Cisco

Distinguished AI Engineer (Hybrid)

Cisco$342K — $433K *
Information Technology
8 - 10 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree plus 17 years of relevant experience, or Master's plus 14 years, or PhD plus 10 years in related field.
  • In-depth knowledge of AI/ML technology including deep learning and natural language processing.
  • Proven track record with Generative AI technology and Large Language Models (LLM).
  • Experience leading impactful AI product development at scale.
  • Experience in deploying large-scale complex models in production systems.
  • Strong skills in large-scale data processing and parallel computing.
  • Excellent communication skills tailored for both technical and non-technical audiences.

Responsibilities

  • Define and evolve the technical vision for AI/ML capabilities in products.
  • Shape and drive the AI technology roadmap for delivering innovative solutions.
  • Work with leadership to promote awareness and alignment on AI tech adoption.
  • Influence key collaborators across all levels of the organization.
  • Provide mentorship to teams and foster a culture of engineering excellence.
  • Collaborate with technical leaders for timely delivery of AI/ML models.
  • Identify and mitigate execution risks related to business and engineering efforts.

Benefits

  • Medical, dental, and vision insurance coverage.
  • 401(k) plan with company matching contributions.
  • Paid parental leave and disability coverage.
  • Paid time off including holidays, personal wellness days, and flexible vacation options.
  • Volunteer days to support community engagement.
Full Job Description
The application window is expected to close on: 08/28/2026
Job posting may be removed earlier if the position is filled or if a sufficient number of applications are received.

This position is a hybrid role, requiring the employee to work both onsite and remotely. Candidates should be comfortable with a flexible work arrangement that balances in-office collaboration and remote work. Specific onsite days and remote days will be coordinated with the team and manager.

Your Impact
  • Define and evolve the technical vision and strategy for AI/ML capabilities across our product portfolio!
  • Shape and drive our AI technology roadmap with modern innovations to deliver best-in-class AI solutions to our customers!
  • Work with the leadership team to build awareness and alignment to accelerate the rollout and adoption of AI technologies.
  • Effectively connect with and influence key collaborators across the enterprise, at all levels of the organization.
  • Provide technical guidance and mentorship to the cross-functional team and promote a culture of engineering excellence.
  • Collaborate with fellow technical leaders to ensure the successful and timely delivery of AI/ML models and service integration.
  • Identify and mitigate risks in our plans and executions, especially at the intersection of business and engineering.


Minimum Qualifications:
  • Bachelors + 17 years of related experience, or Masters + 14 years of related experience, or PhD + 10 years of related experience
  • In-depth knowledge and consistent track record in AI/ML technology, including deep learning, time series modeling, natural language processing, and unsupervised learning.
  • In-depth knowledge and proven track record in Generative AI technology and Large Language Models (LLM).
  • Demonstrated experience in leading impactful AI product development at scale.
  • Demonstrated experience in developing large-scale, complex models and deploying them in production systems.
  • Demonstrated experience in large-scale data processing and parallel computing - GPU, multi-GPU and distributed training.
  • Demonstrated experience in building strong internal and external partnerships.
  • Commitment to staying up-to-date with the field and applying academic advances to solve complex business problems, and bringing them into production.
  • Strong problem-solving skills and the ability to translate research insights into practical solutions that address real-world challenges.
  • Excellent communication skills with the ability to articulate complex technical concepts to both technical and non-technical audiences.
  • Experience in mentoring and guiding junior researchers or team members.


Preferred Qualifications:
  • Experience in the Cybersecurity and/or Observability industry is preferred.


Message to applicants applying to work in the U.S. and/or Canada:

The starting salary range posted for this position is $342,700.00 to $433,400.00 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:
$342,700.00 - $498,400.00

Non-Metro New York state & Washington state:
$304,900.00 - $443,500.00

* 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.

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
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