Lead Design Researcher

Cisco•San Jose, CA

8d•$168,800 - $277,400

About The Position

The application window is expected to close on: 06/05/2026. Job posting may be removed earlier if the position is filled or if a sufficient number of applications are received. Note: Preference will be given to candidates local to SF Bay Area. Meet the Team Our design practice is a vibrant mosaic, made up of the curious and the brave — product designers, researchers, content designers, operations specialists, and design engineers — who thrive on collaboration, creativity, and innovation. Together, we’re building a culture of design excellence and operational efficiency. We focus on human needs, working closely with cross-functional partners to deliver impactful design solutions that address complex challenges. The products we design and build have real results for our customers because our users are at the heart of everything that we do. We work directly with users to build a deep understanding of their goals and context, and we explore and iterate on solutions together. Solving our customers’ security challenges through our focus on simplicity and effectiveness is why we show up daily — and it’s why you should join us. Your Impact As a Lead Design Researcher, you’ll be part of the Security Design Research Team, while primarily supporting the AI Software & Platform team. In this role, you’ll drive a deep understanding of users to shape the future of Cisco’s security products and experiences across AI-powered solutions. You will: Lead end-to-end qualitative and quantitative UX research—from problem framing and scoping through to analysis and delivery of actionable insights. Inform product and design strategy through rigorous generative and evaluative research executed to the highest standards. Balance research rigor with scrappiness and innovation as you work alongside a fast-moving AI product and design team. Partner with PMs to define UX metrics and telemetry plans, then synthesize data into narratives that guide product decisions or future research. Explore how AI can enhance security and networking experiences, identifying opportunities to integrate AI responsibly into our users’ workflows.

Requirements

Bachelors + 8 years of related experience, or Masters + 6 years of related experience, or PhD + 3 years of related experience
Experience leading qualitative and quantitative research projects in the enterprise environment from discovery through to presentation (discovery, planning, recruitment, execution, synthesis, analysis, presentation)
Experience partnering with product, design, and engineering teams to define and execute research studies
Experience applying a variety of research methodologies such as user interviews, usability testing, surveys, benchmarking, concept evaluations, journey mapping or data analysis to inform product and design decisions

Nice To Haves

Demonstrated success conducting UX research in the field of AI
Actively incorporating AI into work processes, decision-making, or problem-solving. This may include using AI tools and automating workflows. Role model this practice for others.
Experience synthesizing and documenting research findings to guide product or design direction
Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple projects in a fast-paced environment.
Can easily navigate and bring clarity to ambiguity
Experience defining UX success metrics, creating telemetry plans, analyzing behavioral product data
Excellent communication and presentation / storytelling skills
Experience working in a B2B or B2C large enterprise

Responsibilities

Lead end-to-end qualitative and quantitative UX research—from problem framing and scoping through to analysis and delivery of actionable insights.
Inform product and design strategy through rigorous generative and evaluative research executed to the highest standards.
Balance research rigor with scrappiness and innovation as you work alongside a fast-moving AI product and design team.
Partner with PMs to define UX metrics and telemetry plans, then synthesize data into narratives that guide product decisions or future research.
Explore how AI can enhance security and networking experiences, identifying opportunities to integrate AI responsibly into our users’ workflows.

Benefits

medical, dental and vision insurance
a 401(k) plan with a Cisco matching contribution
paid parental leave
short and long-term disability coverage
basic life insurance
grants of Cisco restricted stock units
10 paid holidays per full calendar year, plus 1 floating holiday for non-exempt employees
1 paid day off for employee’s birthday, paid year-end holiday shutdown, and 4 paid days off for personal wellness determined by Cisco
16 days of paid vacation time per full calendar year, accrued at rate of 4.92 hours per pay period for full-time employees (non-exempt)
flexible vacation time off program (exempt)
80 hours of sick time off provided on hire date and each January 1st thereafter, and up to 80 hours of unused sick time carried forward from one calendar year to the next
Additional paid time away may be requested to deal with critical or emergency issues for family members
Optional 10 paid days per full calendar year to volunteer
annual bonuses (non-sales roles)
performance-based incentive pay (sales roles)