Job posting may be removed earlier if the position is filled or if a sufficient number of applications are received.
Meet the Team
Join the Web team working with next-generation cloud providers, known as Neoclouds and strategic AI accounts. This dynamic space is evolving at an unprecedented pace, driving the AI revolution with cutting-edge technology. Our team is deeply customer-centric, dedicated to delivering exceptional results and ensuring customer success.
Your Impact
As a Senior Solutions Engineer at Cisco, you will lead technical engagements with Neocloud customers, driving innovative solutions that fuel their growth. Key expertise that will amplify your impact include:
Designing AI, Service Provider, and Data Center networks at scale
Expertise in AI back-end and front-end network designs, including compute, storage, and optics
Proficiency with Cisco IOS-XR, NX-OS, or equivalent operating systems
Experience with open-source NOS such as SONiC
Deep knowledge of routing protocols, including BGP, MPLS, EVPN, and Segment Routing
knowledge of optical system design including Metro, RON, DWDM, and optics for data center environments
Strong understanding of silicon architecture, ASICs, and system designs
Familiarity with AI workloads, large language models (LLM), and MLOps tools
Automation tooling and scripting skills
Ability to establish trust and credibility through technical excellence
Linking architectural vision to account strategy
Staying current on AI industry trends and changes
Lead the strategy and planning of demand generation and enablement initiatives
Identify customer needs and showcase cross-architecture solutions
Lead demonstrations that emphasize how Cisco solutions can drive business outcomes
Mobilize a broad network of stakeholders to drive transformative synergies and optimize customer relationships
Demonstrate agility by adjusting strategies in response to disruptions
Minimum Qualifications
8+ years of experience in technology pre-sales, with expertise in data center networking, service provider technologies, and markets
In-depth knowledge of the Service Provider portfolio, including Datacenter, Service Provider Route/Switch, AI Ready Networking, and Automation
Strong technical expertise with Cisco or competitor products
Excellent communication, presentation, and problem-solving skills with a customer-focused mindset
Self-motivated and proactive, with the ability to build strong customer relationships and effectively articulate Cisco’s product portfolio
Preferred Qualifications
10+ years of hands-on experience adapting and delivering results in high-velocity, advanced technology environments
In-depth knowledge of Compute, Optical is desirable
Bachelor's degree in electrical engineering, Computer Science, or equivalent;
CCIE certification is desirable
Experience selling to Neocloud customers and AI infrastructure solutions
Proven track record in pre-sales with a growth mindset and ability to work independently
Coding or software development experience is a significant plus
Experience with SONiC is highly advantageous
Comprehensive understanding of Cisco, competitors, technologies, solutions, and market dynamics
Ability to navigate complex technical and sales situations and effectively resolve challenges or escalate as needed
THIS JOB DESCRIPTION DOES NOT APPLY FOR EMPLOYEES IN AUSTRIA, BELGIUM, FRANCE, GERMANY & NETHERLANDS
Why 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.
Message to applicants applying to work in the U.S. and/or Canada:The starting salary range posted for this position is $223,000.00 to $287,200.00 and reflects the projected salary range for new hires in this position 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. The full salary range for certain locations is listed below. For locations not listed below, the recruiter can share more details about compensation for the role in your location during the hiring process.
U.S. employees are offered benefits, subject to Cisco’s plan eligibility rules, which include medical, dental and vision insurance, a 401(k) plan with a Cisco matching contribution, paid parental leave, short and long-term disability coverage, and basic life insurance. Please see the Cisco careers site to discover more benefits and perks. Employees may be eligible to receive grants of Cisco restricted stock units, which vest following continued employment with Cisco for defined periods of time.
U.S. employees are eligible for paid time away as described below, subject to Cisco’s policies:
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, and 4 paid days off for personal wellness determined by Cisco
Non-exempt employees** receive 16 days of paid vacation time per full calendar year, accrued at rate of 4.92 hours per pay period for full-time employees
Exempt employees participate in Cisco’s flexible vacation time off program, which has no defined limit on how much vacation time eligible employees may use (subject to availability and some business limitations)
80 hours of sick time off provided on hire date and each January 1st thereafter, and up to 80 hours of unused sick time carried forward from one calendar year to the next
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
For non-sales roles, employees are also eligible to earn annual bonuses subject to Cisco’s policies.
