Cisco

ASIC High Speed AMS Technical Leader

Cisco$189K — $271K *
Information Technology
5 - 7 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Bachelors + 12 years, Masters + 8 years, or PhD + 5 years in high-speed AMS design.
  • Expertise in optical transceiver design, specifically modulator drivers, TIAs, CDRs, PLLs, ADCs, and DACs.
  • Proven ability to lead designs through the full tapeout cycle and make strategic decisions under uncertainty.
  • Proficiency with Cadence Virtuoso and scripting in Python or C for design automation.

Responsibilities

  • Provide technical leadership in mixed-signal design for silicon photonics ICs supporting high-speed data rates.
  • Lead the full-chip electrical specifications and coordinate with cross-disciplinary teams.
  • Author designs for photonics components while optimizing for performance and testability.
  • Debug complex system-level issues to enhance yield and inform failure analysis.
  • Mentor analog and digital engineers and collaborate on verification strategies.

Benefits

  • Medical, dental, and vision insurance coverage.
  • 401(k) plan with Cisco matching contribution.
  • Paid parental leave and short/long-term disability coverage.
  • Flexible vacation time off program without defined limits for exempt employees.
  • Opportunity for community volunteering days with paid time off.
Full Job Description
The application window is expected to close on: 06/30/2026
Job posting may be removed earlier if the position is filled or if a sufficient number of applications are received.

Meet the Team

Cisco's Client Optics Group (COG) designs & delivers the high-speed optical transceivers, and platforms that power Cisco's core data center networking solutions. We specialize in the design and integration of innovative IM/DD optics and silicon photonic platforms that enable customers to deploy industry-leading optical technologies within data center with unprecedented speed, capacity, and reliability. Come join us and take part in shaping COG's ground-breaking optical solutions by designing, developing, and testing some of the most advanced pluggable, and Co-packaged Optics (CPO) being developed in the industry.

You will work with Cisco's best-in-class Silicon Photonics team. Our team is responsible for driving the development and optimization of optical transceivers & modules (800G,1.6T & beyond) that seamlessly integrate with Cisco's routing, switching, and datacenter platforms, enabling customers to build scalable, high-performance networks that support emerging technologies including AI/ML workloads, and next-generation data center architectures.

We are seeking an experienced High Speed AMS Design Engineer to lead full-chip electrical specifications and mixed-signal design for Cisco's silicon photonics driver integrated circuits supporting 100G/200G/400G per Lambda solutions. You will own high-speed datapath and low-speed control circuit design for receive and transmit paths in our next-generation silicon photonics modules.

Your Impact
  • Provide technical leadership in analog/mixed-signal design for Cisco's next generation silicon photonics driver integrated circuits for 100G/200G/400G per Lambda solutions.
  • Lead full-chip electrical specifications, circuit design, and verification test plans from concept through production, coordinating across electrical, optical, and product teams.
  • Author mixed-signal datapath designs including photonics modulator drivers, serializers, PLLs, TIAs and control circuits while optimizing for power, performance, testability, and cost.
  • Debug complex silicon and system-level issues during bring-up, and lab validation phases, driving yield enhancements and failure analysis.
  • Mentor and guide analog, digital, and validation engineers while collaborating with architecture and product teams on verification and testability strategies.


Minimum Qualifications
  • Bachelors + 12 years of related experience, or Masters + 8 years of related experience, or PhD + 5 years of high-speed AMS design experience
  • Demonstrated expertise in high-speed optical transceiver design (modulator drivers, TIA, CDR, PLLs, ADC/DAC) and proficiency with industry standard tools (Cadence Virtuoso, Spectre, Caliber, SystemVerilog, Verilog-AMS)
  • Demonstrated ability to lead design teams through full tapeout cycle, making critical decisions with limited data and delivering successful silicon products
  • Proficiency in Python or C for design automation, scripting, and analytical tools


Preferred Qualifications
  • 10-15 years of analog/mixed signal circuit design experience
  • Experience with silicon photonics driver ICs and direct-detect optical module architectures
  • Strong understanding of silicon photonics, optical subsystems, MSA standards (QSFP/QSFP-DD), and IEEE 802.3 specifications
  • Expertise in multiple high-speed PHYs, protocols and subsystems (SerDes 112Gbps/224Gbps PAM4, Ethernet, UCIE, clock and data recovery systems, PLLs, ADC/DAC circuits)
  • Demonstrated experience in design for testability (DFT) and test methodology development for large mixed-signal designs
  • Proven experience with lab instrumentation (digital communication analyzers, real-time scopes, BERTs), SI/PI and test fixture/PCB
  • Familiarity with optical sub-component models (photodiodes, modulators) and Verilog-A modeling for AMS simulations
  • Strong collaborator and teammate with the ability to work across teams in multiple sites


Message to applicants applying to work in the U.S. and/or Canada:

The starting salary range posted for this position is $189,300.00 to $271,500.00 and reflects the projected salary range for new hires in this position in U.S. and/or Canada locations, not including incentive compensation*, equity, or benefits.

