Hardware Engineering Technical Leader (onsite) - 2014979

About the role

Cisco Systems is seeking a System Level Test Engineering Technical Lead to validate and ensure the quality of next-generation networking platforms, including switches, routers, and data center systems.

Responsibilities

• Leadership: Leads the innovation, design and architecture of new hardware products, services and solutions. Re-enforces guidelines/standards within and outside of ownership.
• Oversees development of testing and issue resolution approach, and coordinates with appropriate stakeholders to address issues.
• Develops approach to verifying products against Cisco and industry quality standards.
• Provides technical knowledge to engineering teams where needed to support production, installation and configuration of complex hardware products.
• Mentors peers or others on the team.
• Facilitates/encourages knowledge sharing in the team (e.g., brownbags, demos, design sessions).
• System Validation & Integration: Define and execute system-level validation strategies for complex networking platforms. Validate end-to-end functionality across hardware, OS, and networking software stacks. Perform feature, regression, interoperability, and scale testing. Test Development & Automation: Develop automated test frameworks using Python, C/C++, or similar languages. Build scalable validation environments for high-throughput networking systems. Integrate tests into CI/CD pipelines for continuous validation.
• Performance & Scale Testing: Design and execute tests for throughput, latency, packet loss, and scale limits. Validate system behavior under high traffic loads and real-world network conditions. Analyze system performance across L2/L3 protocols and data center workloads. Debug & Root Cause Analysis: Debug complex issues spanning ASICs, firmware, drivers, and network OS. Perform root cause analysis using logs, traces, and lab instrumentation. Collaborate with design and software teams to resolve issues efficiently.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Partner with ASIC, hardware design, software, and architecture teams. Influence design decisions by identifying system-level risks early. Work with customers and field teams to reproduce and resolve issues. Drives innovation on medium-to-large features from technical design through completion and mentors others. Drives the Hardware Engineering strategy within the group and Cisco, and ensures cross functional collaboration on projects.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s, Master’s or Ph.D. degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Computer Science, or related field
• 8+ years of experience in ASIC bring-up, system validation, networking test, or hardware/software integration
• Programming/scripting experience (Python, C/C++, or similar)
• Hands-on experience with system-level debugging and familiarity with lab equipment like MMs, Oscilloscopes
• Experience with Test Data Analysis and familiarity with tools like jmp, pandas or other data analysis tools

Preferred Qualifications

• Familiarity with high-speed interfaces (Ethernet 25G/100G/400G, PCIe)
• Product and Test Engineering background
• Experience testing network operating systems (NX-OS, IOS-XR, or similar)
• Knowledge of traffic generators (Ixia, Spirent) and network test tools
• Knowledge of networking fundamentals (TCP/IP, routing, switching)
• Experience with automation frameworks and large-scale testbeds