Hardware Engineer

The application window is expected to close on: Job posting may be removed earlier if the position is filled or if a sufficient number of applications are received. Cisco Hardware Engineers develop and work with Next Generation Technology to build Cisco Hardware products keeping in mind the user experience and in accordance with IEEE standards, and industry best practices. 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 package, board, and system technologies by driving advanced simulation, experimental validation, and cross-functional optimization. Working closely with Silicon Design, Supply Chain, and Electrical Design teams, your contributions will directly influence reliability, performance, and manufacturability across programs—while also supporting long-term technology roadmaps and industry leadership. Specific responsibilities include: Develop and apply novel simulation and experimental methods to enable and optimize advanced hardware technologies. This includes scalable multiphysics models to predict system-level performance, reliability, and manufacturability (e.g., solder joint reliability, warpage, TIM behavior). Design and execute DOEs/test vehicles and computational analyses to establish design guidelines and optimize material, geometry, and architecture. Evaluate tradeoffs across performance, reliability, and manufacturability using modeling and analysis. Collaborate with academia and industry partners; contribute to standards bodies, conferences, IP development, and peer-reviewed publications. Minimum Qualifications MS or PhD in Mechanical Engineering, Civil Engineering, Solid Mechanics, or Materials Science. 5+ years of experience in numerical analysis (e.g., FEA, CFD, coupled field analysis) and advanced packaging technology development. Strong background in mechanical design, reliability, and simulation of complex packaging structures, with a deep understanding of component- and board-level failure modes (e.g., warpage, CTE mismatch, delamination, fatigue). Proficiency in advanced simulation tools such as ANSYS Mechanical, Multiphysics, and Flotherm, with a track record of validating models through experimental methods. Demonstrated expertise in reliability testing, lifetime prediction methodologies, and characterization of real-world use conditions. Preferred Qualifications Experience with Systems Integration, 2.5D/3D advanced packaging, heterogeneous integration, and emerging microelectronics technologies. Knowledge of JEDEC or IPC standards related to reliability and thermal/mechanical testing. Strong cross-functional collaboration skills with experience working closely with design, manufacturing, and research teams. #WeAreCisco where every individual brings their unique skills and perspectives together to pursue our purpose of powering an inclusive future for all. Our passion is connection—we celebrate our employees’ diverse set of backgrounds and focus on unlocking potential. Cisconians often experience one company, many careers where learning and development are encouraged and supported at every stage. Our technology, tools, and culture pioneered hybrid work trends, allowing all to not only give their best, but be their best. We understand our outstanding opportunity to bring communities together and at the heart of that is our people. One-third of Cisconians collaborate in our 30 employee resource organizations, called Inclusive Communities, to connect, foster belonging, learn to be informed allies, and make a difference. Dedicated paid time off to volunteer—80 hours each year—allows us to give back to causes we are ... (truncated, view full listing at source)