Individual pay is determined by the candidate's hiring location, market conditions, job-related skillset, experience, qualifications, education, certifications, and/or training. The full salary range for certain locations is listed below. For locations not listed below, the recruiter can share more details about compensation for the role in your location during the hiring process.

U.S. employees are offered benefits, subject to Cisco's plan eligibility rules, which include medical, dental and vision insurance, a 401(k) plan with a Cisco matching contribution, paid parental leave, short and long-term disability coverage, and basic life insurance. Please see the Cisco careers site to discover more benefits and perks. Employees may be eligible to receive grants of Cisco restricted stock units, which vest following continued employment with Cisco for defined periods of time.

U.S. employees are eligible for paid time away as described below, subject to Cisco's policies:
  • 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
  • Non-exempt employees** receive 16 days of paid vacation time per full calendar year, accrued at rate of 4.92 hours per pay period for full-time employees
  • Exempt employees participate in Cisco's flexible vacation time off program, which has no defined limit on how much vacation time eligible employees may use (subject to availability and some business limitations)
  • 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


For non-sales roles, employees are also eligible to earn annual bonuses subject to Cisco's policies.

Employees on sales plans earn performance-based incentive pay on top of their base salary, which is split between quota and non-quota components, subject to the applicable Cisco plan. For quota-based incentive pay, Cisco typically pays as follows:
  • .75% of incentive target for each 1% of revenue attainment up to 50% of quota;
  • 1.5% of incentive target for each 1% of attainment between 50% and 75%;
  • 1% of incentive target for each 1% of attainment between 75% and 100%; and
  • Once performance exceeds 100% attainment, incentive rates are at or above 1% for each 1% of attainment with no cap on incentive compensation.


For non-quota-based sales performance elements such as strategic sales objectives, Cisco may pay 0% up to 125% of target. Cisco sales plans do not have a minimum threshold of performance for sales incentive compensation to be paid.

The applicable full salary ranges for this position, by specific state, are listed below:

New York City Metro Area:
$210,600.00 - $350,800.00

Non-Metro New York state & Washington state:
$189,300.00 - $312,200.00

* For quota-based sales roles on Cisco's sales plan, the ranges provided in this posting include base pay and sales target incentive compensation combined.

** Employees in Illinois, whether exempt or non-exempt, will participate in a unique time off program to meet local requirements.

About Cisco

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Join the vibrant team at Cisco, a global leader in networking and cybersecurity solutions, where innovation and leadership thrive. Cisco offers a plethora of job opportunities that cater to a range of skills and experiences, making it an ideal place for both seasoned professionals and those seeking an internship to jumpstart their career. Work You’ll Do At Cisco, you’ll be part of a culture that values diversity, leadership, and professional growth. Engage in work that matters with a team that combines technology, creativity, and the power of human connection to redefine networking. Cisco’s commitment to innovation isn’t just about technology, but also about transforming the way we work and collaborate. Cisco’s employment philosophy supports career advancement and nurtures a leadership pipeline that is equipped with diversity training and opportunities for growth. Whether you’re applying your skills to drive our latest innovations or using our vast networking capabilities to solve complex problems, at Cisco, every role is impactful. Join Our Dynamic Team Explore job opportunities in areas ranging from engineering to marketing, sales to cybersecurity. Cisco is hiring individuals who are passionate, curious, and ready to drive change. Positions at Cisco offer competitive benefits, a supportive culture, and the chance to work with cutting-edge technology. Internship Programs Kickstart your career with a Cisco internship. Gain invaluable industry experience, enhance your resume, and build professional networks that last a lifetime. Our internships provide hands-on experience and the chance to work on projects that matter. Leadership and Development Cisco is committed to fostering leadership skills and providing employees with the training needed to succeed. Our leadership programs help you develop new skills, manage teams effectively, and lead with confidence. Cisco’s commitment to professional development ensures that your career path is as dynamic as our technologies. Benefits and Culture Cisco understands the importance of a balanced life. Our benefits package is designed to ensure that our team members are healthy, happy, and secure. At Cisco, you’ll find a supportive culture that encourages open communication, teamwork, and mutual respect. Stay Connected Join Cisco’s Talent Network Stay informed about new positions that match your skills and interests. At Cisco, we value the curiosity and unique perspectives of our team members. Subscribe to receive personalized job alerts and insider tips directly from our hiring managers. Explore Cisco Jobs Ready to advance your career at Cisco? Search open positions, prepare your resume, and get ready for an interview that could lead to your next big opportunity. At Cisco, we’re not just filling positions—we’re investing in leaders. Keep Up to Date Stay ahead with career tips, insider perspectives, and industry-leading insights you can put to use today—all from the people who work here. READ CAREERS BLOG Job Alert Emails Customize your subscription to receive job alerts, the latest news, and insider tips tailored to your preferences. Discover the exciting and rewarding career opportunities that await you at Cisco.
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Founded
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