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Cisco Research Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Lead Design Researcher

San Jose, CA · On-site

$168K - $241K/yr

... Cisco's security products and experiences across AI-powered solutions. You will: * Lead end-to-end qualitative and quantitative UX research-from problem framing and scoping through to analysis and ...

OR · On-site

$168K - $241K/yr

... Cisco's security products and experiences across AI-powered solutions. You will: * Lead end-to-end qualitative and quantitative UX research-from problem framing and scoping through to analysis and ...

We combine deep AI research expertise with the scale and operational excellence of Splunk and Cisco's global engineering capabilities. Our work spans networking, security, observability, and customer ...

We combine deep AI research expertise with the scale and operational excellence of Splunk and Cisco's global engineering capabilities. Our work spans networking, security, observability, and customer ...

We combine deep AI research expertise with the scale and operational excellence of Splunk and Cisco's global engineering capabilities. Our work spans networking, security, observability, and customer ...

We combine deep AI research expertise with the scale and operational excellence of Splunk and Cisco's global engineering capabilities. Our work spans networking, security, observability, and customer ...

We combine deep AI research expertise with the scale and operational excellence of Splunk and Cisco's global engineering capabilities. Our work spans networking, security, observability, and customer ...

... Cisco, F5, Check Point, Microsoft, Symantec, McAfee, BMC, and others. * Offer Tier 4 support and ... Conduct market research and develop bills of materials. * Create or update as-built documentation ...

We combine deep AI research expertise with the scale and operational excellence of Splunk and Cisco's global engineering capabilities. Our work spans networking, security, observability, and customer ...

We combine deep AI research expertise with the scale and operational excellence of Splunk and Cisco's global engineering capabilities. Our work spans networking, security, observability, and customer ...

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Cisco Research information

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$37K

$106K

$142.5K

How much do cisco research jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 9, 2026, the average yearly pay for cisco research in the United States is $106,012.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $104,000.00 and $104,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Cisco Researcher, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Cisco Researcher, you need a strong background in computer science, networking, or related fields, often supported by a PhD or advanced degree and demonstrated research experience. Familiarity with network simulation tools, programming languages (such as Python or C++), and industry certifications like CCNA or CCNP are commonly required. Critical thinking, collaboration, and effective communication are vital soft skills for generating innovative research and sharing findings with technical and non-technical stakeholders. These skills ensure impactful contributions to Cisco's technology advancements and help drive industry-leading solutions.

What types of projects do Cisco Research professionals typically work on, and how do these projects impact the company's technology strategy?

Cisco Research professionals are often involved in cutting-edge projects spanning areas such as network security, artificial intelligence, cloud computing, and Internet of Things (IoT). These projects usually focus on developing innovative solutions and prototypes that can shape the future of Cisco's products and services. Collaboration is key, as research teams frequently partner with academic institutions, external labs, and cross-functional Cisco teams to drive impactful outcomes. By working on these forward-looking initiatives, researchers directly contribute to Cisco's long-term technology roadmap and maintain its leadership in the industry.

What is Cisco Research?

Cisco Research is a division within Cisco Systems that focuses on advancing cutting-edge technology through collaboration with academic institutions, industry partners, and internal teams. The group conducts and funds research in areas such as networking, cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, and cloud computing to drive innovation and address real-world challenges. Cisco Research also provides grants and opportunities for researchers and students, helping to bridge the gap between academic research and practical applications in the tech industry.

What is the difference between Cisco Research vs Cisco Network Engineer?

AspectCisco ResearchCisco Network Engineer
CertificationsTypically Cisco certifications like CCNA, CCNP, or specialized research credentialsPrimarily Cisco certifications such as CCNA, CCNP, CCIE
Work EnvironmentResearch labs, R&D departments, innovation centersNetwork operation centers, client sites, enterprise networks
Job FocusDeveloping new technologies, conducting experiments, analyzing dataDesigning, implementing, and maintaining network infrastructure
Industry UsageResearch institutions, tech companies, Cisco R&D divisionsTelecommunications, enterprise IT, service providers

While both roles require Cisco certifications and involve networking knowledge, Cisco Research focuses on innovation and technology development in lab settings, whereas Cisco Network Engineers implement and manage network systems in operational environments.

More about Cisco Research jobs
What states have the most Cisco Research jobs? States with the most job openings for Cisco Research jobs include:
Infographic showing various Cisco Research job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 33% As Needed, and 67% Full Time. Highlights an 89% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $106,012 per year, or $51 per hour.
AI Researcher PhD (Full Time) United States

AI Researcher PhD (Full Time) United States

Cisco

Milpitas, CA • On-site

Full-time

This job post has expired today. Applications are no longer accepted.


Cisco Systems rating

8.6

Company rating: 8.6 out of 10

Based on 39 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

15th of 139 rated electronics manufacturers


Job description

Job Summary:
Cisco is a leading technology company focused on revolutionizing how data and infrastructure connect and protect organizations in the AI era. The AI Researcher role involves advancing frontier AI research, building agentic models, and collaborating with cross-functional teams to develop security-focused capabilities.
Responsibilities:
• Collaborate with researchers, engineers, and cross-functional partners across data, platform, security, evaluation, and deployment teams.
• Work at the forefront of building agentic models and autonomous systems.
• Research will span the full model lifecycle: data pipelines, training harnesses, evaluation harnesses, model architecture, post-training and optimization, inference, and deployment.
• Augment frontier models with purpose-built internal models and open-source models that we release for the larger community.
• Focus on security applications, helping Foundation AI establish thought leadership in security-specific models and robust agentic systems.
• Investigate new architectures, new training approaches, optimization methods, and interpretability techniques.
• Turn research insight into reliable systems through rigorous experimentation, measurement, and collaboration.
Qualifications:
Required:
• Recent graduate or in your final year of studies toward a PhD in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, or a related field.
• Understanding of LLM infrastructure, training, inference, and optimization, validated by technical interview responses, project documentation, or relevant publications.
• Hands-on experience with model building, AI/LLM research, and experimentation, demonstrated through portfolio work, code samples, technical assessments, or documented academic or professional projects.
Preferred:
• Experience working with inference engines (e.g., vLLM, Triton, TorchServe).
• Knowledge of GPU architecture and optimization.
• Familiarity with agent frameworks.
• Exposure to cloud native solutions and platforms.
• Experience with cybersecurity principles and Python programming, including common AI libraries.
• Familiarity with distributed systems and asynchronous programming models.
Company:
Cisco develops, manufactures, and sells networking hardware, telecommunications equipment, and other technology services and products. It is a sub-organization of Cisco Press. Founded in 1984, the company is headquartered in San Jose, USA, with a team of 10001+ employees. The company is currently Late Stage.

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About Cisco Systems

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Cisco Systems, a global tech titan based in San Jose, CA, US, operates in the information technology and services industry. Founded in 1984, the company was derived from a project between two computer scientists from Stanford University. They aimed to connect different networks of computer systems at the university, resulting in the first multi-protocol router, and subsequently, the birth of Cisco. As an industry-leading manufacturer of networking hardware and telecommunications equipment, Cisco's product and services range includes routers, switches, firewall devices, and telecommunication technology. The company's mission, "to shape the future of the Internet by creating unprecedented value and opportunity for our customers, employees, investors, and ecosystem partners," is a testament to its pursuit of technology-forward innovation and customer satisfaction.

Industry

Computer and computer peripheral equipment and software wholesalers

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

San Jose, CA, US

Year founded

1984

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