AI Researcher Technical Lead, AI Software & Platform

Cisco Systems, Inc.; San Jose, California, Miami (CA, MO, FL); Remote; USD 158,000 - 264,000; Full time

Job summary

Join a forward-thinking company as an AI Researcher Technical Lead, where you will spearhead innovative projects in AI and cybersecurity. This role involves leading a talented team to develop and optimize large language models for various applications, including virtual assistants and threat detection systems. You will have the opportunity to mentor team members and collaborate across departments, ensuring the successful implementation of cutting-edge technologies. With a strong commitment to diversity and inclusion, this organization empowers its employees to thrive and make a meaningful impact in the tech industry. If you are passionate about AI and eager to contribute to a secure digital future, this is the perfect opportunity for you.

Benefits

Dedicated paid time off to volunteer

Employee resource organizations

Learning and development opportunities

Hybrid work environment

Qualifications

• 8+ years in software development with a focus on AI and machine learning.
• Experience in NLP tools and leading engineering teams.

Responsibilities

• Lead a team in model training and optimization for AI applications.
• Develop algorithms to enhance language understanding and cybersecurity.

Skills

Natural Language Processing

Machine Learning

Generative AI

Algorithm Development

Data Analysis

Mentoring

Education

Bachelor's degree

Master's degree

PhD

Tools

Large Language Models (LLMs)

Text Classification

Sentiment Analysis

Natural Language Generation

Job description

AI Researcher Technical Lead, AI Software & Platform

Location: Offsite, San Jose, California, US

Alternate Location: Remote, United States

Area of Interest: Security

Compensation Range: 158400 USD - 264000 USD

Job Type: Professional

Job Id: 1433181

The application window is expected to close on April 1, 2025.
Note: This job posting may close earlier if the position is filled or if a sufficient number of applications are received.

Who We Are

The AI Software & Platform team delivers AI products and platform for all Cisco Secure products and portfolios so businesses around the world can defend against threats and safeguard the most vital aspects of their business with security resilience. We are passionate about making our customers secure by simplifying security with zero compromise.

What You Will Do

As an AI Researcher Technical Lead for our AI Software & Platform team, you will be responsible for leading an innovative team focused on the following:

• Model Training, Optimization, and Evaluation: This encompasses the complete cycle of training, fine-tuning, and validating language models. You will be designing and adapting LLMs for use in virtual assistants, automated chatbots, content recommendation systems, etc.
• Algorithm Development for Enhanced Language Understanding: Focusing on the development or refinement of algorithms to improve the efficiency and accuracy of language models and understanding and generation tasks.
• Applying LLMs to Cybersecurity: Tailoring language models for cybersecurity purposes, such as analyzing threat intelligence, detecting cyber threats, and automating responses to security incidents.
• Experimentation with Emerging Technologies and Methods: Actively exploring new technologies and methodologies in language model development, including experimental frameworks and software tools.
• Mentoring and Collaboration: Providing mentorship to team members and working collaboratively with disparate teams to ensure cohesive development and implementation of language model projects.

Basic Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree with 8+ years or Master’s degree with 6+ years or PhD with 3+ years of software development experience to include industry experience in machine learning and AI research.
• 4+ years of experience in natural language processing tools to include experience with large language models (LLMs), text classification, sentiment analysis and natural language generation.
• 2+ years of experience in Generative AI (GenAI) to include experience with prompt engineering, fine tuning of LLMs, and reasoning-based systems.
• 2+ years of experience leading, coaching and mentoring engineering teams in a direct or indirect capacity.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in security focused SaaS providers.
• Experience scaling cloud based solutions at an enterprise level.
• Experience in applied science/research.
• Skilled in data preprocessing, cleaning, and analysis, with the ability to work with large datasets and extract meaningful insights.
• Background in conducting research, designing experiments, publishing papers, and keeping current with the latest advancements in LLMs.
• The capacity to think critically and tackle complex, innovative problems in the field.
• A willingness to continuously learn and adapt, crucial in the ever-evolving field of AI.

Why Cisco?

#WeAreCisco where every individual brings their unique skills and perspectives together to pursue our purpose of powering an inclusive future for all.

Our passion is connection - we celebrate our employees' diverse set of backgrounds and focus on unlocking potential. Cisconians often experience one company, many careers where learning and development are encouraged and supported at every stage. Our technology, tools, and culture pioneered hybrid work trends, allowing all to not only give their best, but be their best.

We understand our outstanding opportunity to bring communities together and at the heart of that is our people. One-third of Cisconians collaborate in our 30 employee resource organizations, called Inclusive Communities, to connect, foster belonging, learn to be informed allies, and make a difference. Dedicated paid time off to volunteer - 80 hours each year - allows us to give back to causes we are passionate about, and nearly 86% do!

Our purpose, driven by our people, is what makes us the worldwide leader in technology that powers the internet. Helping our customers reimagine their applications, secure their enterprise, transform their infrastructure, and meet their sustainability goals is what we do best. We ensure that every step we take is a step towards a more inclusive future for all. Take your next step and be you, with us.