What are the responsibilities and job description for the Systems Hardware Engineer position at Cisco Systems, Inc.?
The application window is expected to close on: 9/30/25
Job posting may be removed earlier if the position is filled or if a sufficient number of applications are received.
Meet the Team
Join our high-impact Systems & Optics (SaO) team within Cisco's Common Hardware Group (CHG), providing essential support across key verticals including SP Routing, Enterprise Routing, and Switching. Our team is a foundational partner across CHG-driving innovation, advancing design reliability, and enabling scalable hardware solutions that power Cisco's most critical products.
Your Impact
You will help shape next-generation system technologies by driving advanced simulation, experimental validation, and cross-functional optimization. Working closely with System Architects, Silicon Design, Supply Chain, Optical and Electrical Design teams, your contributions will directly influence system design, integration, reliability and performance across programs-while also supporting long-term technology roadmaps and industry leadership. Specific responsibilities include:
- Define system-level PCB/PCBA design limits (e.g., warpage, current, stack-up) using simulation, test vehicles, and validation techniques.
- Develop and validate high-speed I/O and power design rules across PCB configurations, materials, and BGA/VPM packages.
- Collaborate with cross-functional teams to predict, mitigate, and redesign high-risk areas in PCB/system integration.
- Drive power and thermal performance improvements (e.g., PEnCR, VeCS) through test vehicle development and system-level design rules.
- Support industry leadership through academic/industry collaboration, IP development, and contributions to standards and publications.
Minimum Qualifications:
- BS, MS or PhD in material science, chemical engineering, mechanical engineering or related field.
- 8 years of hands-on networking industry experience, with a focus in PCB technology.
- Demonstrated knowledge of PCB fabrication processes and technologies, including experience with PCB assembly, testing, and failure analysis.
- Experience leading and influencing cross-functional teams.
- Demonstrated expertise in project management, data-analysis, and presentation execution.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Experience with CAD tools and PCB design reviews (e.g., Cadence Allegro, Siemens Valor).
- Solid understanding of signal integrity and high-speed I/O system-level risks.
- Strong skills in failure analysis and root cause investigation.
- Ability to design manufacturable, reliable PCBA solutions that meet performance requirements.
- Experience developing test vehicles, leading testing, analyzing results, and creating implementation guidelines.
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. Simply put - we power the future.
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.
