Cisco

Leader, AI Research Hybrid

Cisco • $212K — $275K *
San Jose, CA 95123Hybrid
Enterprise Technology
5 - 7 years of experience
Today
Be an Early Applicant
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, or related field with 6+ years of relevant industry experience.
  • Expertise in advanced AI research areas like representation learning and structured prediction.
  • Proven application of AI techniques such as transfer learning and generative models in sectors like networking or security.
  • Experience in collaborative cross-functional partnerships translating business needs into research roadmaps.
  • Knowledge of ethical standards and governance in AI research, including data privacy protocols.

Responsibilities

  • Lead AI research teams in executing and analyzing groundbreaking research initiatives across strategic domains.
  • Guide design and development of foundational AI representations for enterprise innovation using core methodologies.
  • Define long-term research strategy aligned with enterprise goals and ensure collaboration with Product and Engineering teams.
  • Incorporate cutting-edge AI techniques into research strategies, maintaining innovation at the forefront of the field.
  • Translate research findings into scalable, production-ready AI solutions alongside engineering teams.
  • Mentor and cultivate AI research talent, promoting a high-performance culture of scientific rigor.
  • Establish ethical AI standards and ensure compliance with governance frameworks; represent the organization in the AI community.

Benefits

  • Opportunity to make significant impact in the field of AI and enterprise innovation.
  • Mentorship and growth opportunities in a cutting-edge research environment.
  • Collaboration with cross-functional teams for real-world application of AI solutions.
  • Participation in AI community through publications and conferences, enhancing professional visibility.
  • Access to a culture of scientific rigor and ethical innovation.
Full Job Description
The application window is expected to close on: 05/12/2026
Job posting may be removed earlier if the position is filled or if a sufficient number of applications are received.

Your Impact

As a leader in this role, you will serve as the critical bridge between theoretical AI research and tangible enterprise innovation. Your impact will be defined by your ability to shape the future of our strategic domains-such as networking, security, and human-computer interaction-by translating complex AI methodologies into scalable, real-world solutions. By defining research roadmaps and fostering a culture of scientific rigor, you will directly influence our product strategy and technical direction while mentoring the next generation of AI talent. Ultimately, your work will set the standard for ethical, high-performance AI, ensuring that our advancements not only solve critical business challenges but also contribute significantly to the broader scientific community.

Key Responsibilities

In this role, you will lead applied AI research at scale, shaping how Cisco designs, builds, and governs next-generation intelligent systems. Your core responsibilities include:
  • Lead and direct AI research teams in the planning, execution, and analysis of cutting-edge research initiatives that advance the field of artificial intelligence across strategic domains including networking, security, programming, human-computer interaction, and other critical areas of computer science.
  • Apply deep expertise in core AI methodologies-including representation learning and structured prediction techniques (e.g., network topologies, computational biology, natural language processing)-to guide the design and development of foundational AI representations that drive enterprise innovation.
  • Define and own the long-term research strategy, methodologies, and priorities, ensuring tight alignment with enterprise objectives and effective collaboration with Product Management, Engineering, and Design partners to translate business needs into actionable AI research roadmaps.
  • Drive innovation by staying at the forefront of emerging AI trends and incorporating advanced techniques-such as transfer learning, generative models, large language models, and problem-specific structured predictions-into research strategies and prototypes.
  • Translate research outcomes into impactful, production-ready solutions by partnering with engineering teams to operationalize models, validate performance at scale, and integrate AI capabilities into enterprise products.
  • Mentor, coach, and grow AI research talent, cultivating a high-performance culture grounded in scientific rigor, technical excellence, peer review, and cross-disciplinary collaboration.
  • Establish and uphold standards for ethical AI, responsible model development, data governance, privacy, and security; ensure all research adheres to enterprise governance frameworks and regulatory requirements.
  • Represent the organization in the broader AI community through publications, conferences, and external partnerships, while protecting intellectual property and contributing to thought leadership in the field.


Minimum Qualifications
  • Bachelor's degree Computer Science, Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, or a related field and 6+ years of relevant industry research experience.
  • Experience leading or conducting advanced AI research, specifically in areas such as representation learning, structured prediction, or deep learning architectures.
  • Demonstrated experience applying advanced AI techniques (e.g., transfer learning, generative models) to solve complex problems in networking, security, or human-computer interaction.
  • Experience collaborating with cross-functional stakeholders (Product Management, Engineering, Design) to translate business objectives into actionable research roadmaps.
  • Documented experience ensuring AI research adheres to ethical standards, data privacy, and security governance protocols.


Preferred Qualifications
  • Deep technical knowledge of network topologies, cybersecurity architectures, or large-scale natural language processing.
  • Experience managing a research team of 5+ members, including defining long-term research strategies and managing project budgets or resource allocation.
  • Experience in transitioning research prototypes into production-grade solutions that have been integrated into enterprise products or services.
  • Ability to bridge the gap between disparate domains (e.g., applying computational biology techniques to network security problems).

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
Telecommunications & Hardware
Net Income
$10.1 billion
Founded
2014
5 Year Trend
+1.4%
Revenue
$48 billion
NASDAQ
CSCO
* Ladders Estimates

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