Lead Design Researcher

Cisco

Lead Design Researcher driving UX research for Cisco's AI-powered security products. Collaborating with cross-functional teams to shape product strategy and incorporate user insights.

Posted 5/23/2026full-timeRemote • California, Maine, Montana, North Dakota, Ohio • 🇺🇸 United StatesSenior💰 $168,800 - $241,200 per yearWebsite

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Lead end-to-end qualitative and quantitative UX research—from problem framing and scoping through to analysis and delivery of actionable insights
Inform product and design strategy through rigorous generative and evaluative research executed to the highest standards
Balance research rigor with scrappiness and innovation as you work alongside a fast-moving AI product and design team
Partner with PMs to define UX metrics and telemetry plans, then synthesize data into narratives that guide product decisions or future research
Explore how AI can enhance security and networking experiences, identifying opportunities to integrate AI responsibly into our users’ workflows

Requirements

What you’ll need

Bachelors + 8 years of related experience, or Masters + 6 years of related experience, or PhD + 3 years of related experience
Experience leading qualitative and quantitative research projects in the enterprise environment
Experience partnering with product, design, and engineering teams to define and execute research studies
Experience applying a variety of research methodologies such as user interviews, usability testing, surveys, benchmarking, concept evaluations, journey mapping or data analysis
Demonstrated success conducting UX research in the field of AI
Actively incorporating AI into work processes, decision-making, or problem-solving
Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple projects in a fast-paced environment
Experience defining UX success metrics, creating telemetry plans, analyzing behavioral product data
Excellent communication and presentation / storytelling skills
Experience working in a B2B or B2C large enterprise.

Benefits

Comp & perks

medical, dental and vision insurance
401(k) plan with a Cisco matching contribution
paid parental leave
short and long-term disability coverage
basic life insurance
10 paid holidays per full calendar year
1 floating holiday for non-exempt employees
1 paid day off for employee’s birthday
paid year-end holiday shutdown
4 paid days off for personal wellness
16 days of paid vacation time per full calendar year for non-exempt employees
flexible vacation time off program for exempt employees
80 hours of sick time off provided on hire date and each January 1st thereafter
additional paid time away for family issues
optional 10 paid days per full calendar year to volunteer
eligibility for annual bonuses for non-sales roles
performance-based incentive pay for sales plans

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills & Tools

UX researchqualitative researchquantitative researchuser interviewsusability testingsurveysbenchmarkingconcept evaluationsjourney mappingdata analysis

Soft Skills

organizational skillscommunication skillspresentation skillsstorytelling skillsproject managementcollaborationinnovationproblem-solving

Certifications

Bachelor's degreeMaster's degreePhD