> Markdown version of [/jobs/ext/1897033-hardware-systems-engineering-technical-leader](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/jobs/ext/1897033-hardware-systems-engineering-technical-leader). Every page supports `.md` or `Accept: text/markdown`. Links point to the HTML versions so they work for humans too. Agent guide: [/agents.md](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/agents.md).

---

# Hardware Systems Engineering Technical Leader

- **Company:** Cisco Systems, Inc.
- **Location:** Milpitas, CA, United States
- **Experience:** Expert
- **Salary:** $168,800.0 - $241,200.0
- **Contract:** Permanent contract
- **Skills:** Artificial Intelligence, Systems Engineering, Cisco Routers, Computer Engineering, Software Debugging, Ethernet, Field-Programmable Gate Array (FPGA), Hardware Design, Network Architecture, Network Interface, Network Administration, PCI Express, Cadence Virtuoso, Requirements Management, Signal Integrity, CPLD, Network Switches, Network Routers, Computer Network Operations, Application Specific Integrated Circuits, Industrial Software, Cisco, Hardware Debugging
- **Published:** July 31, 2026
- **Apply:** https://www.careerbuilder.com/job-details/hardware-systems-engineering-technical-leader-milpitas-ca--47f0aa4e-0838-4852-8c1c-b2dc6aa7d485

## About the Role

* Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering or Computer Engineering and 8+ years of experience, or Master's degree in Electrical Engineering or Computer Engineering and 6+ years of experience, or PhD in Electrical Engineering or Computer Engineering + 3 years in hardware system level development
 * Experience with high speed design for Ethernet or PCIe
 * Experience collaborating with peer teams such as: Manufacturing, Software, Mechanical, or Signal Integrity
 * Experience in Board Design using industry standard tools such as Concept, Allegro, or equivalent tools
 * Experience with lab bring up and hardware design validation of products

Preferred Qualifications

 * Experience writing hardware functional specifications
 * Experience with High-Speed Network Interfaces (10G/25G/100G)
 * Experience with control interfaces such as PCIe, MDIO, SPI, I2C
 * Experience designing systems with DDR4/DDR5 DIMMs
 * Experience with tackling signal integrity issues and board mounted power design and distribution techniques
 * Experience working with programmable devices such as FPGAs, CPLD
 * Prior experience with shipping products, ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit), Artificial Intelligence (AI), CPLD, Cadence Allegro, Cisco Network Hardware, Cisco Network Systems, Cisco Routers, Computer Engineering, Cross-Functional, Debugging Skills, Electrical Engineering, Ethernet, FPGA, Hardware Debugging, Hardware Design, Hardware Development, Hardware Specification, Industry Standards, Laboratory, Laboratory Analysis, Manufacturing, Manufacturing Software, Network Administration/Management, Network Operations Center, Network Routers, Network Switching, On Site Support, Optics, PCI Express (PCI-E), Printed Circuit Board Design, Problem Solving Skills, Product Design, Product Development, Product Lifecycle, Product Shipments, Product Testing, Requirements Management, SERDES, Sales, Sales Strategy, Schematics, Signal Integrity, Systems Engineering, Team Player, Technical Leadership, Test Plan/Schedule, Testing, Wireless Products

## Description

You will work among engineers as a direct contributor, designing and operating our growing worldwide network infrastructure. Your responsibilities will span from hardware definition to design, and from qualification to final product release to our customers.

 * Designing the hardware for the Cisco 8000 series routers to deliver the best quality and best power efficiency using groundbreaking Serdes technology at the highest bit rates possible.
 * Drive hardware product life cycle development including architecture, detailed design, bring up, debug, Hardware Qualification, Release to Manufacturing, sustaining support and field failure support
 * Use Cadence/Allegro to develop and collect schematics
 * Guide layout and routing phase of the design
 * Write hardware specs, develop test plans, bring up hardware with ASIC teams
 * Debug issues the lab using analyzers, scopes
 * Collaborate multi-functionally with architects, developers, and vendors within Cisco throughout the product development life cycle, solving sophisticated problems along the way.


## Related Videos

- [How Cisco embraced a DevOps culture within its network engineering team](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/99-how-cisco-embraced-a-devops-culture-within-its-network-engineering-team)
- [The Gashlycrumb Tinies of AI Networking You Must Know (or Languish!)](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/2067-the-gashlycrumb-tinies-of-ai-networking-you-must-know-or-languish)
- [More efficient software for more efficient microchips](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/1164-more-efficient-software-for-more-efficient-microchips)
- [Building a hypercar from scratch](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/607-building-a-hypercar-from-scratch)
- [Breaking the Hardware Mindset: Overcoming Barriers to System-Level Innovation](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/1635-breaking-the-hardware-mindset-overcoming-barriers-to-system-level-innovation)
- [Docker network without Docker](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/1418-docker-network-without-docker)

## Related Articles

- [Top Characteristics of a Software Engineer](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/166-top-characteristics-of-a-software-engineer)
- [What is Software Engineering?](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/289-what-is-software-engineering)
- [Is Software Engineering Hard?](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/448-is-software-engineering-hard)
- [Software Engineer Career: Things You Should Know](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/143-software-engineer-career-things-you-should-know)
- [Highest Paying Tech Companies for Developers](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/220-highest-paying-tech-companies-for-developers)
- [Résumé-Driven Development: How IT trends affect the job market for software developers](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/59-resume-driven-development-how-it-trends-affect-the-job-market-for-software-developers)