ASIC Optical Hardware Systems Test Engineer

Cisco•San Jose, CA

2d•$167,700 - $245,200

About The Position

Cisco Systems is seeking an ASIC Optical Hardware Systems Test Engineer to validate the quality of next-generation networking platforms, including switches, routers, and data center systems. The role is hands-on in the lab, leading testing, validation, and bring-up of networking systems that integrate high-speed silicon and advanced optics. It includes validating 112G/224G PAM4 SerDes channels, high-density Data Center Interconnects, and emerging Co-Packaged Optics architectures. The engineer will characterize electro-optic channels and optical links, develop test automation, perform system stress testing, and debug hardware, signal-integrity, and optical-link issues. The role collaborates with ASIC architecture, signal integrity, board design, software/diagnostics, and manufacturing teams from early silicon bring-up through production release.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Photonics, Computer Engineering, or a related technical field with 7 or more years of relevant industry experience; alternatively, a master's degree with 4 or more years, or a PhD with 1 or more years.
Hands-on experience in lab bring-up, system-level validation, and hardware testing of high-speed networking systems or electro-optic hardware.
Strong understanding of optical transceivers, optical link budgets, high-speed SerDes (56G/112G+ PAM4), and bit error rate testing.
Experience using standard lab instrumentation, including VNAs, TDR, sampling oscilloscopes, BERTs, optical power meters, and spectrum analyzers.

Nice To Haves

Familiarity with Co-Packaged Optics (CPO), Near-Packaged Optics (NPO), or Linear Pluggable Optics (LPO).
Deep expertise with high-speed interfaces, Ethernet standards (IEEE 802.3 400G/800G), PCIe, and optical transceiver management interfaces.
Experience with thermal characterization of high-power silicon using liquid cooling plates, thermal chambers, or automated handlers.
Prior experience with Cisco Silicon One or high-performance data center switching architectures.
Proficiency in Python scripting for lab test automation, instrument control, and data analysis.
Experience with analytical tools such as JMP, Tableau, or Python-based AI/ML models for advanced analytics.
Strong analytical, troubleshooting, and cross-functional communication skills.

Responsibilities

Lead hands-on bring-up, validation, and characterization of Silicon One ASICs integrated with high-speed optical transceivers and emerging Co-Packaged or Near-Packaged Optics engines.
Measure and characterize high-speed electro-optic channels across 112G/224G PAM4 SerDes and optical links, evaluating eye quality, bit error rate, and link margins.
Develop and maintain test automation scripts and programs in Python, C/C++, or similar languages to control high-speed lab equipment and automate test workflows.
Perform system stress testing across temperature, voltage, and traffic corners to verify link stability and operating margins under full system loads.
Debug and root-cause hardware, signal-integrity, and optical-link issues during prototype bring-up and system validation.
Collaborate with ASIC architecture, signal integrity, board design, software/diagnostics, and manufacturing teams from early silicon bring-up through production release.

Benefits

Medical, dental, and vision insurance
401(k) plan with Cisco matching contribution
Paid parental leave
Short- and long-term disability coverage
Basic life insurance
Restricted stock unit grants may be available, subject to eligibility and vesting conditions.
Paid holidays and a floating holiday for non-exempt employees
Birthday day off, year-end holiday shutdown, and personal wellness days
Paid vacation or flexible vacation time off, depending on employee classification
Paid sick time
Additional paid time away may be requested for critical or emergency family issues
Optional paid volunteer days
Annual bonuses may be available for non-sales roles