Cisco

Hardware Design Engineer Technical Lead

Cisco$168K — $241K *
Telecommunications & Hardware
Less than 5 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's or Master's degree in Electrical/Computer Engineering or Telecommunications with relevant experience
  • 8+ years of experience in hardware design (6+ for Master's, 3+ for PhD)
  • Experience with high-speed board design and bring-up
  • Skilled in troubleshooting systems, including schematics/layout, and system level testing
  • Collaborative experience working with software teams for device configuration and system bring-up.

Responsibilities

  • Define and design next-gen Hyperscaler Switch hardware utilizing Silicon One or merchant ASIC
  • Develop system and board level specifications along with schematic capture
  • Lead FPGA design, board bring-up, and troubleshooting efforts
  • Collaborate with ASIC, DFT, Signal Integrity, software, diagnostics, and manufacturing teams to resolve design challenges
  • Perform debugging and troubleshooting in lab environments using scopes and analyzers
  • Act as a technical liaison with major component suppliers for the product.

Benefits

  • Innovative work environment at a leading tech company
  • Opportunity to lead in next-generation hardware design
  • Collaboration with cross-functional teams improving skills and knowledge
  • Exposure to cutting-edge technologies in high-speed networking
  • Potential career growth in a dynamic industry.
Full Job Description
The application window is expected to close on: 08/31/2026
Job posting may be removed earlier if the position is filled or if a sufficient number of applications are received.

Your Impact

Hardware design technical lead is a key member of the Cisco Purpose Built Switch hardware team.
  • Define and design the next generation Hyperscaler Switch hardware based on Silicon One and/or merchant ASIC.
  • Responsible for system and board level specification, schematic capture, FPGA design, ASIC/System level bring up and troubleshooting.
  • The individual is expected to bring up the system to work with multiple groups including ASIC, DFT, Signal Integrity, software, Diagnostics and Manufacturing team to resolve any design issues.
  • Debug and troubleshoot in labs using scopes and analyzers
  • Act as technical liaison with major component Suppliers for the product


Minimum Qualifications
  • Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering or Computer Engineering or Telecommunications and 8+ years of experience, or Master's degree in Electrical Engineering or Computer Engineering or Telecommunications and 6+ years of experience, or PhD in Electrical Engineering or Computer Engineering + 3 years in system level development.
  • Prior experience with common HW technology, including power, clock, memory, CPU, and variety of system interfaces.
  • Previous experience with complex high-speed board design and board bring-up.
  • Prior experience with schematics/layout, Hardware bring-up, trouble-shooting, system level testing.
  • Experience with working with Software team on system bring-up and porting, devices configuration (registers level).


Preferred Qualifications
  • Experience with schematics, PCB and Verilog HDL/VHDL design
  • Experience on the scripts (Python, Tcl, etc.)
  • Experience with lab bring up and design validation of products
  • Knowledge on the Ethernet protocol is a plus
  • Experience with access switch Ethernet interfaces: gigabit, multi gigabit, 10 gigabit.
  • Experience with high speed Ethernet interfaces: 25G, 100G, 400G, 800G.
  • Experience with DRAM, CPU subcomplex and control interfaces such as PCIe, I2C, SPI, MDC/MDIO
  • Self-motivation, teamwork and strong communication skills are essential.

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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