Quantum Team Principal Hardware Engineer
About The Position
Cisco Quantum Research is seeking a Principal Hardware Engineer to support its Quantum Experimental Team and help realize deployable quantum hardware platforms. The role is the primary technical authority for delivering integrated, rack-mounted quantum systems to customer data centers and research facilities, with responsibility for customer satisfaction and site-acceptance timelines. The engineer will bring together precision control electronics, RF/microwave distribution, thermal management, optical and photonic routing, and fiber management in cohesive, manufacturable, and serviceable rack architectures. The role connects the scientific research team with program management and ensures hardware assembly and testing are performed accurately. It also supports the transition of laboratory technologies into robust deployable platforms and improves processes for scaling hardware assembly, testing, and delivery.
Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree and 15 years of related experience, master’s degree and 12 years of related experience, Ph.D. and 8 years of related experience, or equivalent related work experience.
- At least 10 years of experience designing, integrating, and deploying high-density electromechanical, optoelectronic, or telecom racks.
- Experience with 3D CAD software such as SolidWorks, Creo, or Inventor, including rack layout design to the EIA-310 standard, structural enclosures, and cable-management routing.
- Experience with AC/DC power distribution, including PDUs, grounding schemes, and safety isolation.
- Experience with thermal and 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.
- Ability to provide structured design feedback based on assembly and test findings.
Responsibilities
- Architect scalable, manufacturable rack solutions 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.
- Integrate EIA-310-compliant rack infrastructure, PDUs, UPS systems, 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 execute assembly, integration, testing, and site-acceptance activities.
- Establish and improve assembly and test processes to support scaling and delivery of Cisco quantum computing hardware.
- Maintain accurate laboratory records and experimental results, demonstrating attention to detail and commitment to quality.
- Manage a team of engineers.
Benefits
- Medical insurance
- Dental insurance
- Vision insurance
- 401(k) plan with Cisco matching contribution
- Paid parental leave
- Short- and long-term disability coverage
- Basic life insurance
- Paid holidays
- Floating holiday for non-exempt employees
- Paid birthday off
- Paid year-end holiday shutdown
- Paid 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 for eligible non-sales employees
- Potential Cisco restricted stock unit grants
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Principal
