Systems Hardware Engineer Apply (https://jobs.cisco.com/jobs/Login?projectId=1449597) + Location:San Jose, California, US + Alternate LocationAnywhere in the US + Area of InterestEngineer - Hardware + Compensation Range191400 USD - 281400 USD + Job TypeProfessional + Technology InterestCloud & AI (DCN & Compute), Networking + Job Id1449597 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. **Message to applicants applying to work in the U.S. and/or Canada:** When available, the salary range posted for this position reflects the projected hiring range for new hire, full-time salaries in U.S. and/or Canada locations, not including equity or benefits. For non-sales roles the hiring ranges reflect base salary only; employees are also eligible to receive annual bonuses. Hiring ranges for sales positions include base and incentive compensation target. Individual pay is determined by the candidate's hiring location and additional factors, including but not limited to skillset, experience, and relevant education, certifications, or training. Applicants may not be eligible for the full salary range based on their U.S. or Canada hiring location. The recruiter can share more details about compensation for the role in your location during the hiring process. U.S. employees haveaccess (https://www.cisco.com/c/en/us/about/careers/we-are-cisco/benefits-and-perks.html) to quality medical, dental and vision insurance, a 401(k) plan with a Cisco matching contribution, short and long-term disability coverage, basic life insurance and numerous wellbeing offerings. Employees receive up to twelve paid holidays per calendar year, which includes one floating holiday (for non-exempt employees), plus a day off for their birthday. Non-Exempt new hires accrue up to 16 days of vacation time off each year, at a rate of 4.92 hours per pay period. Exempt new hires participate in Cisco’s flexible Vacation Time Off policy, which does not place a defined limit on how much vacation time eligible employees may use, but is subject to availability and some business limitations. All new hires are eligible for Sick Time Off subject to Cisco’s Sick Time Off Policy and will have eighty (80) hours of sick time off provided on their hire date and on January 1st of each year thereafter. Up to 80 hours of unused sick time will be carried forward from one calendar year to the next such that the maximum number of sick time hours an employee may have available is 160 hours. Employees in Illinois have a unique time off program designed specifically with local requirements in mind. All employees also have access to paid time away to deal with critical or emergency issues. We offer additional paid time to volunteer and give back to the community. Employees on sales plans earn performance-based incentive pay on top of their base salary, which is split between quota and non-quota components. 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 up to 125% of target. Cisco sales plans do not have a minimum threshold of performance for sales incentive compensation to be paid. 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.