the Defense sector.
• Active CCNP Enterprise (ENCOR) certification or ability to obtain one within 18 months.
• US Citizenship and residency in the Washington, DC / Maryland / Northern Virginia (DMV) area to support regular on-site requirements at Fort Meade.

Qualifications

• Current or former SECRET clearance with the ability to meet in-depth security background requirements.
• Possession of an active Top Secret or TS/SCI clearance.
• Proven ability to influence stakeholders and maintain a steady, calming presence in high-stakes customer environments.
• Strong business writing and presentation skills tailored for executive-level defense audiences.
• Deep understanding of IT trends relevant to the Department of Defense and secure architecture requirements.
• Experience coordinating complex solution designs with major defense integrators and prime contractors.

About Cisco

At Cisco, we’re revolutionizing how data and infrastructure connect and protect organizations in the AI era – and beyond. We’ve been innovating fearlessly for 40 years to create solutions that power how humans and technology work together across the physical and digital worlds. These solutions provide customers with unparalleled security, visibility, and insights across the entire digital footprint. Fueled by the depth and breadth of our technology, we experiment and create meaningful solutions. Add to that our worldwide network of doers and experts, and you’ll see that the opportunities to grow and build are limitless. We work as a team, collaborating with empathy to make really big things happen on a global scale. Because our solutions are everywhere, our impact is everywhere. We are Cisco, and our power starts with you.

Pay

The starting salary range for this position is $218,600.00 to $286,100.00 for most U.S. 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/or training. Below are the full salary ranges for specific locations:

• New York City Metro Area: $229,000.00 - $344,700.00
• Non-Metro New York State & Washington State: $218,600.00 - $329,000.00

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 a Cisco matching contribution.
• Paid parental leave.
• Short and long-term disability coverage.
• Basic life insurance.
• Grants of Cisco restricted stock units, which vest following continued employment with Cisco for defined periods of time.
• Paid time off:
  • 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 receive 16 days of paid vacation time per full calendar year, accrued at a rate of 4.92 hours per pay period for full-time employees.
  • Exempt employees participate in Cisco’s flexible vacation time off program, with no defined limit on vacation time (subject to availability and business limitations).
  • 80 hours of sick time off provided on hire date and each January 1st thereafter, with up to 80 hours of unused sick time carried forward annually.
  • Additional paid time away may be requested to deal with critical or emergency issues for family members.
  • Optional 10 paid days per full calendar year to volunteer.
• 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:
  • Quota-based incentive pay:
    • 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%.
    • Once performance exceeds 100% attainment, incentive rates are at or above 1% for each 1% of attainment with no cap on incentive compensation.
  • Non-quota-based sales performance elements: 0% up to 125% of target.