Cisco

Engineering (AI/Hardware) Project Manager

Cisco$154K — $225K *
Telecommunications & Hardware
Less than 5 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's or Master's degree in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, or related field with significant experience in program/project management.
  • 7+ years of experience in leading multi-functional programs or projects, managing dependencies and risks.
  • Experience in supporting business operations, including executive updates and communications.
  • Familiarity with AI tools and concepts, and experience in using them for operational efficiency.
  • Experience in hardware or system-level project management within a fast-paced, global environment.

Responsibilities

  • Lead multi-functional programs across hardware portfolio, ensuring execution and alignment.
  • Develop project plans and manage risks and communications effectively.
  • Coordinate with cross-functional teams for planning cycles and business reviews.
  • Drive AI transformation initiatives across the PMO organization.
  • Manage AI project lifecycles from requirements to delivery, tracking KPIs.
  • Assess data readiness for AI use cases and collaborate on enabling AI solutions.
  • Implement AI-enabled tools to enhance team productivity and operational innovation.

Benefits

  • Medical, dental, and vision insurance.
  • 401(k) plan with matching contributions from Cisco.
  • Paid parental leave and short/long-term disability coverage.
  • Flexible vacation policy allowing unlimited time off for exempt employees.
  • Paid time off for holidays, personal wellness, and birthdays.
  • Optional paid days for volunteering activities.
Full Job Description
The application window is expected to close on: 09/12/2026
Job posting may be removed earlier if the position is filled or if a sufficient number of applications are received.

This role requires the employee to work onsite at the San Jose, CA office location.

Your Impact
  • Lead small to mid-sized multi-functional programs across the CHG hardware portfolio, driving execution, alignment, and predictable delivery.
  • Develop and maintain project plans, schedules, breakthroughs, communication frameworks, and governance processes while proactively managing risks, dependencies, and issue resolution.
  • Partner with engineering, product management, operations, marketing, account teams, and leadership to coordinate planning cycles, business reviews, executive updates, and operational excellence initiatives.
  • Drive the PMO organization's AI transformation by identifying high-impact opportunities, leading AI adoption initiatives, and embedding AI-enabled ways of working into day-to-day program execution.
  • Drive AI-related initiatives by managing cross-functional AI projects from requirements, planning, and execution through delivery, rollout, adoption, and continuous iteration, while defining, tracking, and monitoring adoption, performance, efficiency, and business impact KPIs.
  • Assess data readiness for AI use cases, including structured and unstructured data, data quality, and foundational data architecture, while partnering with technical teams to enable AI solutions.
  • Apply AI-enabled productivity tools and demonstrate working familiarity with AI agents (e.g., Codex, Claude Code), including prompt engineering, AI workflows, evaluation methods, and testing approaches, to improve team productivity, automate workflows, and find opportunities for operational innovation.

Minimum Qualification
  • Bachelor's degree with 7+ years or master's degree with 4+ years in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, or a related field, with experience in program/project management, business operations, PMO, Chief-of-Staff support, or hardware/product development.
  • Experience leading multi-functional programs or projects, including project plans, turning points, dependencies, risks, issue resolution, and partner communications.
  • Experience supporting business operations or leadership operating rhythms, such as staff meetings, business reviews, action tracking, executive updates, dashboards, or organizational communications.
  • Experience using AI-enabled tools, workflow automation, or AI assistants to improve project execution or operational efficiency; familiarity with AI concepts, LLMs, or AI agent workflows, prompt engineering, and AI evaluation best practices.


Preferred Qualifications
  • Experience supporting hardware, system-level, networking, telecom, or enterprise infrastructure programs within a PMO or product development environment.
  • Experience in business operations, executive operations, or PMO role supporting senior leadership operating mechanisms in a highly matrixed, fast-paced, and globally distributed environment while balancing program execution with operational priorities.
  • Familiarity with product development lifecycles, release readiness, change enablement, and launch or operational governance processes.
  • Experience identifying AI use cases and partnering with engineering teams to deliver AI-enabled business solutions. Experience managing AI engineering, machine learning, data science, or automation initiatives is a plus.

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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