Full-Time

Machine Learning Engineer PhD

Posted on 3/25/2026

Cisco

Cisco

10,001+ employees

Networking hardware, security software, collaboration services

Compensation Overview

$165.3k - $270.3k/yr

+ Bonus + Equity Grants

Milpitas, CA, USA + 2 more

More locations: San Francisco, CA, USA | San Jose, CA, USA

In Person

Category
AI & Machine Learning (1)
Required Skills
LLM
Python
Go
Requirements
  • 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
  • 3+ years of experience in backend development using Go or Python
  • Understanding of LLM infrastructure and optimization, validated by technical interview responses, project documentation, or relevant publications
  • Hands-on experience with model building and AI/LLM research, demonstrated through portfolio work, code samples, technical assessments, or documented academic or professional projects
Responsibilities
  • Dive into the development and implementation of cutting-edge generative AI applications using the latest large language models—think GPT-4, Claude, Llama, and beyond! Take on the challenge of optimizing neural networks for natural language processing and machine perception, drawing on a toolkit that includes convolutional and transformer-based models, student-teacher frameworks, distillation, and generative adversarial networks (GANs). Performance, scalability, and reliability are front and center as models are trained, fine-tuned, and put through their paces for real-world deployment.
  • Collaboration is at the heart of this role—work alongside talented engineers and cross-functional teams to gather and prep data, design custom layers, and automate model deployment
  • Experimentation with new technologies and ongoing learning are always encouraged
  • Production-ready code, robust testing, and creative problem-solving all play a part in bringing innovative AI solutions to life
Desired Qualifications
  • Experience working with inference engines such as 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

Cisco designs and sells networking hardware, software, and services that help organizations connect, protect, and manage data. Its products include networking gear, security solutions, cloud services, and collaboration tools like Webex to support hybrid work. Cisco differentiates itself with a broad, integrated stack—routing and switching, security, cloud, and collaboration—that works together at scale. Its goal is to help customers securely connect people, devices, and applications, enabling reliable communication and digital transformation across enterprises of all sizes.

Company Size

10,001+

Company Stage

IPO

Headquarters

San Jose, California

Founded

1984

Simplify Jobs

Simplify's Take

What believers are saying

  • AI infrastructure orders were raised to $9 billion, signaling accelerating demand.
  • Enterprise product orders grew 18%, with data center switching up over 40%.
  • Cisco can monetize coordinated AI-agent workflows through EnterpriseClaw partnerships.

What critics are saying

  • Arista and white-box rivals pressure Cisco's switching franchise and pricing power.
  • Product gross margin fell to 64.3%, threatening earnings quality as hardware mix rises.
  • Cisco's stock is technically stretched; any miss triggers a sharp re-rating.

What makes Cisco unique

  • Cisco spans networking, security, collaboration, and AI infrastructure across enterprises.
  • Cisco IQ packages AI support into its installed networking and security base.
  • Cisco leads optical connectivity standards with Meta, AMD, Arista, and Oracle.

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Benefits

Paid Vacation

Hybrid Work Options

Flexible Work Hours

Professional Development Budget

Company News

Dolphin Publications
Apr 10th, 2026
Cisco acquires Galileo to strengthen Splunk's AI observability capabilities

Cisco is acquiring Galileo, an AI observability specialist, to strengthen Splunk's position in the AI monitoring market. The deal is expected to close in July 2026. Galileo provides tools to evaluate AI output quality, detect errors before they reach users, and improve AI agent behaviour in production. The platform monitors hallucinations, bias, security risks and cost metrics across the entire agent development lifecycle, offering real-time observability for multi-agent systems. The acquisition will integrate Galileo into Splunk Observability Cloud, expanding existing AI agent monitoring capabilities. Galileo offers over 20 evaluation metrics including hallucination detection and supports major AI platforms like OpenAI, Anthropic, Azure OpenAI and AWS Bedrock. Cisco and Galileo previously collaborated on Cisco's AGNTCY initiative. Both companies will operate independently until the deal closes.

SiliconANGLE Media
Apr 10th, 2026
Cisco buys Galileo to strengthen Splunk’s agentic monitoring capabilities

Cisco buys Galileo to strengthen Splunk's agentic monitoring capabilities - SiliconANGLE

Yahoo Finance
Apr 10th, 2026
Cisco joins Project Glasswing with Anthropic and Amazon to detect software vulnerabilities using AI

Cisco Systems has joined Project Glasswing alongside Anthropic, Amazon and other tech companies to detect software vulnerabilities using advanced AI models. The collaboration includes early access to Anthropic's Claude Mythos Preview and has already identified security flaws missed by existing tools. The initiative aligns with Cisco's strategy of integrating AI-driven security capabilities into its networking and collaboration products. For investors, the partnership positions Cisco to address software risks for large enterprise and government customers as AI reshapes cybersecurity. Cisco shares currently trade at $83.17, approximately 7% below the analyst target of $89.04. The company has raised $295 million to date, with recent 30-day returns of roughly 7%. Success depends on real-world effectiveness and maintaining customer trust in AI-based defences.

Yahoo Finance
Apr 6th, 2026
Cisco appoints former Deloitte executive Pete Shimer to board of directors

Cisco has appointed Pete Shimer to its board of directors, effective immediately. Shimer will serve on the board's Audit Committee. Shimer brings 40 years of executive leadership experience from Deloitte, where he held C-suite positions including chief operating officer, chief financial officer and interim chief executive officer. His expertise spans enterprise transformation, strategic planning and digital innovation. He currently serves on the boards of Alaska Airlines, Korn Ferry and Synopsys, and is executive chair of the Cancer Artificial Intelligence Alliance. Shimer holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Accounting from the University of Washington. Cisco chair and CEO Chuck Robbins said Shimer's experience leading global organisations and guiding digital transformation brings valuable insight as Cisco delivers infrastructure for AI innovation.

Yahoo Finance
Apr 6th, 2026
Cisco beats Q4 revenue estimates with $15.35B, stock falls 7.6% amid sector downturn

Applied Digital topped Q4 IT services and tech stocks, while the sector overall saw revenues beat analyst estimates by 5.3%. The 20 tracked companies reported strong results, though share prices averaged a 10.4% decline following earnings announcements. Cisco reported revenues of $15.35 billion, up 9.7% year on year, exceeding analyst expectations by 1.5%. The networking equipment maker delivered a strong quarter with revenue guidance surpassing forecasts. CEO Chuck Robbins highlighted the company's portfolio strength and its role in connecting and protecting customers. Despite positive results, Cisco's stock fell 7.6% post-earnings to $79.08. The IT services sector faces growth opportunities from cloud adoption and AI-driven automation, whilst navigating challenges including competition from cloud-native providers and supply chain constraints for networking hardware.

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