Mechanical Engineer (Process Automation Engineer)

Cisco•San Jose, CA

8d•Hybrid

About The Position

Join Cisco's Process & Automation group and revolutionize optics manufacturing! We're seeking a dynamic Mechanical Engineer to design, develop, and optimize our automated optics assembly processes. You'll be instrumental in establishing robust, repeatable process capability, expanding production capacity through scalable solutions, and ensuring exceptional quality that consistently surpasses product and process standards. Your expertise will directly accelerate new product introduction (NPI) success, drive production efficiency, and uphold our unwavering commitment to excellence in optics manufacturing.

Requirements

Consistent record in improving manufacturing capability (process development), capacity (volume scaling), and quality (yield/reliability).
Bachelor’s degree along with + 8 years of related experience.
Excellent verbal and written communication skills; able to convey sophisticated technical concepts to technical and non-technical audiences.
Direct experience with new product introduction (NPI), successful transfer to high-volume manufacturing, and supporting.

Nice To Haves

Experience with lean manufacturing, Six Sigma, and continuous improvement methodologies for scaling capacity and quality.
Familiarity with high-volume contract manufacturing environments and supporting remote operations.
Experience in bringing up and managing contract manufacturers. Experience in optics or photonics manufacturing including active alignment methods.
Strong understanding of machine vision, controls, and sensors as applied to automated assembly systems. Proficiency with statistical analysis software (e.g., JMP or equivalent).
Master’s degree.

Responsibilities

Champion the design, development, and optimization of high-precision, automated assembly processes for wafer and module-level optical packaging.
Engineer and refine robust assembly methodologies, ensuring high repeatability, scalability, and yield.
Establish and optimize machine recipes and process parameters for prototype, pilot, and engineering test builds.
Systematically identify and resolve process issues using 8D methodology and statistical analysis, driving root-cause solutions for sustained quality improvements.
Design and implement Design of Experiments (DOE) to increase process capability and enable efficient scaling.
Specify, procure, and qualify custom assembly fixtures and tooling, and qualify in-house pilot assembly lines for high-volume production release.
Bring up and manage contract manufacturers, orchestrating process transfer, performance monitoring, and continuous improvement initiatives.
Analyze and refine manufacturing workflows, targeting bottlenecks, cost reduction, and improved cycle times through lean manufacturing practices.
Create and maintain comprehensive process documentation to standardize quality, and conduct process risk assessments, implementing mitigation strategies for robust, high-quality outputs.

Benefits

U.S. employees are offered benefits, subject to Cisco’s plan eligibility rules, which include medical, dental and vision insurance, a 401(k) plan with a Cisco matching contribution, paid parental leave, short and long-term disability coverage, and basic life insurance.
Employees may be eligible to receive grants of Cisco restricted stock units, which vest following continued employment with Cisco for defined periods of time.
10 paid holidays per full calendar year, plus 1 floating holiday for non-exempt employees
1 paid day off for employee’s birthday, paid year-end holiday shutdown, and 4 paid days off for personal wellness determined by Cisco
Non-exempt employees receive 16 days of paid vacation time per full calendar year, accrued at rate of 4.92 hours per pay period for full-time employees
Exempt employees participate in Cisco’s flexible vacation time off program, which has no defined limit on how much vacation time eligible employees may use (subject to availability and some business limitations)
80 hours of sick time off provided on hire date and each January 1st thereafter, and up to 80 hours of unused sick time carried forward from one calendar year to the next
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
For non-sales roles, employees are also eligible to earn annual bonuses subject to Cisco’s policies.