Sustainability Specialist: Circular Design

Cisco•Research Triangle Park, NC

1d•$93,500 - $125,500

About The Position

The Sustainability Specialist will support Cisco’s Circular Design program within the global Supply Chain Sustainability team. The program embeds circular design requirements into new products and packaging, with a focus on material selection, energy efficiency, and making products easier to repair, reuse, and recycle. The role works across sustainability, engineering, supply chain, data, and IT to reduce the environmental impact of Cisco products across their lifecycles. This hands-on role keeps the program running and helps it grow. It includes day-to-day program operations, cross-functional project management, research into sustainable materials and technologies, program metrics and reporting, and support for product carbon footprint work. The specialist will also help streamline processes through AI and automation, contributing to how the program evolves and responds to expectations for sustainable products.

Requirements

Bachelor’s or Master’s degree with at least 2 years of related experience, or a PhD in a relevant field such as engineering or environmental science.
At least 2 years of experience managing cross-functional projects, including planning, tracking work, and coordinating participants.
Experience analyzing large datasets in Excel, SQL, or similar tools to deliver actionable insights.
Experience preparing reports or presentations for leaders or external audiences.

Nice To Haves

Background in engineering, environmental science, or supply chain, with a technical understanding of electronics and hardware design.
Hands-on experience with circular or eco-design, recycled materials, product carbon footprint studies, or life cycle assessment studies.
Strong collaborator engagement, facilitation, and organizational change skills, including the ability to influence without authority.
Clear written and verbal communication skills, including explaining complex technical topics to engineers and non-technical audiences.
Experience using AI tools to automate workflows or writing requirements for data and IT teams.

Responsibilities

Run the Circular Design program day to day, embed requirements into product development, support teams using the design evaluation tool, and partner with IT on tool enhancements.
Manage cross-functional projects, including recycled materials pilots, by setting plans, aligning partners, and tracking owners and deadlines.
Research sustainable materials and technologies, identify standard processes, and help engineering teams make informed design choices.
Track and report program progress, own metrics, work with data teams on dashboards, and prepare content for internal reporting, external publications, and customer inquiries.
Support product carbon footprint work, including supplier data collection, new tool rollouts, and hands-on PCF studies.
Use AI and automation to reduce manual effort and scale the program.

Benefits

Medical, dental, and vision insurance.
401(k) plan with Cisco matching contribution.
Paid parental leave.
Short- and long-term disability coverage.
Basic life insurance.
Paid holidays and a floating holiday for non-exempt employees.
A paid day off for the employee’s birthday, a paid year-end holiday shutdown, and paid personal wellness days.
Paid vacation or flexible vacation time off, depending on employee classification.
Paid sick time, with limited carryover of unused sick time.
Additional paid time away may be requested for critical or emergency family issues.
Optional paid volunteer days.
Annual bonuses for non-sales roles, subject to Cisco policies.
Potential grants of Cisco restricted stock units, subject to eligibility and continued employment.