Cisco

System Hardware Board Design Engineering Lead (PCB) (Onsite)

Cisco • $171K — $245K *
Telecommunications & Hardware
Less than 5 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's or Master's degree in Electrical or Computer Engineering (or PhD) with 2-7 years of experience.
  • Solid background in hardware board design and system-level development.
  • Proficient in high-speed digital design and signal/power integrity.
  • Familiar with hardware validation techniques using lab equipment like oscilloscopes and logic analyzers.
  • Experience in taking board designs from concept to production, including schematic generation and troubleshooting.

Responsibilities

  • Define board-level architecture and design direction for complex networking products.
  • Lead major hardware initiatives from architecture through validation and release.
  • Solve high-risk signal and power integrity challenges.
  • Participate in design reviews and cross-functional technical investigations.
  • Mentor engineers and enhance hardware processes.
  • Establish practical design methods and verification strategies.
  • Communicate technical risks and recommendations to senior stakeholders.

Benefits

  • Mentorship opportunities and professional development.
  • Access to cutting-edge technology.
  • Collaborative work in a cross-functional environment.
  • Exposure to various technical disciplines and challenges.
Full Job Description
The application window is expected to close on: 12/30/2026
This position requires that you live within commuting distance of our Milpitas, CA office and commute to the lab 5 days per week.

Your Impact

As a Lead Hardware Board Design Engineer, you will be a recognized technical leader for a product. You will apply deep hardware expertise to define architecture, lead complex product initiatives, resolve difficult technical issues, and guide engineers across disciplines. This is an individual contributor role with broad technical influence; it does not require people management but demands technical independence, sound judgment, visible ownership, and leadership across teams. As a Lead Hardware Board Design Engineer, you will be responsible for:

  • Defining board-level architecture, technology choices, power-delivery strategy, and design direction for complex networking products.
  • Leading major hardware initiatives from requirements and architecture through validation, qualification, and manufacturing release.
  • Solving novel or high-risk signal integrity, power integrity, reliability, thermal, and manufacturing challenges.
  • Actively participating in design reviews, architecture discussions, cross-functional technical investigations, and laboratory work.
  • Guiding teams to clear, data-driven decisions.
  • Mentoring engineers and improving hardware delivery processes.
  • Establishing practical design methods, constraints, verification strategies, and quality improvements.
  • Partnering with silicon vendors, PCB fabricators, contract manufacturers, and other suppliers on technical tradeoffs and product execution.
  • Communicating technical risks, alternatives, and recommendations to senior stakeholders.
  • Contributing to product-line technology roadmaps.
  • Owning the design and validation of a sub-system.
  • Ensuring designs meet functional specifications.
  • Participating as a valuable team member in cross-functional meetings, specification creation, and technical documentation.

Minimum Qualifications
  • Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering or Computer Engineering and 7+ years of experience, or Master's in Electrical Engineering or Computer Engineering and 5+ years of related experience, or PhD in Electrical Engineering or Computer Engineering and 2+ years of related experience.
  • Experience with hardware board design and system-level development, including high-speed digital design, signal integrity, power integrity, and hardware validation using lab equipment such as oscilloscopes, logic analyzers, and spectrum analyzers.
  • Experience with taking board designs from concept through production, including schematics generation, layouts, troubleshooting, and hands-on use of design tools such as Cadence Concept and Allegro.
  • Experience with networking, server, computer, or high-performance embedded systems, including technologies such as high-speed Ethernet, PCIe, DDR, SerDes, advanced packaging, multi-phase power conversion, thermal management, EMI/EMC.
  • Experience with leading technical projects or programs, partnering with silicon vendors, fabricators, contract manufacturers, or technology suppliers, and leading multi-site engineering teams or cross-functional tiger teams.

Preferred Qualifications
  • Methodical, analytical approach to problem solving, experience with breaking down complex issues, evaluating evidence, and documenting clear conclusions and next steps.
  • Experience with networking products design.
  • Experience with co-packaged optics, near-packaged optics, or optical and signal-integrity budget analysis.
  • Experience creating test scripts in Python.
  • Experience collaborating with cross-functional teams.
  • Effective verbal and written communication skills.

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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