Cisco

Component Engineer

Cisco$85K — $108K *
Telecommunications & Hardware
Less than 5 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree in science or engineering; MS or PhD preferred
  • Proficient in reliability analysis tools like Reliasoft or JMP
  • Experienced in test methodologies and optical qualification plans
  • Familiar with failure analysis (FA) methodologies and equipment
  • Ability to collaborate with cross-functional teams effectively

Responsibilities

  • Assist with testing and qualification of optical components and modules
  • Oversee daily execution of new product qualification plans
  • Conduct data analysis and interpret measurements from optical devices
  • Collaborate with engineers to develop test setups and debug hardware
  • Utilize environmental stress testing methods to evaluate optical modules

Benefits

  • Medical, dental, and vision insurance
  • 401(k) plan with Cisco matching contributions
  • Paid parental leave and disability coverage
  • Flexible vacation policy with no defined limit for exempt employees
  • Paid time off for holidays, personal wellness, and volunteer days
Full Job Description
The application window is expected to close on: 08/28/2026
Job posting may be removed earlier if the position is filled or if a sufficient number of applications are received.

Meet the Team

This role will provide the candidate with opportunity for personal growth in the optics and reliability fields. The Component Engineer will assist the Reliability Engineering group with the testing and execution of the qualification programs of optical components (Lasers, Silicon Photonics Dies), optical sub-assemblies and optical transceiver modules. The Component engineer will also oversee the daily execution of the new product qualification plans. This will include basic PCB board design, basic electrical wiring and power connections, test measurement set-up and debug. The Component engineer will also collect data through device measurements, complete basic data analysis and interpretation. The component engineer will also assist in failure analysis of failed samples and contribute to root cause and corrective action reports. You will work closely with internal Cisco teams to guide optical transceivers, optical module, and optical transport product qualification and module assembly. You will operate in a highly collaborative, cross-functional environment that includes engineering, operations, and supply chain teams to test next-generation optical transport and optical transceiver technologies. This role offers high cross-organizational visibility and the opportunity to test critical technology for Cisco's various product platforms.

Your Impact

You will be part of a global Component Quality and Technology organization with diverse subject matter expertise and will add to that knowledge base with your testing of optical designs and modules. In your role, you will work with the reliability engineering group to evaluate, test, develop and implement new technologies and testing strategies. You will also work with state-of-the-art technology partners from the Optical & Semiconductor industries to drive product testing innovation for reliability. This role offers an excellent opportunity to develop the next generation of industry leading optical transceiver products.

Responsibilities:

You will have the opportunity to become proficient in methodologies such as DFMEA and statistical tools used to evaluate process and design reliability and to calculate time to failures and FIT rates. You will also gain experience in the use of reliability analysis tools such as Reliasoft or JMP. Must be willing to understand test methodologies and learn the basics of optical module qualification plans. You will gain experience in FA methodologies and use FA equipment such as SEM, EDAX, cross-sectioning, ion milling and various optical and laser measurement tools. Will work closely with test engineers to develop test set-ups, fault finding and hardware debug.

You will have the opportunity to use SR332 Excel spreadsheet to calculate expectedmodule piece part FITs or MTBF and will become proficient with environmental stress testing methods and understand shock and vibration parameters, ESD testing methods, dust testing, mixed flowing gases testing and optical parameters for pass/fail evaluation of optical modules.

You must be willing to demonstrate ability to work with cross-functional teams with good communication, influencing and program management skills.
You thrive in challenging situations and are able to analyze a complex problem, assessing the risk and develop mitigation plans to resolve it.

Minimum Qualifications
  • B.S. or B.Eng. in science or engineering fields.
    MS, PhD preferred


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

The starting salary range posted for this position is $85,400.00 to $108,100.00 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:
$103,500.00 - $150,400.00

Non-Metro New York state & Washington state:
$90,000.00 - $130,900.00

* 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

Cisco Careers

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.
Learn more about Cisco
Size
79,500 employees
Market Cap
$194.5 billion
Industry
Net Income
$10.1 billion
Founded
2014
5 Year Trend
+1.4%
Revenue
$48 billion
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