Principal Hardware Engineer

Cisco•Santa Monica, CA

About The Position

The Outshift by Cisco team is one of Cisco’s most visible innovation organizations, driving the next generation of transformative technologies and business opportunities. You will collaborate with some of the company’s most forward-thinking researchers, engineers, and technology leaders. Within the Outshift Quantum Research team and Quantum Labs, we are pioneering the design and development of practical, scalable, and efficient quantum networking technologies — foundational building blocks for the future Quantum Internet. Our multidisciplinary team of scientists and engineers is dedicated to advancing the state of the art in quantum networking, distributed quantum systems, and quantum-enabled applications. Cisco Quantum Research is seeking a skilled Principal Hardware Engineer to support our Quantum Experimental Team in a role that is central to the physical realization of Cisco's deployable quantum hardware platforms. You act as the primary technical authority responsible for delivering integrated, rack-mounted quantum systems directly to customer data centers and research facilities, directly driving customer satisfaction and site-acceptance timeline success. You will unify disparate engineering domain outputs—including precision control electronics, RF/microwave distribution, thermal management, optical/photonic routing, and fiber management—into a cohesive, manufacturable, and serviceable rack architecture. You will serve as a critical link between the scientific research team and the program management function, ensuring that hardware assembly and test activities are performed with precision.

Requirements

Bachelors + 15 years of related experience, or Masters + 12 years of related experience, or PhD + 8 years of related experience, or equivalent related work experience.
10+ years experience designing, integrating, and deploying high-density electro-mechanical, optoelectronic, or telecom rack.
Experience with 3D CAD software (SolidWorks, Creo, or Inventor) with experience in rack layout design (EIA-310 standard), structural enclosures, and cable management routing.
Experience with AC/DC power distribution (PDUs, grounding schemes, safety isolation), thermal/airflow management inside enclosed racks, and environmental interlocks.
Experience managing a team of engineers.

Nice To Haves

Experience defining and performing Factory Acceptance Testing (FAT) and Site Acceptance Testing (SAT), including authoring site-readiness specifications for enterprise or research customer facilities.
Experience reading, interpreting, and producing engineering drawings, schematics, and assembly procedures, with demonstrated ability to provide structured design feedback based on assembly and test findings.

Responsibilities

Architect scalable, manufacturable rack solutions by integrating electrical, RF/microwave, thermal, optical, and fiber-optic subsystems.
Lead the design, integration, and deployment of rack-level quantum systems for customer data centers and research environments, including EIA-310-compliant rack infrastructure, PDUs, UPS integration, grounding, electrical isolation, thermal management, and environmental monitoring systems.
Ensure compliance with global electrical and safety standards, including UL, CE, and IEC requirements.
Optimize system layouts for performance, reliability, serviceability, and efficient cable and fiber management.
Collaborate with scientists and engineers to transition laboratory technologies into robust, deployable hardware platforms.
Partner with program management to ensure principled execution of assembly, integration, testing, and site acceptance activities.
Establish and improve assembly and test processes to support the scaling and delivery of Cisco's quantum computing hardware.
Demonstrates outstanding attention to detail and a dedication to quality by consistently producing accurate laboratory records and experimental results.

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
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
16 days of paid vacation time per full calendar year, accrued at rate of 4.92 hours per pay period for full-time employees (non-exempt)
flexible vacation time off program (exempt)
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
annual bonuses
performance-based incentive pay
restricted stock units