Cisco

Hardware Tech Lead -Optomechanical Engineer

Cisco • $151K — $216K *
Aerospace & Defense
Less than 5 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Bachelors + 8 years, Masters + 6 years, or PhD + 3 years of relevant experience.
  • 2+ years in optomechanical or precision mechanism design in commercial, aerospace, or telecom sectors.
  • Proficient in 3D CAD tools like SolidWorks or Creo and FEA analysis software (ANSYS, COMSOL).
  • Knowledge of GD&T (ASME Y14.5) and kinematic design principles.
  • Experience in packaging optics and photonics within hardware solutions.

Responsibilities

  • Re-engineer optical setups into compact, vibration-isolated rack-mount chassis.
  • Address thermal expansion and structural challenges to maintain kinematic alignment.
  • Establish standardized assembly and testing processes for easier servicing.
  • Design ruggedized enclosures for optical components and devices.
  • Perform FEA for structural and thermal integrity of optical modules.
  • Develop vibration isolation systems to protect optical paths from noise.
  • Conduct tolerance stack-up analyses to ensure assembly precision.

Benefits

  • Collaborative work with top-tier optical physicists and systems engineers.
  • Opportunity to innovate within the emerging quantum technology field.
  • Access to advanced manufacturing technology and specialized material selection.
  • Engagement in real-world applications of cutting-edge optomechanical designs.
  • Work within a dynamic team environment focused on groundbreaking technology.
Full Job Description
The application window is expected to close on: 10/17/2026

Your Impact

Cisco Quantum Research Team is seeking a Optomechanical Engineer to support our Quantum Experimental Team that is central to the physical realization of Cisco's deployable quantum hardware platforms. In this role:
  • You will take delicate breadboard and benchtop optical setups developed in R&D and re-engineer them into compact, vibration-isolated, and manufacturable 19-inch rack-mount chassis.
  • You will solve critical thermal expansion, structural deformation, and drift challenges, maintaining sub-micron kinematic alignment across wide operating temperature and mechanical shock/vibration profiles.
  • You will establish standardized mounting, fiber routing, and precision adjustment mechanisms that enable fast, repeatable assembly, testing, and servicing without requiring time-consuming manual alignment on customer sites.
  • Design compact, modular, and ruggedized enclosures (1U-4U chassis) for precision free-space optics, fiber-to-chip interfaces, laser sources, and photonic devices.
  • Design the layout of free-space optics, fiber-to-chip interfaces, laser sources, and photonic devices inside each enclosure capable of maintaining ultra-high alignment stability over extended operational lifespans.
  • Perform Finite Element Analysis (FEA) for structural deformation, thermal expansion (CTE matching), and heat dissipation in enclosed optical modules.
  • Design active and passive vibration isolation systems to protect sensitive optical paths from internal cooling fan vibrations and external data center acoustic/structural noise.
  • Conduct comprehensive tolerance stack-up analyses (GD&T) to guarantee optical alignment budgets and component interchangeable assembly tolerances.
  • Build, assemble, and validate initial optomechanical prototypes in the lab, testing for thermal drift, mechanical stability, optical loss, and vibration susceptibility.
  • Collaborate with optical physicists and systems engineers to characterize insertion loss, beam quality, and phase stability across environmental stress screening (ESS).
  • Work with vendors and machine shops to select specialized materials, precision machining methods, custom optical coatings, and surface finishes.


Minimum Qualifications

  • Bachelors + 8 years of related experience, or Masters + 6 years of related experience, or PhD + 3 years of related experience, or equivalent related work experience.
  • 2+ years experience in optomechanical design, precision mechanism design, or optoelectronic packaging for commercial, aerospace, or telecom applications.
  • Experience in 3D CAD (SolidWorks, Creo) and FEA tools (ANSYS, COMSOL, or SolidWorks Simulation) for structural, thermal, and modal analysis.
  • Experience with GD&T (ASME Y14.5), kinematic design principles, CTE matching techniques, and micron-level precision adjustment mechanisms.
  • Experience packaging free-space optics, fiber launches, photonic devices, or laser assemblies into enclosed hardware products.


Preferred Qualifications

  • Experience with deployment of hybrid systems including free-space optics, fiber systems, integrated photonic device in data center environment.
  • Experience with standard optical telecommunication components and architecture, as well as designing or operating optical data center rack systems.
  • Experience with scaling quantum R&D prototypes into standardized, customer-ready 19 inch rack solution.
  • Expereince in collaborating with systems engineers to perform co-dependent tolerance, thermal, and mechanical safety margin analyses across chassis and rack boundaries.
  • Excellent communication skills with the ability to work effectively across scientific and engineering teams.

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.
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