Senior Hardware Engineering Program Manager

Cisco•San Jose, CA

1d•Onsite

About The Position

The Systems and Optics Hardware PMO team serves as the engine for Cisco’s hardware portfolio, redefining complex strategies into predictable, high-quality delivery through multi-functional governance and operational excellence. As a Hardware Engineering Program Manager, you will act as the primary orchestrator for next-generation platforms, driving the end-to-end product lifecycle while ensuring financial rigor and seamless alignment across our engineering and business partners.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in engineering with 8+ years of experience or a master’s degree in engineering with 6+ years of experience in technical program management, or PhD with 3+ years of experience.
Demonstrated experience leading end-to-end, complex hardware programs consisting of multiple PCBAs with moderate to high risk and multi-functional interdependencies.
Experience in defining and delivering program plans, schedules, and budgets, including monitoring critical path activities and resource allocation.
Experience in project management tools (e.g., Jira, Confluence, MS Project) to track program metrics.

Nice To Haves

Experience using AI tools, e.g. ChatGPT, Codex, Claude to improve the program management process.
Expertise in Design Verification Testing (DVT) processes within complex hardware development lifecycles.
Extensive knowledge of hardware manufacturing environments, production workflows, and supply chain operations.
Strategic background in supply chain operations or procurement for large-scale hardware programs.
Proven ability to communicate difficult concepts and influence outcomes across internal and external partner groups.
Demonstrated expertise with leading multi-functional dependencies in fast-paced engineering environments.
Familiarity with demonstrating advanced analytical tools and AI-enabled methodologies to optimize program management efficiency.

Responsibilities

Lead program management of large-scale, high-risk hardware products for Cisco with multiple interdependencies across functions, ensuring successful end-to-end delivery from concept to customer release.
Orchestrate multi-functional activities by aligning hardware and software engineering, product management, service, customer documentation and operations teams to ensure cohesive, high-quality execution.
Drive complex problem-solving by interpreting current business trends to identify and implement innovative, strategic solutions for program delivery.
Monitor program health, lead critical path roadmaps, risk mitigation and necessary course corrections.
Lead all aspects of budget preparations, resource allocation, and financial rigor to ensure effective utilization and alignment to business plans.
Influence and persuade partners at all levels, providing executive-level status updates and strategic recommendations for maintaining relationships.
Provide technical expertise and mentorship to engineering project management staff, fostering process improvements and the implementation of continuous integration methodologies.

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, 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
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