Job Description

The application window is expected to close on 4/20/2025.

Job posting may be removed earlier if the position is filled or if a sufficient number of applications are received.

Meet the Team 

Foundation AI’s mission is to secure AI transformation. The Foundation AI team joined Cisco through the Robust Intelligence acquisition in fall 2024 to lead research and development of security and AI at Cisco. The team has deep expertise in AI and security and is an active contributor to cutting edge research and standards on AI and security. At Cisco, our mission is to build AI Security at Cisco scale as well as lead the next generation of AI infrastructure for disruptive security products across Cisco.

About Robust Intelligence

Robust Intelligence pioneered the category of AI Security and created the first platform for securing AI applications from supply chain, model vulnerabilities, and real time attacks. Funded by Sequoia and Tiger Global, Robust Intelligence customers include the world’s largest banking and financial institutions, HR and payroll services, fintech and financial software, technology and consumer electronics, insurance, consulting, travel, data centers and cloud infrastructure, cybersecurity as well as government agencies. The company was acquired by Cisco in 2024.  

Your Impact 

Join Cisco's Foundation AI team and be at the forefront of AI and Security innovation. Here, you will tackle ever-evolving challenges and leverage the dynamic AI landscape to craft solutions that transform the cybersecurity industry. As an AI Researcher, you'll have the chance to design cutting-edge models and algorithms around AI for security. You'll gain deep expertise in the fields of both AI and security, engaging with all facets of generative AI techniques and their deployment in production environments. You will collaborate with a talented team of researchers, engineers, and security experts, and play a pivotal role in developing groundbreaking AI solutions. Shape the future of AI for Security with us and make an enduring impact on AI adoption across the world!

As an AI researcher, you will

• Track and analyze emerging AI systems, focusing on applications, and environments related to security and safety.
• Develop a platform for AI data training, fine tuning, evaluation and other AI related needs.
• Develop and train AI reasoning models for security applications.
• Develop agentic models with the aim of automating security testing.
• Author blog posts, white papers, or research papers related to emerging threats in AI security.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams of researchers and engineers to translate research ideas into product features. You'll also have the opportunity to contribute to our overall machine learning culture as an early member of the team.  

Minimum Qualifications: 

• A PhD in computer science or related fields with 3 years of industry or academic experience in artificial intelligence, OR Master’s with 5 years of related industry experience OR Bachelor’s with 8 years of related industry experience.
• Experience in AI, machine learning, and deep learning technologies.
• Strong programming skills in generic programming languages such as Python.
• Experience in developing AI infrastructure including model training, fine tuning, evaluating and productizing cutting-edge AI models.
• Fluency in reading academic papers on AI/ML and security and translating to prototype systems.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience with AI/ML security risks such as data poisoning, privacy attacks, adversarial inputs, jailbreaks, etc.
• A strong background in reinforcement learning and its application in foundation models.
• A strong background in reinforcement learning and its application in foundation models.
• Comfortable with fast iterative style development in an environment that requires autonomous thinking, risk taking and bias for action.
• Ability to use the latest GenAI technologies. Comfortable with traditional ML frameworks like pytorch, TensorFlow, etc...
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Experience and strong professional network to attract top AI engineering talent and empowering teams to deliver their best.

#WeAreCisco 

#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!  

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