UI Engineer Hybrid North Carolina
π Job Overview
Job Title: UI Engineer
Company: Cisco
Location: Research Triangle Park, North Carolina & San Jose, California
Job Type: FULL_TIME
Category: UI Engineering / Front-End Development (with a focus on AI & Automation Platforms)
Date Posted: 2026-09-15
Experience Level: Mid-Senior Level (5-10 years)
Remote Status: Hybrid
π Role Summary
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Develop and maintain modern, responsive web interfaces for cutting-edge AI-driven productivity and process automation platforms, leveraging Angular and Node.js.
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Translate complex Figma designs and UX frameworks into pixel-perfect, accessible, and component-based user experiences.
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Integrate front-end applications with REST APIs and JSON data structures, building robust and efficient client-server communication.
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Deploy and manage web front ends and Node.js services on Google Cloud Platform (GCP), contributing to automated CI/CD pipelines.
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Champion the implementation and maintenance of reusable UI systems and component libraries aligned with the platform's design system.
π Enhancement Note: While the primary title is "UI Engineer," the detailed responsibilities and technology stack (Angular, Node.js, GCP, AI/Automation focus) strongly indicate a role within a specialized front-end development team focused on building operational platforms. The emphasis on AI capabilities and user productivity for internal Cisco employees positions this role within a GTM (Go-To-Market) enablement or internal tools operations context, rather than a customer-facing product.
π Primary Responsibilities
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Design, develop, and maintain responsive, high-performance web applications for AI-driven features, including conversational interfaces, agent management, streaming responses, and prompt libraries, using Angular, TypeScript, HTML5, and CSS3.
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Collaborate closely with UX designers and product managers to translate Figma designs and UX frameworks into functional, user-friendly, and accessible experiences, ensuring fidelity to the established design system.
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Integrate front-end applications with REST APIs and JSON data structures, and develop supporting Node.js services (Back-end for Front-end - BFF) to ensure efficient data flow and secure client-server communication.
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Build, package, and deploy web front ends and Node.js services on Google Cloud Platform (GCP), actively contributing to CI/CD pipelines for reliable and repeatable release processes.
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Implement and maintain reusable, component-based UI libraries that are aligned with the "Circuit" platform's design system, promoting consistency, performance, and accessibility across all features.
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Participate actively in an Agile development team, working alongside designers, backend engineers, and quality assurance engineers to scope, estimate, and deliver features, as well as to debug and resolve UI issues in both development and production environments.
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Ensure all developed user interfaces adhere to modern accessibility standards (e.g., WCAG 2.2) and maintain cross-browser compatibility.
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Contribute to the continuous improvement of front-end development practices, tools, and processes within the team.
π Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a full-stack UI development capability, requiring not only front-end expertise but also back-end service development (Node.js/BFF) and cloud deployment (GCP). The integration with AI capabilities and the focus on internal user productivity suggest a strong connection to GTM enablement and operational efficiency for Cisco employees.
π Skills & Qualifications
Education:
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Bachelorβs degree with 6+ years of related experience in Computer Science or a technical field.
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Masterβs degree with 4+ years of related experience in Computer Science or a technical field.
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PhD with 1+ year of related experience in Computer Science or a technical field. Experience:
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Minimum of 3+ years of hands-on experience building and troubleshooting complex web applications using Angular.
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Proven experience in developing server-side functionality with Node.js and integrating applications with REST APIs and JSON data structures.
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Demonstrated ability to translate Figma designs into component-based, design-system-aligned UI, utilizing modern component-based architectures.
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Proficiency in deploying applications on Google Cloud Platform (GCP).
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Experience working within Git-based version control systems and Agile development methodologies. Required Skills:
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Angular: Deep expertise in building modern, component-based applications with Angular.
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TypeScript: Strong proficiency in TypeScript for robust and maintainable front-end code.
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Node.js: Hands-on experience developing server-side logic and APIs with Node.js.
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REST APIs & JSON: Proficient in designing, consuming, and integrating with RESTful services and JSON data structures.
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Figma: Ability to accurately translate Figma designs and wireframes into functional UI components.
