AI Business Architect (Hybrid)

Cisco•San Jose, CA

3d•$148,500 - $193,300•Hybrid

About The Position

As an AI Business Architect in Cisco’s COEC, you will shape how AI transforms Commerce Operations by translating business needs into clear, actionable AI solution designs. You will lead ideation, requirements definition, and readiness assessments for AI initiatives, evaluating data maturity, API readiness, and Model Context Protocol (MCP) compatibility to ensure solutions have a solid foundation. Working with business partners, cross-functional teams, and AI engineering leads, you will guide solutions from discovery through production launch and ongoing adoption. The role focuses on reducing unnecessary complexity, accelerating delivery, and ensuring AI investments produce measurable business outcomes. This is a hybrid role requiring at least two days per week at Cisco’s San Jose, California, or RTP, North Carolina, office, depending on location.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree and at least 6 years of experience in solution architecture, enterprise systems design, or AI-enabled business process consulting.
Applied experience building requirements and assessing data quality and readiness for AI models.
Experience in API management and practical understanding of Model Context Protocol (MCP).
Experience leading and managing cross-functional projects in a fast-paced environment.
Experience working with user interfaces, backend systems, and API integrations, using a programming language such as Python.

Nice To Haves

Strong business acumen and ability to connect AI capabilities to tangible business outcomes.
Experience with Cisco Commerce systems and processes.
In-depth knowledge of Quote-to-Cash (Q2C) lifecycles, workflows, and associated data structures.
Experience in enterprise data strategy and automation frameworks.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to explain complex technical concepts to executive partners.
Willingness to adopt new AI skills, work in unfamiliar areas, and maintain a learn-and-grow attitude.

Responsibilities

Lead discovery sessions, coordinate communication across cross-functional teams, and align solutions from ideation through production launch and ongoing adoption.
Create detailed technical specifications and translate business objectives into functional requirements for AI projects.
Evaluate data maturity, API readiness, and Model Context Protocol (MCP) compatibility for AI integration.
Assess AI solution viability against business goals through fitment analysis and avoid unnecessary complexity.
Map current-state and future-state Quote-to-Cash (Q2C), commerce, and order-processing workflows for software, hardware, and services; identify gaps and opportunities and design process flows.
Extract and analyze data from Oracle, Snowflake, and other reporting sources, and perform data modeling to inform recommendations and next steps.
Prepare and present concise status updates and strategic roadmaps to leadership, including progress, risks, and ROI.
Partner with AI engineering teams throughout development to ensure implementation aligns with the architectural vision.
Apply understanding of REST/API fundamentals and integration patterns across applications.

Benefits

Medical, dental, and vision insurance
401(k) plan with Cisco matching contribution
Paid parental leave
Short- and long-term disability coverage
Basic life insurance
Cisco restricted stock unit grants may be available, subject to eligibility and continued employment
10 paid holidays per full calendar year
One floating holiday for non-exempt employees
Paid day off for employees’ birthdays
Paid year-end holiday shutdown
Four paid personal wellness days
Vacation time or flexible vacation time off, depending on employee classification
80 hours of sick time off on hire and each January 1, with up to 80 unused hours carried forward
Additional paid time away may be requested for critical or emergency family issues
Optional 10 paid volunteer days per full calendar year
Annual bonuses may be available for non-sales roles, subject to Cisco policies
Sales incentive compensation may be available for employees on sales plans