Solutions Engineer I&MI Routing, Optical and Automation

About the role

Join Cisco’s Internet and Mass-Scale Infrastructure (I&MI) team, a multifaceted group revolutionizing routing, optical, and automation solutions for the next generation of connectivity. We craft and deliver critical infrastructure platforms that power the largest global service providers, web-scale players, Enterprise, Public Sector customers, and cloud operators.

As a technical leader, you will support and own the development of groundbreaking, AI-ready, software-defined infrastructures that enable next-generation infrastructure networks. You will deliver consultative expertise to customers in strategic accounts for our I&MI Routing and Optical product and solutions portfolio in the Americas region as part of the Global I&MI Transformational Pursuit team, with a specific focus on Public Sector, Enterprise, and Commercial projects.

You will guide and support RFP responses, proofs of concept (PoCs), and architectural designs, ensuring alignment with customer objectives and industry trends. Your influence will extend beyond individual accounts, collaborating with Cisco’s direct seller community to engage customers at technical and executive levels, positioning Cisco’s vision and strategy. You will also advocate for field and customer needs with Product Line Management and Engineering teams, shaping Cisco’s product strategy while managing customer expectations and driving thought leadership in networking and service provider industries.

Responsibilities

• Develop and support AI-ready, software-defined infrastructures for next-generation networks.
• Provide consultative expertise to strategic customers in the Americas for I&MI Routing and Optical solutions, focusing on Public Sector, Enterprise, and Commercial projects.
• Guide RFP responses, proofs of concept (PoCs), and architectural designs aligned with customer objectives and industry trends.
• Collaborate with Cisco’s direct seller community to engage customers at technical and executive levels, positioning Cisco’s vision and strategy.
• Advocate for field and customer needs with Product Line Management and Engineering teams to shape Cisco’s product strategy.
• Manage customer expectations and ensure alignment with product and solution capabilities.
• Drive thought leadership in networking and service provider industries through speaking engagements and innovative solution design.

Requirements

• 10+ years of experience in networking transport solutions and architectures with large-scale routing and switching systems, including consulting, service implementation, and/or operational expertise.
• Deep expertise in network transport technologies and protocols (e.g., MPLS, Segment Routing, SDN, 5G transport, DCI, Cloud).
• Experience defining solution strategy and proposals in collaboration with product, engineering, and operational teams in response to customer requirements.
• Strong focus on customer outcomes with the ability to establish and maintain relationships across the sales cycle.
• Proven track record in guiding responses to complex RFPs and driving PoCs for large-scale customers.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills; English proficiency is required.
• Ability to travel up to 50%.
• BS/BA in Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, or equivalent.

Preferred Qualifications

• Knowledge of key Cisco I&MI architectures and solutions (e.g., Agile Services Networking, Private WAN, Routed Optical Networking) or equivalent vendor solutions.
• Strong understanding of modern technologies such as SR/SRv6 and EVPN.
• Experience with customer networks, their challenges, and the ability to act as a consultant—particularly for Service Providers, Large Enterprises, and/or Public Sector customers.
• Knowledge of network programmability concepts (NETCONF/YANG, REST, JSON, Network telemetry) and Cisco Automation tools.
• CCNP, CCDP, CCIE SP certification, or similar vendor certifications.

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. We collaborate with empathy to make a global impact.

Pay

The starting salary range for this position is $229,000.00 to $299,800.00 for new hires in U.S. and/or 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/or training.

For certain locations, the full salary range is as follows:

• 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 Cisco matching contribution.
• Paid parental leave, short- and long-term disability coverage, and basic life insurance.
• Eligibility for grants of Cisco restricted stock units, which vest over defined periods of 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 employee’s birthday.
• Paid year-end holiday shutdown.
• 4 paid days off for personal wellness.
• 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 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 off for critical or emergency family issues.
• Optional 10 paid days per year for volunteering.
• Eligibility for annual bonuses (for non-sales roles) and performance-based incentive pay (for sales roles), subject to Cisco’s policies.