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HTML5 & CSS3: Solid understanding of semantic HTML and modern CSS for responsive and visually appealing interfaces.
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Google Cloud Platform (GCP): Experience with deploying and managing applications on GCP.
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Git: Proficiency in using Git for version control, including branching, merging, and pull requests.
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Agile Methodologies: Experience working effectively in an Agile/Scrum development environment.
Preferred Skills:
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Web-based AI Applications: Experience building user interfaces for AI/ML-driven features, such as LLM interfaces, chatbots, agent UIs, streaming data visualization, and real-time updates.
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CI/CD Pipelines: Experience contributing to or working with CI/CD pipelines (e.g., GitHub Actions, Cloud Build) for automated build, test, and deployment processes.
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GraphQL: Familiarity with GraphQL for more efficient data querying and integration.
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Testing Frameworks: Experience with unit and component testing frameworks like Jest, Vitest, or Karma.
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Docker: Exposure to Docker and containerized development environments.
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Accessibility (WCAG 2.2): Familiarity with web accessibility standards and best practices.
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Cross-browser Compatibility: Understanding of ensuring consistent user experiences across different web browsers.
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State Management: Experience with modern state management libraries or patterns.
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Micro-front-end Architectures: Exposure to designing and implementing micro-front-end solutions.
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Problem-Solving: Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
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Communication Skills: Excellent verbal and written communication abilities.
π Enhancement Note: The minimum qualifications suggest a role requiring a significant level of experience, positioning it beyond an entry-level or junior position. The preferred qualifications, especially those related to AI applications and CI/CD, are highly valuable for roles focused on modern platform development and operational efficiency.
π Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements
Portfolio Essentials:
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Demonstrated UI Development Projects: Showcase a portfolio of at least 2-3 complex web applications you have significantly contributed to, highlighting your role and specific contributions.
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Component-Based Architecture Examples: Include projects that clearly demonstrate your ability to build and utilize reusable UI components, detailing the architecture and design system alignment.
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API Integration Case Studies: Provide examples of how you have successfully integrated front-end applications with REST APIs, explaining the data flow, error handling, and performance considerations.
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GCP Deployment Evidence: If possible, include projects or descriptions of projects that have been deployed on cloud platforms like GCP, detailing the deployment process and infrastructure.
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Figma to Code Translation: Showcase examples where you have translated detailed Figma designs into functional, pixel-accurate web interfaces, demonstrating your fidelity to design specifications.
Process Documentation:
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Workflow Design & Optimization: Be prepared to discuss how you approach designing and optimizing front-end workflows, from initial concept to implementation, focusing on efficiency and user experience.
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System Implementation & Automation: Detail your experience with implementing new UI systems or components and how you leverage automation (e.g., through CI/CD or testing) to ensure quality and speed.
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Measurement & Performance Analysis: Discuss how you measure the performance of your front-end applications and how you use data (e.g., load times, user engagement metrics) to drive improvements.
π Enhancement Note: For a UI Engineer role, especially one involving platform development and cloud deployment, a strong portfolio is crucial. It should not just showcase finished products but also the candidate's understanding of the development process, system architecture, and their ability to deliver robust, scalable, and maintainable code. Demonstrating experience with AI-specific UI patterns is a significant plus.
π΅ Compensation & Benefits
Salary Range:
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U.S. National Range: $115,800.00 - $163,200.00 per year (Base salary, excluding incentive compensation, equity, or benefits).
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Specific Location Adjustments:
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New York City Metro Area: $138,100.00 - $226,000.00 per year.
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Non-Metro New York state & Washington state: $124,000.00 - $201,000.00 per year. Benefits:
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Health & Wellness: Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance plans.
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Retirement Savings: 401(k) plan with Cisco matching contribution.
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Work-Life Balance: Paid parental leave, paid holidays (10 per year + floating holiday for non-exempt), paid personal wellness days, paid birthday off, and year-end holiday shutdown.
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Time Off:
- Non-exempt employees: 16 days of paid vacation per year.
- Exempt employees: Flexible vacation time off program.
