Optical Hardware Systems Test Engineer

Application window expected to close on 10/01/2026.

About the role

Cisco Systems is seeking an Optical Hardware Systems Test Engineer to validate and ensure the quality of next-generation networking platforms, including switches, routers, and data center systems. The role involves hands‑on lab work leading testing, validation, and bring‑up of next‑generation networking systems integrating ultra‑high‑speed silicon and advanced optics.

Responsibilities

• Lead hands‑on bring‑up, validation, and characterization of Silicon One ASICs integrated with high‑speed optical transceivers and emerging Co‑Packaged / Near‑Packaged Optics (CPO/NPO) engines.
• Measure and characterize high‑speed electro‑optic channels across 112G/224G PAM4 SerDes and optical links, evaluating eye quality, bit error rate (BER), and link margins.
• Develop and maintain Python, C/C++ or similar language test automation scripts and programs to control high‑speed lab equipment (oscilloscopes, BERTs, optical spectrum analyzers, power meters) and automate test workflows.
• Perform system stress testing across temperature, voltage, and traffic corners to ensure link stability and operating margins under full system loads.
• Debug and root‑cause sophisticated hardware, signal integrity, and optical link issues during prototype bring‑up and system validation.
• Partner multi‑functionally with ASIC architecture, signal integrity, board design, software/diagnostics, and manufacturing teams from early silicon bring‑up through production release.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical engineering, Photonics, Computer Engineering, or related technical field with 7+ years of relevant industry experience (or Master's with 4+ years, PhD with 1+ years).
• Hands‑on experience in lab bring‑up, system‑level validation, and hardware testing of high‑speed networking systems or electro‑optic hardware.
• Strong understanding of optical transceivers, optical link budgets, high‑speed SerDes (56G/112G+ PAM4), and bit error rate testing.
• Experience using standard lab instrumentation (VNAs, TDR, sampling scopes, BERTs, optical power meters, spectrum analyzers).

Qualifications

• Familiarity with Co‑Packaged Optics (CPO), Near‑Packaged Optics (NPO), or Linear Pluggable Optics (LPO).
• Deep expertise with high‑speed interfaces, Ethernet standards (IEEE 802.3 400G/800G), PCIe and optical transceiver management interfaces.
• Experience with thermal characterization of high‑power silicon using liquid cooling plates, thermal chambers, or automated handlers.
• Prior experience with Cisco Silicon One or high‑performance data center switching architectures.
• Proficiency in Python scripting for lab test automation, instrument control, and data analysis.
• Analytical tools: Experience with JMP, Tableau, Python based AI/ML models for advanced analytics.
• Strong analytical, troubleshooting, and multi‑functional communication skills.

Benefits

• Medical, dental and vision insurance.
• 401(k) plan with a Cisco matching contribution.
• Paid parental leave.
• Short and long‑term disability coverage.
• Basic life insurance.
• Paid time off: 10 paid holidays per full calendar year, plus 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 determined by Cisco.
• Non‑exempt employees receive 16 days of paid vacation time