Hardware Engineering Technical Leader

Cisco

. Evaluate and qualify sophisticated interconnect components for signal integrity, mechanical robustness, reliability, and system performance .

Posted 11/3/2026full-timeUnited StatesSenior💰 $171,600 - $245,000 per yearWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

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Demonstrates expertise in evaluating and qualifying interconnect components for performance and reliability, while effectively leading multifunctional teams and managing supplier relationships. Proficient in mechanical and electrical design principles, with a strong focus on continuous improvement throughout the product lifecycle.

Highest-signal resume keywords

Interconnect TechnologiesSignal Integrity FundamentalsMechanical And Electrical Design PrinciplesProgram ManagementSupplier Relationship Management

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills

Tolerance AnalysisFabrication MethodsMaterials SelectionPlatingValidation TestingHigh-Speed Cable AssembliesSPCFMEA8D/Corrective ActionCause-And-Effect Analysis

Soft Skills

LeadershipMentoringCollaborationContinuous ImprovementExpectation Management

Certifications & Qualifications

BSMEBSEE

Industry Keywords

Connector DesignPCB Attach TechnologiesThermal ManagementLiquid CoolingNetworking EquipmentManufacturingFailure AnalysisConnector Assembly TechniquesRisk AssessmentDOE

Tech Stack

Tools & technologies

Assembly

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Evaluate and qualify sophisticated interconnect components for signal integrity, mechanical robustness, reliability, and system performance
Lead multifunctional teams to evaluate, down-select, and qualify connectors and interconnect components
Partner with suppliers to predict and validate interconnect behavior from concept through new product introduction
Apply knowledge of materials, plating, and fabrication processes to ensure technically sound, reliable, and cost-effective components
Manage vendor relationships
Mentor junior engineers
Drive continuous improvement and excellence throughout the product lifecycle
Engage with Cisco business units, suppliers, and extended supply-chain functions
Bring next-generation high-speed interconnect architectures from concept to production

Requirements

What you’ll need

BSME/BSEE or equivalent with typically demonstrated ability bringing new products to market
Hands-on experience with interconnect and connector technologies at the application and component level
Fundamentals of associated PCB attach technologies
Experience leading multifunctional teams of internal and external collaborators to resolve performance and quality issues within large, complex programs
Experience mentoring junior engineers and managing expectations with senior leadership and management teams
Proficiency in mechanical and electrical design principles
Experience with tolerance analysis, fabrication methods, materials selection, plating, and validation testing
Familiarity with Signal Integrity (SI) fundamentals
Strong program management and leadership skills
Experience collaborating with leaders to identify business needs, align priorities, and achieve strategic objectives
Preferred: system-level design of networking equipment and decomposing system requirements into interconnect-level specifications
Preferred: thermal management and liquid cooling considerations, including coolant cables, cold plates, leak detection, TIM, and active cooling connectors
Preferred: supplier relationship management and quality control measures
Breadth across Mechanical Engineering, Signal Integrity, Test, Failure Analysis, Manufacturing, PCB/PCBA fabrication, and connector assembly techniques, or deep specialist expertise in connector design and qualification
Competency in SPC, FMEA, 8D/Corrective Action, Cause-and-Effect Analysis, DOE, and risk assessment
Experience with high-speed cable assemblies is a plus
Prior manufacturing-facing experience is a plus

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
Paid employee birthday day
Paid year-end holiday shutdown
4 paid personal wellness days
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
80 hours of sick time 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