Principal Digital Design Lead

Cisco

Remote Actively hiring
Remote, USA · Carlsbad, USA Posted 22 days ago $208,600–$287,000 / year
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At a glance

AI generated

TL;DR

Join Cisco’s Client Optics Group (COG) as a senior digital design engineer leading the architecture and RTL development of complex silicon photonics ICs for high-speed optical transceivers, focusing on 100G-400G per lambda solutions. You will drive full-chip integration, define quality standards, and collaborate with verification, firmware, and physical design teams to ensure successful tape-outs. Key responsibilities include mentoring global teams, fostering innovation, and developing automation scripts in Python, Perl, or Tcl. Ideal candidates have extensive experience in ASIC/SoC design flows, technical leadership in block/subsystem development, and a track record of driving AI tool adoption. The role involves working on cutting-edge optical interconnect products that support emerging technologies like AI/ML workloads and next-generation data center architectures.

Skills

Python Perl Tcl RTL DFT ASIC SoC Synopsys Cadence Mentor_Graphics SerDes Ethernet CI/CD

What you'll do

  • Lead architecture and microarchitecture of complex digital blocks for silicon photonics ICs.
  • Define and implement RTL quality standards and procedures across the organization.
  • Drive full-chip integration of high-speed IPs including ODSP, D2D, and SerDes XSR/PAM4.
  • Own the DFT strategy and ensure testability in all design phases.
  • Develop automation scripts using Python, Perl, and Tcl for design analysis and QoR tracking.

What we're looking for

  • Bachelor’s degree + 15 years or equivalent experience in ASIC/SoC design
  • Proven expertise in full ASIC/SoC design flow including RTL development and DFT
  • Technical leadership in complex digital block/subsystem development
  • Experience with scripting languages such as Python, Perl, and Tcl
  • Demonstrated ability to lead large cross-functional teams effectively
  • Familiarity with high-speed IPs like SerDes, Ethernet, and D2D PHY IP
  • Track record of successful tape-outs and post-silicon validation

Market check

Salary context

This $208,600–$287,000 range sits above 88% of similar postings on FindRole.

Peer median band

$150,000–$240,000

Median floor and ceiling across peers.

Typical midpoint (25–75%)

$173,400–$223,350

Middle half of comparable postings.

Based on 239 comparable postings.

* 240 is the maximum number of comparable postings sampled.

Employer

About Cisco

Cisco Systems is the world''s leading networking technology company, designing and manufacturing networking hardware, telecommunications equipment, and cybersecurity solutions for businesses and governments. Industry: Networking Technology & Cybersecurity

Cisco currently has 103 open roles on FindRole.

Listed pay typically runs $165,000–$241,400 across 103 roles with salary data.

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