David Smith

About David Smith

Innovative engineering executive with 20+ years leading global product delivery across hardware,software, security, networking, and SaaS platforms. Proven record of scaling organizations, acceleratingproduct velocity, and executing large-scale transformations. Builds empowered, high-performing teamsaligned with strategic business growth.My approach to leadership is rooted in humble leadership principles, fostering a collaborative and inclusive team environment where every member can thrive. I have a passion for building and nurturing humble staff, fostering their growth and development through the hiring process and beyond.Skills:Product and project planning, development, and lifecycle processesCloud Transformation: Expertise in migrating from on-premises to SaaS modelsTeam building: Proficient in the entire employee lifecycle, from hiring to developmentEngineering Effectiveness: Maximizing efficiency and productivity across all engineering functionsAutomation systems development: Experienced in architecting, developing, testing, building, deploying, scaling, and securing automation systemsHardware, Software, Cloud, Security, Manufacturing Quality, Development, and Testing: Comprehensive understanding of all aspects of engineeringManufacturing and Production expertise: Skilled in test automation and defect analysisQuality Process: Proven track record in testing, product planning, and production efficiency improvementStartups: Experience in navigating the challenges of startup environments and evolution post-acquisitionSales engineering: Ability to bridge technical and business aspects to drive successful sales outcomesNetwork, Server, IT, Security, and data center architecture: Knowledgeable in designing and implementing robust infrastructure solutions

Experience

1. Senior Director of Engineering

   Cisco

   Apr 2025 — Present

   Led engineering for Phantom (SOAR) on-prem and cloud, and Splunk Attack Analyzer (Twinwave) products, managing a team of 6 managers, 60+ engineers, and contractor budget exceeding $2.5M/yr Drove SOAR business growth from $40M ARR/yr business to $140M, and scaled SOAR Cloud from $0 to over $100M in 4 years Led development and release of Splunk SOAR Cloud, from inception to GA in a single quarter. This included development and operationalizing all facets of the SaaS solution, creating a new on-call process, product cloud compliance (SOC2), and unified support processes Led cross-functional relationships for the Security Products Organization. Negotiated and optimized timelines and dependencies across teams to improve velocity and outcomes for the business as a whole Led delivery of platform compliance, SOC2, 508 compliance, FIPS, STIG, and FedRAMP Increased on-prem product release cadence, working with stakeholders to manage incoming support and new customer challenges, escalations, project ownership while balancing internal engineering work and product roadmap Transitioned the team from an SF Bay Area centric dev team model to a global model, with teams across the US, Canada, Finland, Poland, and India Improved feature and release schedule predictability through iterative process enhancements and closing cross-functional feedback loops

Education

• Tecnológico de Monterrey

  BS, Electronics Engineering

  2002 — 2007

Skills

• Wireless Technologies
• Cloud Computing
• Software Development Life Cycle (Sdlc)
• Management
• Computer Hardware
• Linux
• Testing
• Internet Protocol Suite (Tcp/Ip)
• Ip
• Team Management
• Cisco Technologies
• Ethernet
• Leadership
• Operating Systems
• Quality Assurance
• Cisco Systems Products
• Cross-Functional Team Leadership
• Security
• Network Architecture
• Network Administration
• Project Management
• Network Security
• Software Installation
• Servers
• Electronics
• Wireless
• Windows
• Internet Protocol (Ip)
• Integration
• Tcp/Ip
• Circuit Design
• Sip
• Telecommunications
• Perl
• Embedded Systems
• Voip
• Sales Engineering
• Software Development
• Python
• Technical Support