Distinguished Hardware Security Engineer

Cisco

. Set security standards, requirements, and technical direction for Cisco hardware and embedded software .

Posted 9/23/2026full-timeRemote • United StatesSeniorLead💰 $252,300 - $321,200 per yearWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

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Demonstrates expertise in hardware security architecture, including cryptographic device identity and anti-tamper protections, while effectively advising on embedded security decisions and translating complex security requirements into actionable strategies.

Highest-signal resume keywords

Hardware Security ArchitectureApplied CryptographySilicon SecurityNetworking Systems DesignExecutive-Level Communication

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills

Embedded ArchitectureFPGA DevelopmentASIC DevelopmentBoard-Level DesignProduct Lifecycle ManagementKey ManagementHardware Security CountermeasuresSystem-Level Cost/Performance Trade-OffsTechnical Direction SettingSecurity Standards Development

Soft Skills

Outstanding Communication SkillsMentoring

Industry Keywords

CiscoEU Cyber Resilience ActCommon CriteriaOCP SecurityTCGDMTFGlobalPlatformIEEENISTHyperscale Cloud

Tech Stack

Tools & technologies

CloudSwitching

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Set security standards, requirements, and technical direction for Cisco hardware and embedded software
Architect chip- and platform-level roots of trust, platform firmware resiliency, cryptographic device identity, and anti-tamper protections
Establish the foundational hardware security roadmap across Cisco networking, routing, switching, optical, data center, AI systems, and cloud infrastructure products
Advise business unit engineering leaders and executives on embedded security decisions
Address emerging regulations including the EU Cyber Resilience Act, U.S. federal executive orders, and Common Criteria/CNSA mandates
Translate hyperscaler and cloud-scale customer security requirements into Cisco silicon and system roadmaps
Represent Cisco in industry standards bodies including OCP Security, TCG, DMTF, GlobalPlatform, IEEE, and NIST
Mentor hardware security architects and technical leaders

Requirements

What you’ll need

BS/MS/PhD in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Computer Science, or a related field
15+ years of experience in hardware systems design, silicon security, or embedded architecture
Track record as a Distinguished Engineer, Fellow, Chief Architect, or senior technical leader driving hardware security strategy at a top-tier networking, semiconductor, or hyperscale cloud company
Deep knowledge of complex networking systems, board-level design, FPGA/ASIC development, and system-level cost/performance trade-offs
Direct experience across design, development, manufacturing, and product lifecycle management
Knowledge of applied cryptography, PKI architectures, key management, and hardware security countermeasures
Outstanding communication skills for translating low-level silicon and firmware detail into executive-level strategy
U.S. citizenship required
Some travel required

Benefits

Comp & perks

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
Cisco restricted stock unit grants may be available
10 paid holidays per full calendar year
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
16 days of paid vacation per full calendar year for non-exempt employees
Flexible vacation time off program with no defined limit for eligible exempt employees
80 hours of sick time off provided on hire date and each January 1st thereafter
Up to 80 hours of unused sick time carried forward
Additional paid time away for critical or emergency family issues
Optional 10 paid volunteer days per full calendar year
Annual bonuses for non-sales roles, subject to Cisco policies