Cisco

Hardware Post-Silicon Validation Engineer (Hybrid)

Cisco$155K — $222K *
Telecommunications & Hardware
Less than 5 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's or higher degree in Electrical or Computer Engineering with 2-4+ years of relevant experience depending on degree level.
  • Proficiency in digital logic and signal integrity.
  • Familiarity with high-speed measurement techniques such as eye diagrams and jitter testing.
  • Experience with interfaces like PCIe, DDR5, and USB.
  • Ability to read and interpret schematics and board layouts.

Responsibilities

  • Conduct hands-on early-silicon bring-up and feature enablement activities.
  • Create and refine hardware validation plans for functionality and reliability.
  • Establish lab infrastructure and validation strategies.
  • Manage power-on sequencing and clock validation tasks.
  • Perform detailed analysis of voltage, power integrity, and signal integrity.
  • Analyze electronic waveforms and measurements to troubleshoot issues.
  • Validate system behavior under realistic networking loads.

Benefits

  • Flexible work arrangements with hybrid model options.
  • Technical ownership of projects with cross-functional collaboration opportunities.
  • Access to advanced lab techniques and technology.
  • Involvement in cutting-edge networking silicon innovation.
Full Job Description
The application window is expected to close on: 09/24/2026
Job posting may be removed earlier if the position is filled or if a sufficient number of applications are received.

This position requires that you live within commuting distance of our San Jose, CA office and commute to the office at least 4-5 days per week.

Your Impact

We are seeking a Hardware Post-Silicon Validation Engineer with experience in lab-intensive hardware validation to test and debug of high-performance networking silicon. This role is heavily focused on hands-on work in silicon validation labs, driving early-silicon bring-up, performing advanced electrical and protocol measurements, and owning end-to-end root-cause analysis of silicon, package, and board-level issues. The position offers technical ownership, cross-functional influence, and exposure to complex networking ASICs and high-speed interfaces.
  • Work on early-silicon bring-up activities from first power-on through feature enablement
  • Define, execute, and refine detailed hardware validation plans covering functionality characterization, performance, and reliability
  • Drive validation readiness, lab infrastructure setup, and test coverage strategy
  • Support power-on sequencing, reset strategy validation, clock bring-up, and strap configuration
  • Perform in-depth voltage, current, power integrity (PDN), and signal integrity analysis
  • Capture, analyze, and interpret waveforms, eye diagrams, jitter, BER, PDN measurements, power supply stability and noise.
  • Independently isolate and root-cause silicon, package, board, or signal integrity issues
  • Work on validation of Ethernet MAC/PHY and high-speed interfaces such as PCIe and SerDes
  • Responsible for packet-level validation using traffic generators and protocol analyzers
  • Validate system-level behavior under real-world networking workloads
  • Advanced-level operation of oscilloscopes, logic analyzers, VNAs, protocol analyzers, BERTs, and multimeters
  • Develop and maintain lab automation using scripts and frameworks (e.g., Python)
  • Plan and execute thermal testing using chambers and chillers across operating ranges

Minimum Qualifications
  • Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or related field and 4+ years of experience in post-silicon electrical validation, hardware bring-up and lab-based silicon debug, or Master's degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or related field and 2+ years of experience in post-silicon electrical validation, hardware bring-up and lab-based silicon debug, or PhD in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or related field and 0+ years of experience in post-silicon electrical validation, hardware bring-up and lab-based silicon debug.
  • Experience in electronics, digital logic, signal integrity, and power integrity
  • Experience in high-speed measurement techniques (eye diagrams, BER, jitter, compliance testing)
  • Experience with interfaces such as DDR5, USB 3.x, SGMII, PCIe, USB2.0, eMMC, SPI, MDIO, I2C, and UART
  • Experience with Reading and Reviewing schematics and layout files for complex boards

Preferred Qualifications
  • Experience working independently, lead, plan and execute lab-based debug efforts
  • Hands-on experience with silicon bring-up and post-silicon validation labs
  • Experience validating Ethernet, PCIe, and SerDes interfaces
  • Scripting skills for lab automation and data analysis (Python preferred)
  • Understanding of networking fundamentals and packet-based systems

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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