Employees on sales plans earn performance-based incentive pay on top of their base salary, which is split between quota and non-quota components, subject to the applicable Cisco plan. For quota-based incentive pay, Cisco typically pays as follows:
.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%; and
Once performance exceeds 100% attainment, incentive rates are at or above 1% for each 1% of attainment with no cap on incentive compensation.
For non-quota-based sales performance elements such as strategic sales objectives, Cisco may pay 0% up to 125% of target. Cisco sales plans do not have a minimum threshold of performance for sales incentive compensation to be paid.
The applicable full salary ranges for this position, by specific state, are listed below:
New York City Metro Area:
$223,000.00 - $330,300.00Non-Metro New York state & Washington state:
$217,200.00 - $315,300.00* For quota-based sales roles on Cisco’s sales plan, the ranges provided in this posting include base pay and sales target incentive compensation combined.
** Employees in Illinois, whether exempt or non-exempt, will participate in a unique time off program to meet local requirements.
Skills Required
- 8+ years of technology pre-sales experience
- In-depth knowledge of Service Provider portfolio (Datacenter, Route/Switch, AI Ready Networking, Automation)
- Strong technical expertise with Cisco or competitor products
- Proficiency with Cisco IOS-XR or NX-OS or equivalent network operating systems
- Deep knowledge of routing protocols: BGP, MPLS, EVPN, Segment Routing
- Designing AI, Service Provider, and Data Center networks at scale (compute, storage, optics)
- Understanding of silicon architecture and ASICs and system designs
- Familiarity with AI workloads, large language models (LLM), and MLOps tools
- Automation tooling and scripting skills
- Excellent communication, presentation, and problem-solving skills; customer-focused
- Ability to build strong customer relationships and articulate product portfolio
- Experience with SONiC (open-source NOS)
- Knowledge of optical system design including Metro, RON, DWDM, and data-center optics
- 10+ years hands-on experience in high-velocity, advanced technology environments
- Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, or equivalent
- CCIE certification
- Experience selling to Neocloud customers and AI infrastructure solutions
- Coding or software development experience
- Comprehensive understanding of Cisco, competitors, technologies, solutions, and market dynamics
Cisco Compensation & Benefits Highlights
The following summarizes recurring compensation and benefits themes identified from responses generated by popular LLMs to common candidate questions about Cisco and has not been reviewed or approved by Cisco.
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Healthcare Strength — Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage, mental health support via an EAP, and access to on-site or virtual health centers indicate robust healthcare offerings. Wellness programs, fitness resources, and specialized services further reinforce coverage depth.
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Leave & Time Off Breadth — Generous PTO, a global minimum for paid parental leave, and unique programs like company-wide recharge days and paid volunteer time expand time-away options. Additional offerings such as Critical Time Off and adoption assistance add flexibility for life events.
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Equity Value & Accessibility — Restricted stock units and a discounted employee stock purchase plan are meaningful elements of total compensation. The prominence of equity can materially augment overall pay packages alongside salary and bonuses.
Cisco Insights
What We Do
Cisco (NASDAQ: CSCO) enables people to make powerful connections--whether in business, education, philanthropy, or creativity. Cisco hardware, software, and service offerings are used to create the Internet solutions that make networks possible--providing easy access to information anywhere, at any time. Cisco was founded in 1984 by a small group of computer scientists from Stanford University. Since the company's inception, Cisco engineers have been leaders in the development of Internet Protocol (IP)-based networking technologies. Today, with more than 71,000 employees worldwide, this tradition of innovation continues with industry-leading products and solutions in the company's core development areas of routing and switching, as well as in advanced technologies such as home networking, IP telephony, optical networking, security, storage area networking, and wireless technology. In addition to its products, Cisco provides a broad range of service offerings, including technical support and advanced services. Cisco sells its products and services, both directly through its own sales force as well as through its channel partners, to large enterprises, commercial businesses, service providers, and consumers.







