Cisco

Hardware Systems Engineering Technical Leader

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

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's or Master's degree in Electrical or Computer Engineering with relevant experience
  • 8+ years of experience for Bachelor's degree, 6+ for Master's, or 3+ for PhD
  • High-speed design experience for Ethernet or PCIe
  • Familiarity with industry-standard board design tools like Concept or Allegro
  • Experience in lab bring up and hardware design validation

Responsibilities

  • Design hardware for Cisco 8000 series routers focusing on quality and power efficiency
  • Drive the hardware product life cycle from architecture to release and support
  • Develop and collect schematics using Cadence/Allegro
  • Guide layout and routing during the hardware design phase
  • Write hardware specifications and develop comprehensive test plans
  • Debug hardware issues using analyzers and scopes
  • Collaborate with various teams to solve complex product development problems

Benefits

  • Opportunity to work with cutting-edge technology
  • Engage in a collaborative work environment with cross-functional teams
  • Onsite position promoting direct teamwork and communication
  • Exposure to the entire product lifecycle from design to release
  • Contribute to a globally recognized network infrastructure company
Full Job Description
The application window is expected to close on: 07/17/2026
Job posting may be removed earlier if the position is filled or if a sufficient number of applications are received.

This is an onsite position and requires the employee to work out the Milpitas, CA location.

Your Impact

You will work among engineers as a direct contributor, designing and operating our growing worldwide network infrastructure. Your responsibilities will span from hardware definition to design, and from qualification to final product release to our customers.

  • Designing the hardware for the Cisco 8000 series routers to deliver the best quality and best power efficiency using groundbreaking Serdes technology at the highest bit rates possible.
  • Drive hardware product life cycle development including architecture, detailed design, bring up, debug, Hardware Qualification, Release to Manufacturing, sustaining support and field failure support
  • Use Cadence/Allegro to develop and collect schematics
  • Guide layout and routing phase of the design
  • Write hardware specs, develop test plans, bring up hardware with ASIC teams
  • Debug issues the lab using analyzers, scopes
  • Collaborate multi-functionally with architects, developers, and vendors within Cisco throughout the product development life cycle, solving sophisticated problems along the way.

Minimum Qualifications
  • Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering or Computer Engineering and 8+ years of experience, or Master's degree in Electrical Engineering or Computer Engineering and 6+ years of experience, or PhD in Electrical Engineering or Computer Engineering + 3 years in hardware system level development
  • Experience with high speed design for Ethernet or PCIe
  • Experience collaborating with peer teams such as: Manufacturing, Software, Mechanical, or Signal Integrity
  • Experience in Board Design using industry standard tools such as Concept, Allegro, or equivalent tools
  • Experience with lab bring up and hardware design validation of products

Preferred Qualifications

  • Experience writing hardware functional specifications
  • Experience with High-Speed Network Interfaces (10G/25G/100G)
  • Experience with control interfaces such as PCIe, MDIO, SPI, I2C
  • Experience designing systems with DDR4/DDR5 DIMMs
  • 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

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