Component Engineer

Cisco•San Jose, CA

1d•$122,200 - $177,900

About The Position

We are seeking a motivated Interconnect Engineer with a background in electromechanical and connector design, eager to grow into the multidisciplinary aspects of bringing next-generation interconnect components from concept to production. The ideal candidate is passionate about problem-solving and continuous improvement, with a strong commitment to product quality and a growing ability to support high-speed interconnect solutions for Cisco products. They bring a "can-do" attitude, independent thinking, and the ability to communicate technical issues clearly in a dynamic, fast-paced environment. Hands-on experience in connector design and component-level integration will help you contribute to developing and optimizing connectivity pathways in modern electronic systems. In this role, you will apply your design knowledge to help evaluate and qualify interconnect components that optimize signal integrity, mechanical robustness, reliability, and overall system performance, while complying with industry standards and regulatory requirements. You will contribute to cross-functional efforts to evaluate, down-select, and qualify connectors and interconnect components, partnering with suppliers to validate interconnect behavior from concept through NPI. Your developing understanding of materials, plating, and fabrication processes will help ensure components are technically sound, reliable, and cost-effective. This role offers significant opportunity to grow your expertise in component engineering and program support as Cisco brings the next generation of high-speed architectures to market. We are committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace and encourage candidates from all backgrounds to apply.

Requirements

BSME/BSEE or equivalent with typically 3–5+ years of experience supporting the introduction of new products.
Hands-on experience with interconnect and connector technologies at the application and component level, including the fundamentals of associated PCB attach technologies.
Demonstrated ability to contribute to cross-functional teams of internal and external stakeholders to help address and resolve performance and quality issues within complex programs.
Working knowledge of mechanical and electrical design principles, including tolerance analysis, fabrication methods, materials selection, plating, and validation testing, with familiarity with Signal Integrity (SI) fundamentals.
Solid project management skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities and collaborate effectively with engineering and supplier teams.

Nice To Haves

Familiarity with system-level design of networking equipment and the ability to translate system requirements into interconnect-level specifications.
Awareness of thermal management and liquid cooling considerations (e.g., coolant cables, cold-plate, leak detection, thermal interface materials (TIM), active cooling connectors).
Experience supporting supplier relationships and contributing to quality control measures that ensure product standards and reliability.
Exposure across key areas of the interconnect commodity space — Mechanical Engineering, Signal Integrity, Test, Failure Analysis, Manufacturing, and PCB/PCBA fabrication and connector assembly techniques.
Competency in SPC, FMEA, 8D / Corrective Action, Cause-and-Effect Analysis, Design of Experiments (DOE), and risk assessment.
Experience with high-speed cable assemblies and their applications is a plus.
Prior manufacturing-facing experience is a plus.

Responsibilities

Evaluate and qualify interconnect components that optimize signal integrity, mechanical robustness, reliability, and overall system performance, while complying with industry standards and regulatory requirements.
Contribute to cross-functional efforts to evaluate, down-select, and qualify connectors and interconnect components.
Partner with suppliers to validate interconnect behavior from concept through NPI.
Ensure components are technically sound, reliable, and cost-effective by understanding materials, plating, and fabrication processes.

Benefits

medical, dental and vision insurance
a 401(k) plan with a Cisco matching contribution
paid parental leave
short and long-term disability coverage
basic life insurance
grants of Cisco restricted stock units
10 paid holidays per full calendar year
1 floating holiday for non-exempt employees
1 paid day off for employee’s birthday
paid year-end holiday shutdown
4 paid days off for personal wellness
16 days of paid vacation time per full calendar year (non-exempt employees)
flexible vacation time off program (exempt employees)
80 hours of sick time off provided on hire date and each January 1st thereafter
up to 80 hours of unused sick time carried forward
additional paid time away may be requested to deal with critical or emergency issues for family members
Optional 10 paid days per full calendar year to volunteer
annual bonuses (for non-sales roles)
performance-based incentive pay (for sales roles)