Cisco

Principal AI Researcher

Cisco$296K — $374K *
Enterprise Technology
8 - 10 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Masters in a relevant field with 8+ years of research experience.
  • Expertise in world models, reinforcement learning, and sequential decision-making.
  • 3+ years of experience with deep learning frameworks like PyTorch or JAX.
  • Proven publication record in leading AI/ML conferences.
  • Demonstrated ability to transition from research ideas to prototypes.

Responsibilities

  • Lead research on autonomous network approaches and world models.
  • Develop predictive models for network behavior and configuration changes.
  • Create model-based reinforcement learning techniques for network optimization.
  • Build training simulations for models and agents in controlled environments.
  • Explore innovative methods for learning representation and decision-making.
  • Evaluate the safety and reliability of learned policies pre-deployment.
  • Collaborate with networking professionals and publish in AI/ML outlets.

Benefits

  • Opportunities for publishing in high-impact research venues.
  • Collaborative working environment with networking experts.
  • Engagement in contributions to open-source projects.
Full Job Description
Your Impact

As a Principal AI Researcher, you will lead research on world models and learning-based approaches for autonomous networks.

Develop world models that learn the state and dynamics of large-scale network environments.

Build models that predict network behavior and the impact of configuration and operational changes.

Develop model-based reinforcement learning approaches for network optimization, troubleshooting, and remediation.

Build simulation environments for training and evaluating models and agents before they operate on production networks.

Explore new approaches to representation learning, planning, and sequential decision-making for network environments.

Develop methods to evaluate the reliability and safety of learned policies before deployment.

Work with networking experts and engineers to evaluate research on real network data and systems. Publish research at leading AI/ML conferences and contribute to open-source projects.
Minimum Qualifications
  • Masters in Computer Science, Machine Learning, Artificial Intelligence, Robotics, Autonomous Systems, or a related field, with 8+ years of relevant research experience, or equivalent demonstrated research impact.
  • Research experience in one or more of world models, reinforcement learning, model-based RL, representation learning, planning, or sequential decision-making.
  • 3+ years of hands-on experience building, training, and optimizing deep learning models using PyTorch, JAX, or comparable frameworks, including at least 2 models trained and evaluated at production or research scale.
  • Demonstrated track record of research through publications at leading AI/ML conferences or equivalent research contributions.
  • Ability to take a research problem from an idea through experimentation and working prototype.
Preferred Qualifications
  • Experience building world models, learned simulators, or model-based RL systems.
  • Experience with offline or online reinforcement learning, simulation, or learning from large-scale trajectories.
  • Experience with graph learning or modeling complex dynamic systems.
  • Experience in networking, distributed systems, robotics, autonomous systems, or embodied AI.
  • Experience applying research to real-world systems at scale.


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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