This role pays more than
79%
of similar roles. Most pay
$177,700–$227,262
— the shaded band above.
At the midpoint, this role pays about
$227k
versus about
$202k
for comparable roles.
Based on 240 similar postings.
Employer
About Cisco
Cisco Systems is the world''s leading networking technology company, designing and manufacturing networking hardware, telecommunications equipment, and cybersecurity solutions for businesses and governments. Industry: Networking Technology & Cybersecurity
Cisco currently has
196 open roles
on FindRole.
Listed pay typically runs
$167,700–$245,200
across 196 roles with salary data.
As a Software Engineering Technical Leader on the AI Research team, you will build secure, cloud-native networking and simulation platforms to power domain-specific large language models for networking, security, and observability. You will architect high-fidelity network topologies using Cisco Modeling Labs, establish data contracts for training pipelines, and automate controller ecosystems like Nexus Dashboard and Catalyst Center across hybrid environments. Your daily work involves designing distributed software, implementing zero-trust principles, and managing infrastructure through Kubernetes and Docker. To succeed, you must possess expertise in Python, Go, C++, or Java, alongside deep knowledge of networking protocols such as BGP and EVPN. You will also utilize REST APIs, CI/CD pipelines, and telemetry tools to ensure platform integrity. This role solves the complex challenge of translating advanced AI concepts into robust, production-grade capabilities for specialized infrastructure.
Build secure, cloud-native networking and simulation platforms to power domain-specific large language models.
Architect high-fidelity network topologies using Cisco Modeling Labs and establish data validation pipelines for AI training.
Automate the integration of Cisco controllers across on-premises, hybrid, and cloud-native environments.
Develop high-performance distributed software while establishing engineering standards for network programmability and cloud architecture.
Apply zero-trust principles, threat modeling, and identity management to secure data pipelines and simulation platforms.
Implement telemetry and monitoring systems to perform root-cause analyses and develop preventive platform controls.
Mentor peers through design reviews and communicate technical trade-offs to cross-functional stakeholders.
What we're looking for
Must have a Bachelor's in computer science or related field with 8 years experience, a Master's in STEM with 6 years, or a PhD in STEM with 3 years.
Requires 5+ years of professional software engineering experience using modern languages like Python, Go, C++, or Java.
Requires 4+ years of experience in enterprise/datacenter networking protocols and network simulation platforms like Cisco Modeling Labs.
Requires 3+ years of experience with cloud-native infrastructure, distributed systems architecture, and containerization technologies like Docker and Kubernetes.
Requires 3+ years of experience integrating and automating network controllers or SDN platforms via REST APIs and SDKs.
Requires 2+ years of experience implementing secure software development lifecycle (SSDLC) practices including threat modeling and RBAC.
Preferred: Experience developing, securing, and validating high-fidelity simulation models within Cisco Modeling Labs (CML).
Bachelor’s degree in computer science or related field + 8 years of related.