Cisco

Director, Engineering

Cisco$216K — $287K *
Telecommunications & Hardware
11 - 15 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • 15+ years managing global teams in high-speed electronics
  • Advanced degree (Master's/PhD) in Electrical/Computer Engineering, Physics, or a related field
  • Extensive experience in mixed-signal/analog electronics and silicon photonics
  • Familiarity with high-speed SERDES technology (112Gbps to 448Gbps)
  • Proficient in silicon diagnostics and validation processes

Responsibilities

  • Lead and establish a high-performance engineering design team across the US & India
  • Drive the development and validation of electronics ICs paired with silicon photonics ICs
  • Implement AI tools to enhance productivity and reduce development cycle times
  • Ensure adherence to best engineering practices in analog design and documentation
  • Collaborate with cross-functional teams to achieve project milestones

Benefits

  • Opportunity to work in a high-impact role within a global organization
  • Access to advanced tools and technologies for AI-assisted development
  • Networking with top professionals in the optical transceiver industry
  • Participation in a culture focused on collaboration and knowledge sharing
  • Mentorship and team development opportunities
Full Job Description
The application window is expected to close on: 05/29/2026
Job posting may be removed earlier if the position is filled or if a sufficient number of applications are received.

Meet the Team

The Director will be responsible for setting up and leading a high-performance engineering design team in the US & India for Cisco's Client Optics Group (COG) and driving the end-to-end execution of optical transceiver development for COG's silicon-photonics-based transceiver chipsets and modules. Key responsibilities include architecture, development, simulation, diagnostics, bring-up, and validation of electronics IC (EIC) paired with silicon photonics ICs (PICs). A significant new focus for this role is the deployment of AI tools, when possible, to enhance productivity, quality, and development cycle times.

Your Impact

Product Planning

  • Evaluating Marketing Requirements Documents (MRDs) and providing timely responses as to the approach, timeline, and feasibility for new product concepts.
  • Significant participation in Cisco's product lifecycle (PLC) process including Concept Commits (CCs), Engineering Commits (ECs) and other important PLC milestones.
  • Working with the COG Program Management Team to develop and maintain accurate, detailed, and comprehensive program schedules and resource plans.
  • Drive adoption of AI tools to enhance productivity, quality, and development speed.


Silicon Development

  • Oversee the design, development, delivery, and documentation of electronics ICs, and chipsets by working directly with the various team leaders to guarantee execution with predictability, velocity and quality.
  • Ensure the Analog Design team is following best engineering practices in the development, custom layout, simulation, validation/characterization, & documentation of the optical transceiver designs being developed.
  • Apply analytics and AI/ML to stimulate edge cases, optimize test strategies, and improve test coverage, usability, debug capabilities, and fault isolation.


Collaboration & Team Development

  • Partner with the cross functional teams like digital design, SI/PI, layout, Silicon characterization, Product Management, and Operations teams to ensure multi-functional alignment and successful program delivery.
  • Foster a collaborative, innovative, accountable, and inclusive culture, promoting guidelines and knowledge sharing across global teams.
  • Mentor and develop high-performing teams, emphasizing continuous learning in silicon development and effective use of AI-assisted development tools.


Who You Are

  • Experienced large-team leader who can motivate its members to successful outcomes.
  • Expert in the development of mixed-signal/analog electronics and silicon photonics with a proven track record of timely delivery and first-pass success.
  • Advocate for AI tools, with a history of driving adoption to accelerate development and improve productivity.
  • Skilled collaborator and mentor, committed to building high-performing, innovative teams.


Minimum Qualifications

  • 15+ years high-speed electronics and experience including management of global teams.
  • Advanced degree (Master's/PhD) in Electrical/Computer Engineering, Physics, or related field work experience with a focus on semiconductor and/or optics development.
  • Extensive experience in the following disciplines:
    • Mixed signal/analog electronics: Drivers, TIAs, ADCs, TX/RX Equalizers, CDRs, etc.
    • Digital signal processors (DSP)
    • Optical / Photonic ICs or similar: Modulators, Photo Detectors, Grating Couplers, Waveguides, etc.
    • High-speed SERDES- 112Gbps, 224Gbps, 448Gbps PAM4/PAM6
    • Signal & power integrity, channel modeling
    • Advanced packaging including fine-pitch and low-parasitic chip-chip interconnect
    • PLL / clock domains and distribution
    • Power distribution
    • Silicon diagnostics, test coverage, and DFT
    • Electrical, optical, and co-simulation applications and tools
    • Silicon validation and test equipment


Preferred Qualifications

  • Advanced understanding of silicon manufacturing processes, photonics development leadership and automation
  • Optical transceiver silicon and module architecture definition at 200Gbps/lane, 400Gbps/lane
  • Good understanding of MSA standards such as QSFP/QSFP-DD and IEEE 802.3 ethernet specifications.
  • Strong communication, global team management, and executive presence.

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
NASDAQ

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