This role pays more than
51%
of similar roles. Most pay
$172,500–$231,725
— the shaded band above.
At the midpoint, this role pays about
$208k
versus about
$202k
for comparable roles.
Based on 240 similar postings.
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
178 open roles
on FindRole.
Listed pay typically runs
$167,700–$245,200
across 142 roles with salary data.
System Hardware Board Design Engineering Lead (PCB) serves as a technical leader within the Common Hardware Group to develop high-performance networking products like the Cisco 8000 Series routers. This individual contributor role involves defining board-level architecture, power-delivery strategies, and design directions while leading complex initiatives from initial requirements through manufacturing release. The successful candidate will resolve critical signal integrity, power integrity, and thermal challenges while collaborating with cross-functional teams including silicon, mechanical, and software engineers. Key technical requirements include expertise in high-speed digital design, multi-phase power conversion, and technologies such as PCIe, DDR, SerDes, and advanced packaging. Candidates must be proficient with Cadence Concept and Allegro tools, laboratory equipment like oscilloscopes and logic analyzers, and Python for test scripts. The role focuses on solving complex hardware challenges for large-scale infrastructure and high-performance networking systems.
Define board-level architecture, technology choices, power-delivery strategies, and design directions for complex networking products.
Lead major hardware initiatives from initial requirements and architecture through validation, qualification, and manufacturing release.
Resolve high-risk technical challenges involving signal integrity, power integrity, reliability, thermal management, and manufacturing.
Conduct laboratory work and participate in cross-functional technical investigations to drive data-driven design decisions.
Mentor engineers and establish practical design methods, verification strategies, and quality improvement processes.
Manage technical relationships with silicon vendors, PCB fabricators, and contract manufacturers to navigate trade-offs and execution.
Communicate technical risks, alternatives, and recommendations to senior stakeholders regarding product development.
Own the end-to-end design and validation of specific sub-systems to ensure they meet functional specifications.
What we're looking for
Must hold a Bachelor's in Electrical or Computer Engineering with 7+ years experience, a Master's with 5+ years, or a PhD with 2+ years.
Experience in hardware board design and system-level development including high-speed digital design, signal integrity, power integrity, and hardware validation.
Proficiency in using lab equipment such as oscilloscopes, logic analyzers, and spectrum analyzers.
Experience taking board designs from concept to production, including schematics generation, layouts, troubleshooting, and use of Cadence Concept and Allegro.
Experience with networking, server, or high-performance embedded systems involving technologies like Ethernet, PCIe, DDR, SerDes, and multi-phase power conversion.
Experience leading technical projects, partnering with vendors/fabricators, and leading multi-site engineering teams or cross-functional groups.
Must live within commuting distance of the Milpitas, CA office and be able to commute 5 days per week.
Preferred qualifications include experience with networking products, co-packaged optics, Python test scripts, and analytical problem solving.