Cisco

Hardware Engineer

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

Qualifications

  • 4-7 years of experience (Masters preferred) in hardware design.
  • Proven experience in bringing complex hardware products from concept to production.
  • Familiarity with design tools like Cadence Allegro/Concept, Mentor Graphics Xpedition.
  • Expertise in x86, ARM architectures and high-performance FPGAs/SoCs (preferred).
  • In-depth understanding of high-speed design, including PCIe Gen 4/5 and 100G Ethernet.

Responsibilities

  • Lead the entire hardware development lifecycle for security appliances.
  • Architect and create intricate circuit designs and PCB layouts.
  • Define and implement comprehensive design verification and validation strategies.
  • Conduct advanced troubleshooting for complex hardware issues.
  • Collaborate strategically across hardware, software, and manufacturing teams.
  • Enhance design methodologies and maintain high-quality documentation.
  • Mentor junior engineers, promoting innovation and excellence in design.
  • Incorporate AI-driven tools to optimize design cycles and improve quality.

Benefits

  • Flexible work environment to promote work-life balance.
  • Opportunities for professional development and continuous learning.
  • Access to cutting-edge technology and tools for hardware design.
  • Collaborative culture emphasizing teamwork and innovation.
  • Involvement in high-impact projects with global reach.
Full Job Description
The application window is expected to close on: 10/22/2026Your Impact

As a Senior Hardware Design Engineer, you will serve as a technical lead for the development of Cisco's next-generation security hardware appliances. You will own the end-to-end hardware development lifecycle, from architectural definition to mass production. This role requires a high degree of autonomy, technical leadership, and the ability to drive innovation within a fast-paced environment. You will act as a subject matter expert, mentoring junior engineers and collaborating across global cross-functional teams to deliver carrier-grade products.

Key Responsibilities
  • Technical Leadership: Lead the hardware development lifecycle for complex, high-performance security appliances, ensuring alignment with product roadmaps and architectural standards.
  • Design Ownership: Architect and drive the creation of complex circuit designs, schematics, and PCB layouts, ensuring optimal performance, signal integrity, and manufacturability.
  • System-Level Validation: Define and execute comprehensive design verification and validation (DVT) strategies, ensuring adherence to rigorous regulatory and performance specifications.
  • Advanced Troubleshooting: Serve as the primary technical authority for complex root cause analysis of hardware issues, including signal integrity, power distribution, and mechanical integration.
  • Strategic Collaboration: Act as a key technical liaison between hardware, software, BIOS, and manufacturing teams. Provide expert guidance to resolve cross-functional bottlenecks.
  • Process & Quality: Drive continuous improvement in design methodologies, maintain high-quality technical documentation, and conduct rigorous design reviews to mitigate risk.
  • Mentorship: Provide technical guidance and mentorship to junior engineering staff, fostering a culture of innovation and engineering excellence.
  • Integrate AI-driven design, simulation, and diagnostic tools to streamline design cycles, enhance predictive quality analysis, and improve overall operational efficiency

Minimum Qualifications:
  • 4+ years of experience with a Masters' degree or 7+ years of experience with a Bachelors' degree. Experience expected to be in hardware design.
  • Experience taking complex hardware products from concept to production.
  • Experience with industry-standard design suites, such as Cadence Allegro/Concept, Mentor Graphics Xpedition, etc.

Preferred Qualifications:
  • Architectural Expertise: Deep proficiency in board design leveraging x86, ARM, and high-performance FPGA/SoC architectures.
  • High-Speed Design: Expert-level knowledge of high-speed interface bus design (PCIe Gen 4/5, DDR5, PAM4) and high-speed Ethernet (100G/400G).
  • Board-Mounted Power Design (Bonus): Demonstrated expertise in designing robust power delivery networks (PDN). Proficiency in selecting and implementing DC-DC converters, LDOs, and managing power sequencing for high-current, low-voltage processors, FPGAs, and ASICs.
  • Signal & Power Integrity: Advanced capability in modeling and mitigating signal integrity and power distribution challenges in dense, high-speed systems.
  • Firmware/RTL Interaction: Strong understanding of RTL design (Verilog/System-Verilog) and its interaction with hardware/BIOS.
  • Communication: Exceptional ability to communicate complex technical concepts to both technical and non-technical stakeholders.

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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