Hardware Engineer

Cisco

. Architect, design, implement, test, and support hardware security features and solutions across Cisco’s portfolio .

Posted 10/17/2026full-timeRaleigh • North Carolina • United StatesMid-LevelSenior💰 $115,800 - $163,200 per yearWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

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Demonstrates expertise in hardware security architecture, design, and implementation, with a strong focus on HDL design and verification, security principles, and embedded systems. Proficient in providing technical guidance and developing security technologies to enhance product security across various platforms.

Highest-signal resume keywords

HDL Design And VerificationHardware Security ArchitectureEmbedded CPU SystemsPost-Quantum CryptographyScripting With Python

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills

VerilogVHDLSystemVerilogBoard-Level Bring-UpDebuggingSecurity-Related Design PrinciplesThreat ModelingEncryption TechniquesEmbedded-Product ImplementationFirmware Execution

Soft Skills

Technical GuidanceEducation And AwarenessIndependent Activity Management

Tools & Technologies

OscilloscopesLogic AnalyzersJTAGSWDEvaluation Boards

Industry Keywords

Security TechnologiesHardware Security FeaturesFirmware-Based SecurityCPU ArchitecturesSecurity Vulnerabilities

Tech Stack

Tools & technologies

BootstrapLinuxPython

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Architect, design, implement, test, and support hardware security features and solutions across Cisco’s portfolio
Drive development and deployment of hardware- and firmware-based security technologies
Lead development and verification activities within the team
Serve as an applications engineering specialist and trusted advisor to product teams deploying security technologies
Assess system architectures and hardware components for security capabilities and vulnerabilities
Provide technical guidance and education to increase security awareness
Design, develop, document, and test hardware or combined hardware and firmware-based security technologies on CPU evaluation platforms and Cisco products
Assist internal product teams deploying hardware and software security technologies
Educate product teams on hardware security
Develop documentation, proof of concepts, reference code, and scripts to facilitate adoption and verification
Participate in hardware architecture, design, specifications, and HDL code reviews
Prioritize and independently manage concurrent activities
Pursue ongoing security education, investigate new threats and technologies, and evaluate security solutions

Requirements

What you’ll need

B.S. in Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or related technical field with 5+ years of relevant experience, or M.S. with 3+ years of experience
Prior experience in HDL (FPGA/ASIC) design or verification, such as Verilog, VHDL, or SystemVerilog
Prior experience with board-level bring-up and debugging using hardware debug tools and lab equipment
Experience with oscilloscopes, logic analyzers, JTAG/SWD, and evaluation boards
Experience with x86 and ARM CPU architectures, boot flow, and bootstrap/firmware execution
Scripting experience using Python or Linux shell scripts
Background in security-related design principles, threat modeling, and secure hardware architecture
Experience with Post-Quantum Cryptography standards, algorithms, encryption techniques, and embedded-product implementation
Prior experience with embedded CPU systems and hardware debug and testing in a lab environment
Must be a U.S. Person: U.S. citizen, U.S. national, lawful permanent resident, asylee, or refugee
May need to perform work restricted to U.S. citizens on U.S. soil

Benefits

Comp & perks

Medical, dental and vision insurance
401(k) plan with a Cisco matching contribution
Paid parental leave
Short- and long-term disability coverage
Basic life insurance
Cisco restricted stock unit grants may be available, subject to continued employment and vesting periods
10 paid holidays per full calendar year
1 floating holiday for non-exempt employees
1 paid day off for employee’s birthday
Paid year-end holiday shutdown
4 paid days off for personal wellness
16 days of paid vacation per full calendar year for non-exempt employees
Flexible vacation time off program with no defined limit for eligible exempt employees, subject to availability and business limitations
80 hours of sick time off provided on hire date and each January 1st thereafter
Up to 80 hours of unused sick time carried forward annually
Additional paid time away for critical or emergency family issues
Optional 10 paid volunteer days per full calendar year
Annual bonuses may be available for non-sales roles, subject to Cisco policies
Performance-based incentive pay for employees on sales plans