- 80 hours of sick time off per year, with carry-forward allowance.
- Additional paid time off for critical family emergencies.
- Optional 10 paid days per year for volunteering.
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Long-Term Incentives: Potential eligibility for Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) that vest over time.
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Insurance: Short-term and long-term disability coverage, and basic life insurance.
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Performance-Based Compensation: Eligibility for annual bonuses for non-sales roles. Sales roles have performance-based incentive pay with a structured commission plan.
Working Hours:
- Standard full-time work week, typically 40 hours. The hybrid nature allows for flexibility in scheduling work days between home and office, subject to team coordination and business needs.
π Enhancement Note: Cisco offers a robust compensation and benefits package, typical for large technology firms. The salary ranges provided are specific to U.S. locations and vary by metropolitan area. The detailed breakdown of paid time off and performance incentives is valuable for candidates assessing overall compensation. The salary ranges provided for NYC Metro and other regions are significantly higher than the initial national range, reflecting market variations.
π― Team & Company Context
π’ Company Culture
Industry: Networking Hardware, Software, and Telecommunications Equipment. Cisco is a leader in IT and networking solutions, increasingly focusing on AI and automation to enhance enterprise productivity and security.
Company Size: Large Enterprise (50,000+ employees). This implies structured processes, extensive resources, and opportunities for broad impact and cross-functional collaboration.
Founded: 1984. Cisco has a long history of innovation and market leadership, providing a stable yet dynamic environment for technological advancement.
Team Structure:
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AI and Automation Portfolio Team: This specific team is part of Cisco's broader AI and Automation initiatives, focusing on the "Circuit" platform.
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Cross-Functional Collaboration: The team is described as operating at the intersection of applied research and production, working closely with UX designers, backend engineers, platform engineers, and quality assurance engineers.
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High-Impact Group: The team is characterized as rapidly expanding and dedicated to building the core engine for AI-driven business transformation, indicating a significant strategic focus within Cisco.
Methodology:
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Agile Development: The team operates within an Agile framework, emphasizing iterative development, collaboration, and rapid feedback loops.
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Data-Driven Development: While not explicitly stated for this role, Cisco's overall culture emphasizes data-driven decision-making, which likely extends to platform development and performance analysis.
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Focus on User Productivity: The core mission of the "Circuit" platform is to enhance productivity and process automation for Cisco employees, driving a user-centric development approach.
Company Website: https://careers.cisco.com/global/en
π Enhancement Note: Cisco's established presence in the tech industry, combined with its forward-looking investments in AI and automation, presents a compelling environment for engineers. The "Circuit" platform's internal focus suggests a unique opportunity to influence how a major tech company operates and leverages AI.
π Career & Growth Analysis
Operations Career Level: This role is positioned as a Mid-Senior to Senior UI Engineer, demanding significant experience in front-end development, cloud deployment, and collaboration within complex technical environments. It requires ownership of significant features and a deep understanding of the end-to-end development lifecycle.
Reporting Structure: As part of a specialized team within the AI and Automation portfolio, the UI Engineer likely reports to a Front-End Engineering Manager or a Technical Lead who oversees the "Circuit" platform's user interface development. Collaboration will be key with UX designers, backend engineers, and product managers.
Operations Impact: The UI Engineer's work directly impacts the productivity and efficiency of over 80,000 monthly users within Cisco by providing intuitive interfaces for AI-driven workflows. This role is critical in translating advanced AI capabilities into actionable tools, thereby influencing operational efficiency and business transformation across the company.
Growth Opportunities:
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Technical Specialization: Deepen expertise in Angular, Node.js, GCP, and AI/ML front-end development, potentially becoming a subject matter expert.
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Leadership Development: Opportunities to mentor junior engineers, lead feature development initiatives, and contribute to architectural decisions as a senior team member.
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Cross-Functional Exposure: Gain experience working across different engineering disciplines and with product management and UX teams, broadening understanding of the product development lifecycle.
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Platform Evolution: Contribute to the strategic direction and evolution of the "Circuit" platform, a core component of Cisco's AI strategy.
