Cisco

Distinguished Hardware Engineer

Cisco$273K — $384K *
Telecommunications & Hardware
8 - 10 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree with 15+ years of experience; Master's degree with 14+ years; or PhD with 10+ years of related experience.
  • Proven track record influencing hardware design decisions at the portfolio level.
  • Extensive experience in resolving critical quality issues in high-performance hardware.
  • Expertise in leading investigations for high-severity customer issues.
  • Familiarity with large-scale data analysis and proactive corrective action execution.

Responsibilities

  • Define comprehensive hardware quality strategies for diverse markets.
  • Lead investigations and corrective action programs for critical failures.
  • Champion defensive design principles to enhance future product robustness.
  • Analyze large data sets to identify trends and mitigate risks proactively.
  • Advise leadership on product roadmaps and represent Cisco's quality standards.

Benefits

  • Medical, dental, and vision insurance.
  • 401(k) plan with matching contributions.
  • Paid parental leave and disability coverage.
  • Flexible vacation policy with no defined limit.
  • Paid time off for holidays, personal wellness, and volunteer opportunities.
Full Job Description
The application window is expected to close on: 10/05/2026
Job posting may be removed earlier if the position is filled or if a sufficient number of applications are received.

Meet the Team
The Silicon & Optics (SaO) QUAD Quality team, part of Cisco's Common Hardware Group (CHG), operates at the critical intersection of field performance, customer trust, and continuous product improvement. We are seeking a Distinguished Engineer to lead our most complex root cause investigations, translate technical findings into durable defensive design improvements, and serve as the primary technical authority representing Cisco's quality standards to our executive-level customers.

Your Impact

This is a senior-level technical leadership position for someone passionate about defining and advancing hardware quality standards across Cisco's high-performance portfolio, including switching, routing, and AI data center compute products.

Responsibilities
  • Define and govern comprehensive hardware quality strategies and validation standards, ensuring long-term reliability for hyperscaler, enterprise, and AI data center markets.
  • Lead high-stakes root cause analysis and corrective action programs, addressing critical failures across design, manufacturing, and supply chain to ensure both immediate remediation and long-term architectural robustness.
  • Institutionalize lessons learned from field and manufacturing failures by championing "defensive design" principles-such as enhanced fault tolerance and design margins-to prevent recurring issues in future generations.
  • Utilize large-scale data analysis and AI-driven pattern recognition on field telemetry to proactively identify systemic trends and mitigate emerging risks before they impact customers.
  • Advise executive leadership on product roadmaps, represent Cisco's quality commitments to key customers, and elevate the engineering community through mentorship and industry-wide influence.


Minimum Qualifications
  • Bachelor's degree with 15+ years of experience; Master's degree with 14+ years; or PhD with 10+ years of related experience.
  • Established depth across board and system failure domains, with a proven track record of influencing hardware design decisions upstream at the portfolio level.
  • Extensive experience resolving critical, systemic quality issues across high-performance hardware programs at scale.
  • Expert-level skills in leading investigations for the highest-severity customer and field issues.
  • Experience applying data analysis at scale-leveraging field datasets, telemetry, and reliability databases-to execute proactive corrective actions.


Preferred Qualifications
  • Experience leading executive-level technical briefings on root cause, corrective action, and reliability commitments for hyperscaler and large enterprise clients.
  • Deep understanding of defensive design principles at the component, board, and system levels.
  • Proficiency in physical failure analysis, including non-destructive methods (CT scanning, X-ray, TDR, thermal imaging) and destructive methods (SEM, EDS, cross-sectioning, IC decapsulation).
  • Familiarity with industry frameworks governing hardware qualification, accelerated life testing, and failure rate modeling.
  • Knowledge of quality/reliability engineering for high-speed interfaces, power delivery systems, and advanced packaging (liquid cooling, copper cables, connectors), and a track record of industry recognition through patents, publications, or active participation in standards bodies.

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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