Cisco

Principal Machine Learning Engineer

Cisco$291K — $369K *
Information Technology
5 - 7 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • PhD in Computer Science or related field with 7+ years of industry research experience.
  • Expertise in large language modeling, deep learning time series modeling, and advanced anomaly detection.
  • Proficient in Python and deep learning frameworks like PyTorch and TensorFlow.
  • Experience in translating research into production systems.
  • Preferred: Experience with large-scale language models (T5, BERT, GPTs) for specialized domains.
  • Preferred: Strong knowledge of structured/unstructured logs and anomaly detection.
  • Preferred: Proven skills in multi-modal AI modeling combining various data types.

Responsibilities

  • Define and drive the strategic vision for AI and foundation models across platforms.
  • Lead the entire lifecycle of research and deployment for large-scale foundation models.
  • Collaborate with executives and teams to align AI solutions with organizational goals.
  • Mentor senior technical talent and foster AI research communities.
  • Integrate cutting-edge research into products for competitive advantage.

Benefits

  • Opportunities for mentorship and development in a collaborative environment.
  • Access to cutting-edge technology and research.
  • Participation in global AI communities and networking opportunities.
  • Contribution to high-impact projects that shape industry advancements.
Full Job Description
The application window is expected to close on:
Job posting may be removed earlier if the position is filled or if a sufficient number of applications are received.

Your Impact

  • Set and Drive Vision: Define and champion the strategic vision for AI and foundation models across Splunk and Cisco platforms, shaping the research and technology roadmap to anticipate and address industry-defining challenges.


  • Architect and Lead Breakthroughs: Lead the end-to-end lifecycle of research, design, and deployment for large-scale foundation models targeting machine-generated data, with deep focus on logs and complementary modalities (time series, traces, events).


  • Influence at Scale: Partner with executive leadership, engineering, product, and data science teams to ensure AI solutions align with broader organizational objectives, product strategies, and customer needs.


  • Mentorship and Thought Leadership: Cultivate organizational excellence by mentoring senior technical talent, fostering research communities, and driving best practices in AI across global teams.


  • Foster Innovation: Embed cutting-edge research and technological advances into products, driving sustained competitive advantage and transformation at enterprise scale.


Minimum Qualifications:

  • PhD in Computer Science, or related quantitative field, plus 7+ years of industry research experience.


  • Proven track record in at least one of the following areas: large language modeling for both structure and unstructured data, deep learning-based time series modeling, advanced anomaly detection, and multi-modality modeling.


  • Solid proficiency in Python and deep learning frameworks (e.g., PyTorch, TensorFlow)


  • Experience translating research ideas into production systems.


Preferred Qualifications:

  • Deep NLP & Domain-Adapted LLMs: Background in building and adapting large-scale language models (e.g., T5, BERT, LLaMA, GPTs) for specialized domains including structured/unstructured logs, text, and event sequences.


  • Log Analytics Expertise - In-depth knowledge of structured/unstructured system logs, event sequence analysis, anomaly detection, and root cause identification.


  • Advanced Anomaly Detection - Experience creating robust, scalable approaches (statistical, deep learning, or hybrid) for high-volume, real-time logs data.


  • Multi-Modal AI Modeling - Strong track record fusing logs, time series, traces, tabular data, and graphs for foundation models tackling complex operational insights.


  • Large-Scale Training & Optimization - Experience optimizing model architectures, distributed training pipelines, and inference efficiency to minimize cost and latency while preserving accuracy.


  • MLOps & Continuous Learning - Fluency in automated retraining, drift detection, incremental updates, and production monitoring of ML models.


  • Strong Research Track Record - Publications in top AI/ML conferences or journals (e.g., NeurIPS, ICML, ICLR, AAAI, CVPR, ACL, KDD) demonstrating contributions to state-of-the-art methods and real-world applications.

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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