ASIC Optical Hardware Systems Test Engineer

Cisco Systems is seeking an ASIC Optical Hardware Systems Test Engineer to validate and ensure the quality of next-generation networking platforms, including switches, routers, and data center systems.

In this high-impact role, you will be hands-on in the lab leading the testing, validation, and bring-up of next-generation networking systems integrating ultra-high-speed silicon and advanced optics. You will play a pivotal role in validating groundbreaking 112G/224G PAM4 SerDes channels, high-density Data Center Interconnects (DCI), and emerging Co-Packaged Optics (CPO) architectures.

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.

Minimum Qualifications:

• 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).

Preferred 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 away (vacation, holidays, sick time)
• Optional 10 paid days per full calendar year to volunteer

Salary Range: $167,700.00 - $245,200.00