Hardware Engineering Lead

Cisco

. Define and design next-generation hyperscaler switch hardware based on Silicon One and/or merchant ASIC .

Posted 10/27/2026full-timeSan Jose • California • United StatesSenior💰 $171,600 - $245,000 per yearWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

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Demonstrates expertise in hardware design and system-level development, with a strong focus on FPGA systems, high-speed board design, and troubleshooting. Proficient in collaborating with cross-functional teams and managing complex hardware technologies.

Highest-signal resume keywords

FPGA System DesignHigh-Speed Board DesignSchematic CaptureTroubleshooting and DebuggingSystem-Level Development

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills

Verilog HDLVHDLPython ScriptingTcl ScriptingEthernet ProtocolPCIeI2CSPIMDC/MDIODRAM

Soft Skills

Self-MotivationTeamworkStrong Communication

Tools & Technologies

OscilloscopeAnalyzers

Industry Keywords

Hyperscaler Switch HardwareASICSystem InterfacesBoard Bring-UpProduct Design ValidationAccess-Switch Ethernet InterfacesGigabit EthernetMultigigabit Ethernet10 Gigabit EthernetHigh-Speed Ethernet Interfaces

Tech Stack

Tools & technologies

Python

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Define and design next-generation hyperscaler switch hardware based on Silicon One and/or merchant ASIC
Specify systems and boards at the system and board levels
Capture schematics and design FPGA systems
Perform ASIC/system-level bring-up and troubleshooting
Bring up systems while collaborating with ASIC, DFT, Signal Integrity, software, diagnostics, and manufacturing teams
Resolve hardware design issues
Debug and troubleshoot in laboratories using oscilloscopes and analyzers
Serve as technical liaison with major component suppliers for the product

Requirements

What you’ll need

Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or Telecommunications and 8+ years of experience; or Master’s degree in one of these fields and 6+ years of experience; or PhD in one of these fields and 3 years of system-level development
Prior experience with common hardware technology, including power, clock, memory, CPU, and system interfaces
Experience with complex high-speed board design and board bring-up
Experience with schematics/layout, hardware bring-up, troubleshooting, and system-level testing
Experience working with software teams on system bring-up and porting, including register-level device configuration
Experience with schematics, PCB, and Verilog HDL/VHDL design
Experience with scripting, such as Python and Tcl
Experience with lab bring-up and product design validation
Knowledge of Ethernet protocol is a plus
Experience with access-switch Ethernet interfaces: gigabit, multigigabit, and 10 gigabit
Experience with high-speed Ethernet interfaces: 25G, 100G, 400G, and 800G
Experience with DRAM, CPU subcomplexes, and control interfaces including PCIe, I2C, SPI, and MDC/MDIO
Self-motivation, teamwork, and strong communication skills

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, vesting following continued employment
10 paid holidays per full calendar year
1 floating holiday for non-exempt employees
Paid birthday day off
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 for exempt employees, with no defined limit 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 between calendar years
Additional paid time away for critical or emergency family issues
Optional 10 paid volunteer days per full calendar year
Annual bonuses for non-sales roles, subject to Cisco’s policies
Performance-based incentive pay for employees on sales plans, subject to the applicable Cisco plan