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Potential for Management: With demonstrated leadership and technical expertise, paths could open towards Front-End Team Lead or Engineering Management roles.
π Enhancement Note: The role offers substantial growth potential due to its strategic importance within Cisco's AI initiatives and the advanced technologies involved. The emphasis on internal platform development provides a unique perspective on operational efficiency at scale.
π Work Environment
Office Type: Hybrid work model, allowing for a blend of remote work and in-office collaboration. This structure aims to balance flexibility with the benefits of in-person teamwork.
Office Location(s): The role is available in Research Triangle Park, North Carolina, and San Jose, California. These locations are major tech hubs with significant Cisco presence, offering access to talent and resources.
Workspace Context:
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Collaborative Environment: The hybrid model suggests a workspace designed for collaboration, with meeting rooms, shared spaces, and potentially dedicated areas for teams.
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Technology & Tools: Access to modern development tools, high-performance computing resources, and potentially specialized hardware for testing. Cisco is known for providing robust technology infrastructure to its employees.
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Team Interaction: Opportunities for regular team sync-ups, brainstorming sessions, and knowledge-sharing activities, both in-person and virtually. The focus on UI development implies close interaction with designers and backend engineers.
Work Schedule:
- A standard 40-hour work week is expected. The hybrid arrangement allows for flexibility in choosing which days to work from the office versus remotely, subject to team and manager coordination and business requirements. This structure supports the need for focused development time while maintaining team cohesion.
π Enhancement Note: The hybrid nature of the role is a key aspect, requiring candidates to be comfortable with a flexible work arrangement. The emphasis on collaboration within the office environment is important for roles involving complex UI development and integration.
π Application & Portfolio Review Process
Interview Process:
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Initial Screening: A recruiter or hiring manager will likely conduct an initial call to assess basic qualifications, experience, and cultural fit.
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Technical Screening: This may involve a coding challenge or a technical interview focusing on Angular, TypeScript, Node.js, and problem-solving skills. Candidates should be prepared to discuss their experience with APIs and cloud platforms.
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Portfolio Review: A dedicated session where candidates present their portfolio, discussing key projects, their contributions, technical challenges overcome, and the impact of their work. This is a critical stage for UI roles.
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Team/Manager Interviews: Interviews with potential team members and the hiring manager to evaluate technical depth, collaboration style, and alignment with team values and goals. These may include system design or architectural discussions.
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Final Round: Potentially a final interview with senior leadership or a panel to assess strategic thinking and overall fit.
Portfolio Review Tips:
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Focus on Impact: For each project, clearly articulate the problem it solved, your specific role and contributions, the technologies used, and the quantifiable impact (e.g., improved user engagement, reduced load times, increased efficiency).
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Showcase Design-to-Code: Present examples that clearly demonstrate your ability to translate Figma designs into functional, pixel-perfect, and accessible interfaces. Explain your process and any challenges in fidelity.
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Highlight Reusability: Emphasize projects where you built reusable components or contributed to a design system, explaining the benefits and implementation details.
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Discuss API Integration: Be ready to walk through how you integrated front-end applications with backend services, explaining data structures, error handling, and performance optimizations.
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GCP Deployment Experience: If applicable, describe your experience deploying applications to GCP, including the tools and processes used.
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Storytelling: Frame your project discussions as narratives, guiding the interviewer through the project lifecycle from conception to deployment and impact.
Challenge Preparation:
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Coding Exercises: Practice common coding challenges related to JavaScript, TypeScript, Angular components, and data manipulation. Be prepared for live coding sessions.
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System Design: Review concepts related to designing scalable and performant web applications, including API design, data flow, and component architecture.
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Agile Scenarios: Be ready to discuss how you would approach tasks in an Agile environment, including estimation, sprint planning, and collaboration.
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AI/ML UI Considerations: If you have experience, prepare to
Application Requirements
Requires a Bachelor's degree with 6+ years, Master's with 4+ years, or PhD with 1+ year of relevant experience. Candidates must have 3+ years of experience with Angular, TypeScript, and Node.js, along with proficiency in GCP and UI design systems.