# Hardware Engineering Technical Leader at Cisco

Cisco is hiring a Hardware Engineering Technical Leader in San Jose, United States. It pays $172k-$245k a year and Level rates it Little AI ●○○○; you can [apply on Cisco](https://jobsbylevel.com/go/046d5f26-be66-4883-bc3d-e59b32d0d62a?utm_medium=ai-agent).

AI Level 1, AI centrality 0 out of 100. San Jose, California, US.

## Details

- Company: [Cisco](https://jobsbylevel.com/companies/cisco)
- AI level: AI Level 1 (score 0 out of 100)
- Location: San Jose, California, US
- Salary: $172k-$245k
- Posted: November 12, 2026
- Apply: https://jobsbylevel.com/go/046d5f26-be66-4883-bc3d-e59b32d0d62a?utm_medium=ai-agent
- Free CV review for this job: https://jobsbylevel.com/cv-review?job=hardware-engineering-technical-leader-at-cisco-a10ffa

## Prepare for this job

The job page lists 5 likely interview questions for this offer, with a CV checklist: https://jobsbylevel.com/jobs/hardware-engineering-technical-leader-at-cisco-a10ffa

## Description

The application window is expected to close on: 12/21/2026 Meet the Team You will work closely with a network of Cisco optical suppliers and internal Cisco teams to guide optical components and optical module qualification and module assembly. You will operate in a highly collaborative, cross-functional environment that includes engineering, operations, and supply chain teams to develop next-generation optical transceiver technologies. This role offers high cross-organizational visibility and the opportunity to influence critical technology development and commodity strategy for Cisco's various product platforms. Your Impact As an Optical Hardware Engineering Technical Leader, you will lead optical device and assembly process qualification for Cisco's next generation optics products. You will partner with internal design teams to assess, develop, and qualify suppliers and technologies for high speed optical transceivers, ELSFP, CPO/NPO etc. You will own the quality, reliability, and manufacturability of these components and modules from the design phase through to end-of-life. Responsibilities: Assess, develop, and qualify suppliers and technologies for next generation optics products. Conduct technical assessments of optical suppliers, including next-generation technologies, material systems, packaging solutions, and quality/reliability. Perform design and process reviews and audits to ensure design robustness, quality, and manufacturing readiness. Own the quality, reliability, and manufacturability of optical sub-modules and optical transceivers from design phase to end-of-life. Assess business-impacting issues and drive product/component failure analysis, containment, and corrective actions. Minimum Qualifications 8+ years of relevant experience in optics, specifically in opto-electronics or optical materials. Degree in Optical Engineering, Physics, Materials Science, or a similar field. Demonstrated understanding of design, working principles, physics, and failure modes of optical components, sub-assemblies and modules. Proven experience in reliability engineering, quality metrics, and resolving design/manufacturing reliability issues. Demonstrated ability to work within a cross-functional environment and manage external suppliers. Preferred Qualifications Ability to troubleshoot optical device reliability and assembly process issues. Experience in 8D or model-based problem solving. Knowledge of statistical process control and facility with data analysis. Proficiency in optical component and semiconductor failure analysis techniques. Strong communication, project management, and influencing skills. 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. Message to applicants applying to work in the U.S. and/or Canada: The starting salary range posted for this position is $171,600.00 to $245,000.00 and reflects the projected salary range for new hires in this position in U.S. and/or Canada locations, not including incentive compensation*, equity, or benefits. Individual pay is determined by the candidate's hiring location, market conditions, job-related skillset, experience, qualifications, education, certifications, and/or training. The full

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