Cisco

Efficiency AI Ops Engineer Hybrid

Cisco$199K — $254K *
Enterprise Technology
5 - 7 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's in Computer Science or related field with 6+ years of experience, or Master's with 4+ years, or PhD with 1+ year in related technical roles.
  • Experience in applied research to address technical challenges and adopt new AI/ML technologies.
  • Solid understanding of AI/ML technologies, particularly LLMs and model fine-tuning in production settings.
  • Proven capability in software development, focusing on scalable feature deployment and testing.
  • Hands-on experience with AI-assisted coding tools and ability to assess auto-generated code for security compliance.

Responsibilities

  • Conduct research to implement advanced AI techniques for optimization.
  • Evaluate and fine-tune open-source LLMs against defined metrics.
  • Build and maintain AI agents within the Circuit platform for automation.
  • Modernize existing Circuit platform features using Agentic AI.
  • Monitor the AI landscape to integrate new models and phase out underperformers.
  • Lead multi-functional teams as a 'Team Captain' for specific features.
  • Ensure high-quality design features are delivered from concept to production.

Benefits

  • Hybrid work model with onsite presence 3 days a week in key locations.
  • Opportunity to influence global product innovation and development.
  • Collaborative environment working with cross-functional teams.
  • Access to advanced AI tools and resources for professional growth.
Full Job Description
The application window is expected to close on: 07/31/2026
Job posting may be removed earlier if the position is filled or if a sufficient number of applications are received.

This role is hybrid. Onsite 3 days per week in Raleigh (Research Triangle Park), North Carolina or San Jose, California

Your Impact

As an AI Ops Engineer, you will develop software consistent with Cisco's 'Design Thinking Principles,' with a core focus on simplification, UX, and secure coding practices. You will serve as a key driver in the evolution of our AI ecosystem, moving beyond standard development to explore, evaluate, and implement next-generation AI techniques. By partnering with product management and design teams, you will ensure our platform remains the most relevant and efficient tool for our wide range of users. You will directly tackle high-impact technical challenges-such as optimizing LLM token usage, automating model routing, and fine-tuning LLM models-to ensure our platform scales effectively. You will harness advanced AI coding tools (such as Cursor, Copilot, or Claude Code) to align LLM performance (logical and speed) towards making AI generated code production ready. This is an opportunity to work on a high-visibility platform where your contributions to product innovation and development processes have a tangible, global impact on how Cisco runs its business.

Responsibilities

  • Conduct applied research to evaluate and implement new AI techniques, such as automatic model routing and batch capacity management, to optimize cost and performance.
  • Where applicable propose and evaluate results of fine-tuning open source LLMs with sharply defined goal metrics. Compare these with similar out of box industry models.
  • Build, integrate, and maintain AI agents and features within the Circuit platform to drive process automation across the company.
  • Apply Agentic AI to modernize existing features in Circuit platform.
  • Continuously monitor the AI landscape to stack-rank and integrate new models from vendors while de-prioritizing underperforming technologies.
  • Serve as a "Team Captain" for specific features, driving consensus across multi-functional teams and mentoring peers to elevate the team's collective technical proficiency.
  • Lead the delivery of high-quality design features from initial concept through to production integration and performance measurement.

Minimum Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree with 6+ years, Master's degree with 4+ years, or PhD with 1+ year of related experience in Computer Science, AI/ML, or a related technical field.
  • Proven experience conducting applied research to solve complex technical problems, including the evaluation and integration of new AI/ML technologies.
  • Solid conceptual and practical knowledge of AI/ML technologies, including LLMs, model fine-tuning, and their application in production environments. Curious, creative and track record of constant learning.
  • Demonstrated experience in software development with a focus on building, testing, and deploying scalable features in a production environment. Including vibe coding and deploying those artifacts. Hands-on experience using AI-assisted coding tools (e.g., GitHub Copilot, Cursor, Claude Code) to build, validate, and deploy production-level software artifacts. Ability to read and judge the stability of the auto generated code, such that, it does not violate security standards.
  • Strong critical thinking skills with the ability to evaluate and document technical trade-offs regarding cost, quality, and performance.

Preferred Qualifications

  • Experience in AI Ops, MLOps, or building/fine-tuning custom LLMs to achieve well defined metrics.
  • Proven track record of leading technical projects and mentoring junior engineers.
  • Strong communication and collaboration skills; ability to influence multi-functional partners and work effectively within a team environment.
  • Experience with "Design Thinking" principles, specifically applying system-level design to AI-driven user experiences.
  • Hands-on experience with real-time AI workload management and token optimization strategies.
  • Experience building and productizing agentic applications with focus on evaluation and business acceptance.


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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