Cisco
Director, Hardware Engineering (Client Optics Group)
Carlsbad, California, US · Director · Full-time
Sponsorship not specified$217k-$288kDetected 4 days ago
Machine LearningProduct ManagementPLCHardware DesignSignal ProcessingCiscoLeadershipCommunicationCollaboration
About the role
- The application window is expected to close on: 07/31/2026 Job posting may be removed earlier if the position is filled or if a sufficient number of applications are received.
- include architecture, development, simulation, diagnostics, bring-up, and validation of electronics IC (EIC) paired with silicon photonics ICs (PICs).
- A significant new focus for this role is the deployment of AI tools, when possible, to enhance productivity, quality, and development cycle times.
Responsibilities
- Working with the COG Program Management Team to develop and maintain accurate, detailed, and comprehensive program schedules and resource plans.
- Drive adoption of AI tools to enhance productivity, quality, and development speed.
- Oversee the design, development, delivery, and documentation of electronics ICs, and chipsets by working directly with the various team leaders to guarantee execution with predictability, velocity and quality.
- Ensure the Analog Design team is following best engineering practices in the development, custom layout, simulation, validation/characterization, & documentation of the optical transceiver designs being developed.
- Partner with the cross functional teams like digital design, SI/PI, layout, Silicon characterization, Product Management, and Operations teams to ensure multi-functional alignment and successful program delivery.
- Skilled collaborator and mentor, committed to building high-performing, innovative teams.
- Evaluating Marketing Requirements Documents (MRDs) and providing timely responses as to the approach, timeline, and feasibility for new product concepts.
Requirements
- 15+ years high-speed electronics and experience including management of global teams.
- Advanced degree (Master's/PhD) in Electrical/Computer Engineering, Physics, or related field work experience with a focus on semiconductor and/or optics development.
- Extensive experience in the following disciplines:
- Expert in the development of mixed-signal/analog electronics and silicon photonics with a proven track record of timely delivery and first-pass success.
Nice to have
- Advanced understanding of silicon manufacturing processes, photonics development leadership and automation
- Optical transceiver silicon and module architecture definition at 200Gbps/lane, 400Gbps/lane
- Good understanding of MSA standards such as QSFP/QSFP-DD and IEEE 802.3 ethernet specifications.
- 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:
- U.S. employees are eligible for paid time away as described below, subject to Cisco's policies:
- Additional paid time away may be requested to deal with critical or emergency issues for family members
Skills
- Foster a collaborative, innovative, accountable, and inclusive culture, promoting guidelines and knowledge sharing across global teams.
- Advocate for AI tools, with a history of driving adoption to accelerate development and improve productivity.
Compensation
- The starting salary range posted for this position is $216,500.00 to $287,900.00 and reflects the projected salary range for new hires in this position in U.S. and/or Canada locations, not including incentive compensation*, equity, or benef
Benefits
- Please see the Cisco careers site to discover more benefits and perks.
- Employees may be eligible to receive grants of Cisco restricted stock units, which vest following continued employment with Cisco for defined periods of time.
- 10 paid holidays per full calendar year, plus 1 floating holiday for non-exempt employees
- 1 paid day off for employee's birthday, paid year-end holiday shutdown, and 4 paid days off for personal wellness determined by Cisco
- Non-exempt employees** receive 16 days of paid vacation time per full calendar year, accrued at rate of 4.92 hours per pay period for full-time employees
- Exempt employees participate in Cisco's flexible vacation time off program, which has no defined limit on how much vacation time eligible employees may use (subject to availability and some business limitations)
- 80 hours of sick time off provided on hire date and each January 1st thereafter, and up to 80 hours of unused sick time carried forward from one calendar year to the next
- Apply analytics and AI/ML to stimulate edge cases, optimize test strategies, and improve test coverage, usability, debug capabilities, and fault isolation.
- Mentor and develop high-performing teams, emphasizing continuous learning in silicon development and effective use of AI-assisted development tools.
- Individual pay is determined by the candidate's hiring location, market conditions, job-related skillset, experience, qualifications, education, certifications, and/or training.
This listing is sourced directly from Cisco's careers page and normalized into a canonical job model.