Cisco

Principal Machine Learning Engineer

Cisco$231K — $331K *
Information Technology
5 - 7 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree with 12+ years experience, Master's with 7+, or PhD with 5+ years in a relevant field.
  • Proficiency in Python for scalable backend services, APIs, and automation solutions.
  • Deep understanding of Security Operations including threat detection and incident response.
  • Experience with AI-powered solutions, especially Large Language Models (LLMs) and prompt engineering.
  • Familiarity with security telemetry and building automation workflows that utilize this data.

Responsibilities

  • Design and automate workflows for threat triage using detection signals and context.
  • Prototype AI features in collaboration with Security SMEs to ensure real-world relevance.
  • Develop an AIOps pipeline for testing and iteration on AI models and prompts.
  • Evaluate AI model outputs for reliability and usability, implementing improvements based on feedback.
  • Collaborate on the design of AI-enhanced workflows for security analysis that are user-friendly and scalable.
  • Contribute to the architectural framework that supports AI automation in security operations.

Benefits

  • Flexible work arrangements to support work-life balance.
  • Opportunities for professional development and continuous learning.
  • Access to the latest tools and technologies in AI and security.
  • A collaborative environment that encourages innovative thinking.
  • Participation in projects that have a real impact on enterprise security.
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.

Your Impact
  • Design and build agentic workflows that combine detection signals, context, and playbooks to automate threat triage and response.
  • Prototype and test new AI features-from enrichment agents to incident summarization-working closely with Security SMEs to validate real-world utility.
  • Develop an AIOps pipeline to enable rapid experimentation with prompts, models, and RAG systems, using clear, measurable success criteria to evaluate iterations.
  • Evaluate model outputs for accuracy, reliability, and usability, then prototype and deploy improvements based on structured feedback and testing.
  • Collaborate with Product and Platform teams to co-design AI-enhanced TDIR workflows that are intuitive, scalable, and immediately useful to analysts.
  • Contribute to the core architecture powering AI-native security operations, helping shape how Splunk and Cisco scale trusted automation across the enterprise.


Minimum Qualifications
  • Bachelor's degree with 12+ years of related experience, Master's degree with 7+ years of related experience, or PhD with 5+ years of related experience.
  • Experience designing and building scalable backend services, APIs, and automation solutions using Python.
  • Experience with Security Operations concepts, including threat detection, triage, investigation, and incident response.
  • Experience designing, developing, and integrating AI-powered solutions using Large Language Models (LLMs), including prompt engineering, agentic AI workflows, and AI application development.
  • Experience working with security telemetry (e.g., endpoint, network, authentication, cloud, or similar data sources) and building automation or detection workflows that leverage security data.


Preferred Qualifications
  • Experience building and integrating product APIs to automate Security Operations workflows.
  • Experience evaluating AI model performance using structured experimentation, including accuracy, reliability, usability, latency, and cost optimization.
  • Experience designing evaluation frameworks and experiments for LLM-based applications.
  • Experience with SIEM and SOAR platforms, such as Splunk, from a practitioner, engineering, or automation perspective.
  • Experience as a Tier 3 SOC Analyst, Detection Engineer, Security Automation Engineer, or similar Security Operations role.
  • Experience developing Retrieval-Augmented Generation (RAG) applications and working with vector databases such as Pinecone, FAISS, or similar technologies.
  • Experience with LLM fine-tuning, embedding models, or domain-specific AI customization for cybersecurity applications.
  • Experience building scalable security data pipelines for ingesting, parsing, enriching, and normalizing high-volume security telemetry.
  • Passion for designing intuitive AI-assisted analyst experiences with a focus on usability, explainability, trust, and human-centered design.
  • Experience collaborating across Product Management, Engineering, and Security Research to rapidly deliver customer-focused AI capabilities.

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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