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Hardware Engineering Technical Leader
- Cisco (Milpitas, CA)
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The application window is expected to close on: 01/30/2026.
Job posting may be removed earlier if the position is filled or if a sufficient number of applications are received.
Meet the Team
We are part of the Cisco's (CHG) Common Hardware Group driving our game-changing next-generation network devices built with Cisco Silicon One™. Specifically, we design the hardware of cutting-edge Cisco 8000 series routers and switches to address the ever-increasing networking requirements. As part of our daily work, we closely collaborate with various functions like SW, diagnostics, manufacturing, ASIC Design and Test, Signal Integrity, Mechanical, Thermal, Optics, and EMC/EMI.
We are transforming the industry and building a new internet for AI networks, providing a unified, programmable silicon architecture that is the foundation of all Cisco's future routing products.
Your Impact
+ Lead and execute multi-team projects, driving hardware innovation from design through completion and mentoring team members
+ Design schematics, generate BOMs, and review layouts and routing; write hardware specifications and develop test plans
+ Guide hardware bring-up, validation, and debugging in collaboration with ASIC, Signal Integrity, Software, and cross-functional teams
+ Shape hardware engineering strategy and champion technical standards, ensuring cross-team collaboration and knowledge sharing
+ Oversee testing, issue resolution, and quality verification to meet Cisco and industry standards
+ Provide active feedback during design reviews and technical expertise to support production, installation, and complex issue resolution-including hands-on lab debugging and root cause analysis
Minimum Qualifications:
+ Bachelors degree and 8+ years of related experience, or a Masters degree and 6+ years of related experience, or a PhD and 3+ years of related experience
+ Expertise in high speed (>10G) interfaces, high speed design and/or signal integrity
+ Proficiency with schematics and layout design tools
+ Demonstrated ability in lab bring up, debug and design validation of complex electronic products
Preferred Qualifications:
+ Background in the server/computer/networking industry
+ Proficiency with design tools Cadence Concept and/or Allegro
+ Knowledge of 100G Ethernet
+ Familiarity with X86 architecture
+ Advanced debug skills on control interfaces such as PCIe, MDIO, SPI, I2C
+ Track record of collaborating with other subject matter technical leaders, including software, mechanical, thermal, power, and signal integrity
Why Cisco?
At Cisco, we’re revolutionizing how data and infrastructure connect and protect organizations in the AI era – and beyond. We’ve been innovating fearlessly for 40 years to create solutions that power how humans and technology work together across the physical and digital worlds. These solutions provide customers with unparalleled security, visibility, and insights across the entire digital footprint.
Fueled by the depth and breadth of our technology, we experiment and create meaningful solutions. Add to that our worldwide network of doers and experts, and you’ll see that the opportunities to grow and build are limitless. We work as a team, collaborating with empathy to make really big things happen on a global scale. Because our solutions are everywhere, our impact is everywhere.
We are Cisco, and our power starts with you.
Message to applicants applying to work in the U.S. and/or Canada:
The starting salary range posted for this position is $168,800.00 to $241,200.00 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.
+ 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:
$168,800.00 - $277,400.00
Non-Metro New York state & Washington state:
$148,800.00 - $248,200.00
* 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.
Cisco is an Affirmative Action and Equal Opportunity Employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, national origin, genetic information, age, disability, veteran status, or any other legally protected basis.
Cisco will consider for employment, on a case by case basis, qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.
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