Skip to content
Level

Cisco

PHY Algo ASIC Engineer

Cisco is hiring a PHY Algo ASIC Engineer in Tel Aviv, Israel. Level rates it ; you can apply on Cisco.

Level's read on this job

  • Level rates this role Little AI ●○○○: aI is not part of the work.
  • Tools and skills the posting cites include MATLAB, Simulink and C.
  • Level classifies it as a mid-level role.
  • Level lists 1,500+ other open roles at Cisco.
  • The role was posted within the past week.

AI in this role

Model, simulate, and optimize physical layer algorithms and high-speed SerDes architectures for Silicon One ASICs.

matlabsimulinkcpython

Your Impact

As a PHY Algorithm Engineer, you will contribute directly to the modeling, simulation, and performance optimization of advanced physical layer (PHY) and modem algorithms for our flagship Silicon One ASICs. Working alongside senior algorithm architects and silicon designers, you will translate theoretical communication concepts into high-fidelity MATLAB simulation models, analyze signal processing tradeoffs, and help validate algorithm performance on real silicon in the lab.


Key Responsibilities:

  • Model & Develop PHY Algorithms: Design, simulate, and analyze digital signal processing (DSP) and modem algorithms for high-speed SerDes physical layer architectures.
  • Build High-Fidelity Simulation Models: Develop and maintain comprehensive MATLAB and Simulink models to evaluate bit error rates (BER), equalization tradeoffs (CTLE, FFE, DFE), and noise performance.
  • Optimize Modem Parameters: Characterize and tune algorithm configuration parameters to enhance receiver sensitivity, link robustness, and hardware implementation feasibility.
  • Support Hardware & Software Integration: Collaborate closely with digital ASIC design, firmware, and systems engineering teams to ensure accurate fixed-point translation and RTL implementation of algorithm models.
  • Perform Lab Validation & Debug: Participate in hands-on silicon bring-up, lab measurements, and data collection to correlate simulation predictions with real-world silicon behavior.

Minimum Qualifications

  • Bachelor's or Master's degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or a related technical discipline.
  • 2+ years of hands-on experience in PHY algorithm development or related high-speed communication systems, with a broad system-level orientation and perspective.
  • Hands-on MATLAB experience for algorithm development, simulation, and testing.
  • Solid theoretical foundation in digital signal processing (e.g., adaptive filtering, equalization, clock and data recovery, modulation).
  • Practical understanding of communication systems and receiver/transmitter modem architectures.

Preferred Qualifications

  • Experience with high-speed SerDes systems, wireline communications, or high-speed optical/electrical PHY architectures.
  • Hands-on experience with lab test equipment (high-bandwidth oscilloscopes, BERTs, spectrum analyzers) for silicon characterization and signal integrity validation.
  • Familiarity with fixed-point modeling, C/C++, or Python scripting for simulation flow automation.
  • Background in algorithm tuning, parameter optimization, or link-budget analysis.
  • Strong analytical mindset, proactive problem-solving skills, and a collaborative team orientation.

Why Cisco? 

At Cisco, we’re revolutionizing how data and infrastructure connect and protect organizations in the AI era – and beyond. We’ve been innovating fearlessly for 40 years to create solutions that power how humans and technology work together across the physical and digital worlds. These solutions provide customers with unparalleled security, visibility, and insights across the entire digital footprint.

Fueled by the depth and breadth of our technology, we experiment and create meaningful solutions. Add to that our worldwide network of doers and experts, and you’ll see that the opportunities to grow and build are limitless. 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. 

We are Cisco, and our power starts with you. 

How we rate this

PHY Algo ASIC Engineer at Cisco rates 0 out of 100 for how much of the daily work is AI. That makes it Little AI (AI Level 1 of 4). The level is about AI in the job, not seniority.

Classification

Little AI. AI is not part of the work.

  1. ●●●● Builds AI80 to 100
  2. ●●●○ Works on AI60 to 79
  3. ●●○○ Uses AI40 to 59
  4. ●○○○ Little AI0 to 39

Levels come from how often the tools, models and workflows of the role are named in the posting itself. Read the description and count the AI tools, models and workflows it names.

Prepare for this job

Built from this posting and from similar jobs on Level.

Skills and AI tools this role asks for

MATLABSimulinkCPython

Questions you could be asked

  1. What's a project where you used MATLAB hands-on?
  2. Walk me through how you've used Simulink in your day-to-day work.
  3. What are the limits of C that you've run into, and how did you work around them?
  4. What's a project where you used Python hands-on?

Adapt your resume

  • List these exact terms on your resume: MATLAB, Simulink, C, and Python. An applicant tracking system matches the wording, not the idea.
  • Attach one line of real, concrete experience to at least one of them. A tool named with nothing behind it rarely survives a human read.

Want an expert to read your CV for this job?

Free. Send your CV and the role you want next. You get your review by email within 24 hours.

Get new software engineering jobs by email

One email a week with the new software engineering jobs, each rated for how much AI is in the work. No recruiter spam, unsubscribe in one click.

Free. One email a week. Unsubscribe in one click.

Similar roles

Software Engineering roles that involve little AI, at other companies.

What kind of AI work fits you?

Answer 12 practical questions in about three minutes. Get a simple profile, the work it points to, and live roles to explore next.

Find my next step

More jobs at Cisco

Related searches

Same AI level

Jobs by city