Senior Design Engineer

Application Window expected to close 10/01/25

Meet the Team
Join Cisco’s Silicon Photonics group, where we combine deep expertise in analog, digital, and optical design to build the world’s fastest networking solutions. We’re a collaborative, innovative team passionate about pushing the limits of high-speed connectivity.

Your Impact
As a Senior Engineer, you’ll lead the design and development of next-generation 100G/200G/400G photonics ICs. From architecture to lab validation, you’ll shape product direction, mentor engineers, and ensure Cisco stays at the forefront of optical networking innovation. Specific responsibilities include:

• Drive architecture, design, and verification of high-speed mixed-signal and photonics circuits.
• Define and document chip-level specifications and verification plans.
• Collaborate across optical, electrical, firmware, and manufacturing teams to deliver end-to-end solutions.
• Lead lab validation, debug, and yield improvement activities.
• Mentor and provide technical guidance to junior engineers.

Minimum Qualifications

• Master’s or PhD in Electrical Engineering (or related field).
• 12+ years of experience in analog/mixed-signal IC design for high-speed systems.
• Strong lab validation and test experience with high-speed equipment.
• Proficiency in Python and C for automation and analysis.
• Hands-on expertise with design tools (Cadence Virtuoso, Spectre, Calibre, etc.).

Preferred Qualifications

• Deep expertise in photonics and high-speed datapath circuits (modulators, TIAs, PLLs, ADC/DAC, CDR).
• Knowledge of industry standards (IEEE 802.3, QSFP, OSFP, QSFP-DD).
• Experience leading cross-functional teams and making critical design tradeoffs.
• Strong leadership, communication, and mentoring skills.

Why Cisco?

At Cisco, we’re revolutionizing how data and infrastructure connect and protect organizations in the AI era – and beyond. We’ve been innovating fearlessly for 40 years to create solutions that power how humans and technology work together across the physical and digital worlds. These solutions provide customers with unparalleled security, visibility, and insights across the entire digital footprint. Simply put – we power the future.

Fueled by the depth and breadth of our technology, we experiment and create meaningful solutions. Add to that our worldwide network of doers and experts, and you’ll see that the opportunities to grow and build are limitless. We work as a team, collaborating with empathy to make really big things happen on a global scale. Because our solutions are everywhere, our impact is everywhere.