Cisco

Hardware Engineering Program Manager

Cisco$152K — $221K *
Telecommunications & Hardware
5 - 7 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree in engineering (electrical, industrial, mechanical, or physics) with 7 years in technical hardware program/project management or hardware/product development.
  • Experience in managing end-to-end programs, including budget oversight and schedule management.
  • Proficient in advanced spreadsheet management, data modeling, and project metrics visualization.
  • Skilled in action tracking, executive updates, dashboards, and organizational communications.
  • Experience managing cross-functional dependencies in engineering environments focused on time-to-market.

Responsibilities

  • Lead Data Center Switching hardware program development from concept to customer release.
  • Align multi-functional programs with hardware and software engineering, product management, and operations teams.
  • Monitor program health, identify risks, and drive timely issue resolution with actionable recommendations.
  • Implement continuous process improvements and integrate automation and AI tools for operational efficiency.
  • Manage financial integrity, resource allocation, and project scope to ensure budget adherence and timelines.
  • Facilitate collaboration with internal teams, manufacturing partners, and suppliers, providing leadership updates.
  • Work independently to determine the best approach to tasks with minimal guidance.

Benefits

  • Medical, dental, and vision insurance.
  • 401(k) plan with matching contribution from Cisco.
  • Paid parental leave and disability coverage.
  • Flexible vacation time off with no defined limit for exempt employees.
  • 10 paid holidays and additional personal wellness days.
Full Job Description
The application window is expected to close on: 08/15/2026
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:
  • Lead end-to-end Data Center Switching hardware program development from initial concept through customer release, defining clear priorities, breakthroughs, and comprehensive execution plans.
  • Orchestrate complex, multi-functional programs by aligning hardware and software engineering, product management, operations and other multi-functional teams to ensure cohesive delivery.
  • Proactively monitor program health, identify risks and dependencies, and drive timely issue resolution through actionable recommendations to partners.
  • Champion continuous process improvements, governance frameworks, and the integration of automation and AI-enabled tools to enhance operational efficiency.
  • Manage financial integrity and resource allocation, ensuring that budgets are tracked accurately and projects remain within scope and on schedule.
  • Facilitate seamless collaboration between internal teams, manufacturing partners, and external suppliers while providing transparent status updates to leadership.
  • Work independently but receive minimal guidance and direction from leader then determine the best approach to accomplish work.


Minimum qualification:
  • Bachelor's degree in engineering such as electrical, industrial or mechanical or physics + 7 years of related experience in technical hardware program/project management or hardware/product development.
  • Experience handling end-end programs including budget oversight, schedule management, and breakthrough tracking.
  • Experience in advanced spreadsheet management, including the use of data modeling and visualization to track project metrics.
  • Experience in action tracking, executive updates, dashboards and organizational communications.
  • Experience with managing cross-functional dependencies in engineering environments with focus on time-to-market.


Preferred qualification:
  • Experience working in non-program management NPI development roles.
  • In-depth knowledge of hardware manufacturing environments and production workflows.
  • Background in supply chain operations or procurement strategies for complex hardware programs.
  • Experience in utilizing Codex and other AI tools/agents for productivity enhancements.
  • Experience applying Jira, Confluence and SharePoint to track project dependencies, risks, and issue resolution.
  • Demonstrated experience with Design Verification Testing (DVT) processes within hardware development lifecycles.
  • Proven ability to navigate and influence outcomes in a highly matrixed, globally distributed organization.


Message to applicants applying to work in the U.S. and/or Canada:

The starting salary range posted for this position is $152,400.00 to $221,800.00 and reflects the projected salary range for new hires in this position in U.S. and/or Canada locations, not including incentive compensation*, equity, or benefits.

Individual pay is determined by the candidate's hiring location, market conditions, job-related skillset, experience, qualifications, education, certifications, and/or training. The full salary range for certain locations is listed below. For locations not listed below, the recruiter can share more details about compensation for the role in your location during the hiring process.

U.S. employees are offered benefits, subject to Cisco's plan eligibility rules, which include medical, dental and vision insurance, a 401(k) plan with a Cisco matching contribution, paid parental leave, short and long-term disability coverage, and basic life insurance. Please see the Cisco careers site to discover more benefits and perks. Employees may be eligible to receive grants of Cisco restricted stock units, which vest following continued employment with Cisco for defined periods of time.

U.S. employees are eligible for paid time away as described below, subject to Cisco's policies:
  • 10 paid holidays per full calendar year, plus 1 floating holiday for non-exempt employees
  • 1 paid day off for employee's birthday, paid year-end holiday shutdown, and 4 paid days off for personal wellness determined by Cisco
  • Non-exempt employees** receive 16 days of paid vacation time per full calendar year, accrued at rate of 4.92 hours per pay period for full-time employees
  • Exempt employees participate in Cisco's flexible vacation time off program, which has no defined limit on how much vacation time eligible employees may use (subject to availability and some business limitations)
  • 80 hours of sick time off provided on hire date and each January 1st thereafter, and up to 80 hours of unused sick time carried forward from one calendar year to the next
  • Additional paid time away may be requested to deal with critical or emergency issues for family members
  • Optional 10 paid days per full calendar year to volunteer


For non-sales roles, employees are also eligible to earn annual bonuses subject to Cisco's policies.

Employees on sales plans earn performance-based incentive pay on top of their base salary, which is split between quota and non-quota components, subject to the applicable Cisco plan. For quota-based incentive pay, Cisco typically pays as follows:
  • .75% of incentive target for each 1% of revenue attainment up to 50% of quota;
  • 1.5% of incentive target for each 1% of attainment between 50% and 75%;
  • 1% of incentive target for each 1% of attainment between 75% and 100%; and
  • Once performance exceeds 100% attainment, incentive rates are at or above 1% for each 1% of attainment with no cap on incentive compensation.


For non-quota-based sales performance elements such as strategic sales objectives, Cisco may pay 0% up to 125% of target. Cisco sales plans do not have a minimum threshold of performance for sales incentive compensation to be paid.

The applicable full salary ranges for this position, by specific state, are listed below:

New York City Metro Area:
$152,400.00 - $255,100.00

Non-Metro New York state & Washington state:
$134,300.00 - $224,800.00

* For quota-based sales roles on Cisco's sales plan, the ranges provided in this posting include base pay and sales target incentive compensation combined.

** Employees in Illinois, whether exempt or non-exempt, will participate in a unique time off program to meet local requirements.

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
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