Cisco

Hardware Design Engineer

Cisco$135K — $193K *
Telecommunications & Hardware
Less than 5 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's or Master's degree in Electrical/Computer Engineering with relevant experience (5 or 3 years respectively).
  • Proficient in schematic capture and PCB layout for complex systems.
  • Skilled in hardware debugging, especially with high-speed tools like oscilloscopes and VNAs.
  • Familiar with industry-standard hardware design tools like Concept, Allegro, or LTspice.

Responsibilities

  • Develop high-performance board designs for networking hardware.
  • Contribute to the full lifecycle of board design and debugging processes.
  • Design and sustain complex, high-speed multi-layer PCBs with advanced power delivery.
  • Conduct root-cause analysis on hardware failures and stability issues.
  • Develop, execute, and document test plans for engineering designs.
  • Lead design reviews of schematics, BOMs, and layouts using automation tools.
  • Perform failure analysis and corrective action reporting to enhance product reliability.

Benefits

  • Onsite work at the San Jose, CA office location.
  • Opportunities to work on next-generation networking hardware.
  • Involvement in the complete lifecycle of product design and debugging.
  • Exposure to high-density access switches and large-scale service provider routers.
  • Collaboration with a dedicated hardware development team.
Full Job Description
The application window is expected to close on: 07/15/2026
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
  • As a Hardware Engineer, you will develop high-performance board designs for Cisco's next-generation networking hardware. These products range from high-density access switches to massive-scale service provider routers and AI infrastructure.
  • This individual will contribute to the hardware development team and be responsible for the full lifecycle of board design, complex debugging, and schematic and layout verification processes.
  • Participate in the design and sustenance of complex, high-speed multi-layer PCBs, incorporating high-speed serial links and advanced power delivery networks.
  • Perform root-cause analysis on complex hardware failures, including signal integrity issues, power rail instabilities, and component-level degradation.
  • Develop and execute test plans for upcoming designs and document procedures, plans, and specifications used by the engineering team.
  • Perform and lead design reviews of schematics, BOMs, layout, and routing using internal automation tools.
  • Perform and review failure analysis (FA), root cause analysis (RCA), and corrective action reports (CAR) to improve long-term product reliability.

Minimum Qualifications
  • Bachelor's degree in electrical or computer engineering + 5 years of related experience OR Master's degree in electrical or computer Engineering + 3 years of related experience
  • Experience in schematic capture and PCB layout oversight for high-complexity systems.
  • Experience with hardware debugging using high-speed such as oscilloscopes, VNAs, or logic analyzers.
  • Experience with tools such as Concept, Allegro, LTspice, or similar industry-standard hardware design suites.

Preferred Qualifications
  • Automation skills using python or perl is highly preferred
  • Experience writing hardware functional specifications
  • Experience with control interfaces such as PCIe, MDIO, SPI, I2C
  • Experience designing systems with DDR4/DDR5 DIMMs and storage products
  • Experience with tackling signal integrity issues and board mounted power design and distribution techniques
  • Experience working with programmable devices such as FPGAs, CPLD
  • Prior experience with shipping products

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

Similar Jobs

More Jobs at Cisco

More Telecommunications & Hardware Jobs

Find similar Hardware Design Engineer jobs: