Distinguished AI Engineer

Cisco

Distinguished AI Engineer shaping Cisco’s AI/ML roadmap across security and observability products. Guiding architecture, model development, production deployment, and cross-functional delivery at enterprise scale.

Posted 8/5/2026full-timeSan Jose • California, New York, Texas, Washington • 🇺🇸 United StatesSeniorLead💰 $342,700 - $433,400 per yearWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

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Demonstrates extensive expertise in AI/ML, including deep learning, natural language processing, and large-scale model deployment. Proven ability to lead cross-functional teams, mentor junior members, and drive AI technology adoption across the organization.

Highest-signal resume keywords

AI/ML ExpertiseGenerative AI and Large Language ModelsLarge-Scale Model DevelopmentData Processing and Parallel ComputingTechnical Mentorship

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills

Deep LearningNatural Language ProcessingTime Series ModelingUnsupervised LearningLarge-Scale Model DeploymentGPU ComputingDistributed TrainingAI Product DevelopmentComplex Problem SolvingCybersecurity

Soft Skills

Excellent CommunicationCollaborationCritical ThinkingMentorship

Industry Keywords

AI Technology RoadmapEngineering ExcellenceService IntegrationCross-Functional CollaborationResearch Insights

Tech Stack

Tools & technologies

Cyber Security

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Define and evolve the technical vision and strategy for AI/ML capabilities across the product portfolio
Shape and drive the AI technology roadmap with modern innovations
Work with leadership to build awareness and alignment and accelerate AI technology adoption
Connect with and influence collaborators across the enterprise
Provide technical guidance and mentorship to cross-functional teams
Promote a culture of engineering excellence
Collaborate with technical leaders on timely delivery of AI/ML models and service integration
Identify and mitigate risks at the intersection of business and engineering
Partner with ML Scientists, ML Engineers, and Product Managers throughout the product development lifecycle
Guide teams from critical thinking and architecture design through implementation and execution
Hold teams accountable for delivery goals

Requirements

What you’ll need

Bachelor’s degree plus 17 years of related experience, or Master’s degree plus 14 years, or PhD plus 10 years
In-depth knowledge and consistent track record in AI/ML, including deep learning, time series modeling, natural language processing, and unsupervised learning
In-depth knowledge and proven track record in Generative AI and Large Language Models (LLMs)
Experience leading impactful AI product development at scale
Experience developing large-scale, complex models and deploying them in production systems
Experience in large-scale data processing and parallel computing, including GPU, multi-GPU, and distributed training
Experience building strong internal and external partnerships
Commitment to staying current with the field and applying academic advances to complex business problems and production systems
Strong problem-solving skills and ability to translate research insights into practical solutions
Excellent communication skills for articulating complex technical concepts to technical and non-technical audiences
Experience mentoring and guiding junior researchers or team members
Experience in cybersecurity and/or observability preferred

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
Cisco restricted stock unit grants may be available
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 with no defined limit for eligible exempt employees
80 hours of sick time off provided on hire date and each January 1st thereafter
Up to 80 hours of unused sick time carried forward
Additional paid time away for critical or emergency family issues
Optional 10 paid volunteer days per full calendar year
Annual bonuses for non-sales roles, subject to Cisco policies