Sustainability Specialist: Circular Design

Cisco•Austin, NC

About The Position

Cisco's Supply Chain Sustainability team is a global group working across the business to drive social and environmental impact. The Sustainability Specialist will support Cisco's Circular Design program, partnering with engineering and supply chain teams to reduce the environmental impact of products throughout their lifecycle. Circular design is part of Cisco's sustainability strategy and applies to new products and packaging, including material choices, energy efficiency, repairability, reuse, and recycling. This hands-on role spans sustainability, engineering, and data. The specialist will run and grow the Circular Design program, manage cross-functional initiatives, research sustainable materials and technologies, track and report progress, support product carbon footprint work, and improve program processes through AI and automation. The role offers scope to shape the program as expectations for sustainable products grow.

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, or product carbon footprint (PCF) or life cycle assessment (LCA) studies.
Collaborator engagement, facilitation, and organizational change skills, including influencing 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, such as 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 (PCF) work, including supplier data collection, new tool rollouts, and hands-on PCF studies.
Streamline program processes using AI and automation to reduce manual effort and scale the program.

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
Restricted stock unit grants may be available, subject to eligibility and vesting conditions.
Paid holidays and floating holiday for non-exempt employees
Paid birthday day off, year-end holiday shutdown, and 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, subject to Cisco policies