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Agent guide: [/agents.md](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/agents.md). --- # Principal Engineer, Data Services & Data Platform Cisco AI and Software Platform Group - **Company:** Cisco Systems, Inc. - **Location:** Milpitas, CA, United States - **Experience:** Expert - **Salary:** $296,300.0 - **Contract:** Permanent contract - **Skills:** Java (Programming Language), Artificial Intelligence, Data Analysis, Computing Platforms, Architectural Patterns, C++ (Programming Language), Software as a Service, Computer Programming, Data as a Services, Data Governance, Data Infrastructure, Data Systems, Data Warehousing, Distributed Data Store, Distributed Systems, Information Lifecycle Management, Python (Programming Language), Open Source Technology, Service-Oriented Architecture, SQL Databases, Unstructured Data, Enterprise Data Management, Data Processing, Cloud Platform System, Apache Spark, Model Validation, Generative AI, Build Management, Kubernetes, Information Technology, Apache Flink, Apache Kafka, Data Management, Cisco, Golang - **Published:** September 10, 2026 - **Apply:** https://diversityjobs.com/main/sendform/8/8/28176/1/18234106?backUrl=%2Fcareer%2F18234106%2FPrincipal-Engineer-Data-Services-Data-Platform-Cisco-Ai-Software-Platform-Group-California-Milpitas ## About the Role * Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Engineering, or a related field, or equivalent experience. * 15+ years of experience designing and delivering large-scale distributed systems or data platforms. * Experience in data services, cloud platforms, distributed storage, data processing, and service-oriented architectures. * Programming experience in one or more languages such as Java, Go, Python, or C++. Preferred Qualifications * Extensive experience building and scaling multi-tenant SaaS or enterprise data platforms from early-stage design to global production. Proficiency with a modern data stack, including Kubernetes, Kafka, Flink, Spark, object storage, lakehouse architectures, and distributed SQL engines. * Proven ability to support modern AI/ML workloads, including experience with feature stores, vector/unstructured data, model evaluation, and generative AI systems. * Deep understanding of the data lifecycle, with practical experience implementing robust frameworks for governance, data quality, lineage, cataloging, security, privacy, and regulatory compliance. * Demonstrated ability to work effectively across geographically distributed teams. A strong record of industry influence, which may include contributions to open-source projects, technical publications, patents, or established industry standards. ## Description Cisco's AI and Software Platform Group is building the next generation of intelligent, cloud-native platforms that power Cisco products, services, and customer experiences. We are seeking a Principal Engineer to lead the architecture and development of foundational data services and data platform capabilities at enterprise scale. This role is ideal for a systems thinker and technical leader who is passionate about building reliable, secure, highly scalable data infrastructure. You will define platform strategy, solve complex distributed-systems challenges, and guide multiple engineering teams in delivering data products that support analytics, automation, and AI/ML workloads. Your Impact * Strategic Vision & Engineering Leadership Define and drive the multi-year technical roadmap for data services. Influence engineering strategy, provide architectural guidance to leadership, and represent the organization in technical reviews to ensure alignment across teams. * Platform Architecture & Design Design and build highly available, scalable, and resilient data systems. Establish reusable primitives and robust architectural patterns for ingestion, processing, storage, and delivery, supporting everything from batch to real-time event-driven workflows. * Data Governance & Quality Ensure the delivery of trusted, discoverable, and high-quality data. Define standards for data products, schemas, lineage, and contracts to empower analytics, observability, and generative AI applications. * Cross-Functional Collaboration & Mentorship Partner with product, security, infrastructure, and AI/ML stakeholders to translate business requirements into durable solutions. Drive technical excellence by resolving complex scaling challenges and mentoring senior engineering staff to raise team standards. ## Related Videos - [Alibaba Big Data and Machine Learning Technology](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/37-alibaba-big-data-and-machine-learning-technology) - [Understanding Kubernetes in a visual way](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/100085-understanding-kubernetes-in-a-visual-way) - [How Cisco embraced a DevOps culture within its network engineering team](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/99-how-cisco-embraced-a-devops-culture-within-its-network-engineering-team) - [Go with the Flow: Stop the Leaks Before Your Memory's a Waterfall!](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/100073-go-with-the-flow-stop-the-leaks-before-your-memory-s-a-waterfall) - [Coffee with Developers - Maria Apazoglou](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/1209-coffee-with-developers-maria-apazoglou) - [Instant KAI Sandboxes with vCluster: Multi-Tenant, Multi-Scheduler GPU Sharing](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/100333-instant-kai-sandboxes-with-vcluster-multi-tenant-multi-scheduler-gpu-sharing) ## Related Articles - [Coffee with Developers - Maria Apazoglou - Making AI understandable for all in production](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/475-coffee-with-developers-maria-apazoglou-making-ai-understandable-for-all-in-production) - [Highest Paying Tech Companies for Developers](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/220-highest-paying-tech-companies-for-developers) - [How to Become an AI Engineer](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/331-how-to-become-an-ai-engineer) - [Stephan Gillich - Bringing AI Everywhere](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/489-stephan-gillich-bringing-ai-everywhere) - [Navigating the AI Shift](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/629-navigating-the-ai-shift) - [Best US AI Conferences for CTOs in 2026: Build vs. Buy, Vendor Evaluation, and Peer Intelligence](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/736-best-us-ai-conferences-for-ctos-in-2026-build-vs-buy-vendor-evaluation-and-peer-intelligence)