Cisco

AI Researcher

Cisco$216K — $280K *
Information Technology
5 - 7 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • PhD in Computer Science, Machine Learning, AI, or related field with 5+ years applied AI/ML experience.
  • Skilled in designing, training, and fine-tuning language models for production or research.
  • Proficient in Python and deep learning frameworks (PyTorch, TensorFlow, JAX, Hugging Face Transformers).
  • Experience with post-training methods like LoRA, QLoRA, PEFT, and reinforcement learning.
  • Proven track record of leading AI projects from research to production across multiple domains.

Responsibilities

  • Collaborate with AI researchers to design, train, and fine-tune Small Language Models for various problems.
  • Advance methods in reinforcement learning and agent simulation for use in production models.
  • Define evaluation methods and promotion gates to ensure model quality is measurable and repeatable.
  • Stay updated on LLMs and SLMs to apply findings to real-world use cases through deep-dives.
  • Contribute to making research outcomes applicable for internal and customer applications.

Benefits

  • Opportunity to work on cutting-edge AI technologies that influence Cisco's product offerings.
  • Collaborative environment with AI researchers and engineers across various applications.
  • Engagement with advanced research outputs in AI/ML.
  • Access to professional development opportunities in applied AI.
  • Impactful work with a focus on real-world problem-solving in networking and cybersecurity.
Full Job Description
The application window is expected to close on: 09/21/2026

Your Impact

As an Applied AI Researcher, you will work with other AI researchers to take methods from paper and prototype into production models on NeuralFabric-domain models, RL, and agent simulation that Cisco and customers can actually use.
  • Partner with AI researchers to design, train, and fine-tune Small Language Models for network, security, observability, and operations problems using current post-training techniques.
  • Advance reinforcement learning, Auto Gym, and agent-simulation methods with the research team, and turn those methods into reusable training and evaluation recipes on the platform.
  • Define evaluation methods and promotion gates with researchers and engineers so model quality is measurable and repeatable.
  • Stay current with LLMs, SLMs, multi-modal models, and agents, and apply that research to internal and customer use cases through technical deep-dives-not as a dedicated forward-deployment owner.


Minimum Qualifications
  • PhD in Computer Science, Machine Learning, Artificial Intelligence, or a related field with 5+ years of experience in applied AI/ML research or engineering.
  • Experience independently designing, training, and fine-tuning language models for production or applied research use.
  • Previous use of Python and deep learning frameworks such as PyTorch, TensorFlow, JAX, or Hugging Face Transformers.
  • Experience with advanced post-training methods such as LoRA, QLoRA, PEFT, instruction tuning, supervised fine-tuning, or reinforcement learning from human or AI feedback.
  • Track record of leading applied AI projects from research through production deployment, with documented outcomes across more than one domain or problem.


Preferred Qualifications
  • Publications in top AI conferences such as ACL, EMNLP, ICLR, ICML, NAACL, or NeurIPS.
  • Experience with Small Language Models, efficient architectures, model compression, reinforcement learning, gym-style training environments, or agent evaluation harnesses.
  • Familiarity with networking, cybersecurity, observability, or IT operations domains.
  • Experience with retrieval-augmented generation (RAG), advanced evaluation methodologies, and model promotion or lineage gates.
  • Ability to work closely with other AI researchers and engineers, explain technical work and collaborate with business-unit or customer partners when a use case requires it.

About Cisco

Cisco Careers

Join the vibrant team at Cisco, a global leader in networking and cybersecurity solutions, where innovation and leadership thrive. Cisco offers a plethora of job opportunities that cater to a range of skills and experiences, making it an ideal place for both seasoned professionals and those seeking an internship to jumpstart their career. Work You’ll Do At Cisco, you’ll be part of a culture that values diversity, leadership, and professional growth. Engage in work that matters with a team that combines technology, creativity, and the power of human connection to redefine networking. Cisco’s commitment to innovation isn’t just about technology, but also about transforming the way we work and collaborate. Cisco’s employment philosophy supports career advancement and nurtures a leadership pipeline that is equipped with diversity training and opportunities for growth. Whether you’re applying your skills to drive our latest innovations or using our vast networking capabilities to solve complex problems, at Cisco, every role is impactful. Join Our Dynamic Team Explore job opportunities in areas ranging from engineering to marketing, sales to cybersecurity. Cisco is hiring individuals who are passionate, curious, and ready to drive change. Positions at Cisco offer competitive benefits, a supportive culture, and the chance to work with cutting-edge technology. Internship Programs Kickstart your career with a Cisco internship. Gain invaluable industry experience, enhance your resume, and build professional networks that last a lifetime. Our internships provide hands-on experience and the chance to work on projects that matter. Leadership and Development Cisco is committed to fostering leadership skills and providing employees with the training needed to succeed. Our leadership programs help you develop new skills, manage teams effectively, and lead with confidence. Cisco’s commitment to professional development ensures that your career path is as dynamic as our technologies. Benefits and Culture Cisco understands the importance of a balanced life. Our benefits package is designed to ensure that our team members are healthy, happy, and secure. At Cisco, you’ll find a supportive culture that encourages open communication, teamwork, and mutual respect. Stay Connected Join Cisco’s Talent Network Stay informed about new positions that match your skills and interests. At Cisco, we value the curiosity and unique perspectives of our team members. Subscribe to receive personalized job alerts and insider tips directly from our hiring managers. Explore Cisco Jobs Ready to advance your career at Cisco? Search open positions, prepare your resume, and get ready for an interview that could lead to your next big opportunity. At Cisco, we’re not just filling positions—we’re investing in leaders. Keep Up to Date Stay ahead with career tips, insider perspectives, and industry-leading insights you can put to use today—all from the people who work here. READ CAREERS BLOG Job Alert Emails Customize your subscription to receive job alerts, the latest news, and insider tips tailored to your preferences. Discover the exciting and rewarding career opportunities that await you at Cisco.
Learn more about Cisco
Size
79,500 employees
Market Cap
$194.5 billion
Industry
Net Income
$10.1 billion
Founded
2014
5 Year Trend
+1.4%
Revenue
$48 billion
NASDAQ

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