Optical Hardware Systems Test Engineer

Cisco•San Jose, CA

1d•$167,700 - $245,200•Onsite

About The Position

Cisco Systems is seeking an Optical Hardware Systems Test Engineer to validate and ensure the quality of next-generation networking platforms, including switches, routers, and data center systems. In this high impact role, you will be hands-on in the lab leading the testing, validation, and bring-up of next-generation networking systems integrating ultra-high-speed silicon and advanced optics. You will play a pivotal role in validating ground breaking 112G/224G PAM4 SerDes channels, high-density Data Center Interconnects (DCI), and emerging Co-Packaged Optics (CPO) architectures.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Electrical engineering, Photonics, Computer Engineering, or related technical field with 7+ years of relevant industry experience (or Master's with 4+ years, PhD with 1+ 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 (VNAs, TDR, sampling scopes, BERTs, optical power meters, 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.
Analytical Tools: Experience with JMP, Tableau, Python based AI/ML models for advanced analytics.
Strong analytical, troubleshooting, and multi-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 / Near-Packaged Optics (CPO/NPO) engines.
Measure and characterize high-speed electro-optic channels across 112G/224G PAM4 SerDes and optical links, evaluating eye quality, bit error rate (BER), and link margins.
Develop and maintain Python, C/C++ or similar language test automation scripts and programs to control high-speed lab equipment (oscilloscopes, BERTs, optical spectrum analyzers, power meters) and automate test workflows.
Perform system stress testing across temperature, voltage, and traffic corners to ensure link stability and operating margins under full system loads.
Debug and root-cause sophisticated hardware, signal integrity, and optical link issues during prototype bring-up and system validation.
Partner multi-functionally 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
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)
flexible vacation time off program (exempt)
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 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
annual bonuses (for non-sales roles)
performance-based incentive pay (for sales roles)