Description
Cisco Germany is seeking a Firmware Development & Product Integration Engineer to join our Optical Transceiver Engineering team in Nuremberg, developing next-generation 100G+ optical modules that power global cloud and AI infrastructure.
Our Optical Engineering team in Nuremberg is at the forefront of designing and delivering high-speed optical transceiver modules operating at 100G/s and beyond. As data center bandwidth and AI/ML interconnect demands accelerate globally, our team bridges the gap between optics, digital signal processors (DSPs), ASICs, and embedded firmware to power Cisco's world-class routing and switching platforms.
As a Firmware Development & Product Integration Engineer, you will take end-to-end ownership of embedded firmware development and hardware-software integration for our next-generation optical transceiver modules. Operating with a high degree of autonomy, you will design robust diagnostic and control firmware on microcontrollers and ASICs, investigate cross-subsystem behaviors, and present clear technical summaries to cross-functional engineering teams from early prototype bring-up through volume qualification.
Key Responsibilities:
- Architect & Develop Embedded Firmware: Design, implement, and maintain high-reliability embedded firmware in C (and C++) for microcontroller- and ASIC-based controllers operating in optical modules at 100G/s and above.
- Implement Device Diagnostics & Control: Develop low-level device control, system monitoring, diagnostic routines, fault handling, and host-management interfaces for internal ASICs and external peripheral components.
- Drive Hardware-Software Integration: Integrate firmware with electro-optic components, including lasers, photodiodes, DSPs, and module controllers, to ensure optimal optical link performance and reliability.
- Lead Prototype Bring-Up & Root-Cause Analysis: Perform hands-on board bring-up, debug cross-domain electrical/firmware issues, and methodically investigate performance and interoperability anomalies.
- Autonomous Technical Communication: Independently synthesize complex test results, document architectural decisions, and effectively present technical findings and project status to multidisciplinary stakeholders.
Minimum Qualifications
- 5+ years of hands-on professional experience in embedded software development using C (and C++).
- Proven track record developing firmware on microcontrollers and controllers for hardware diagnostics, device control, and interface management with ASICs and external components.
- Bachelor's or Master's degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Computer Science, or equivalent practical experience.
- Hands-on proficiency with low-level communication protocols (I2C, SPI, UART, MDIO), reading schematics and component datasheets, and using embedded lab equipment (oscilloscopes, logic analyzers, JTAG).
- Demonstrated ability to work autonomously, lead technical problem-solving investigations, and summarize and present complex project details clearly to cross-functional teams.
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience developing firmware with a Real-Time Operating System (RTOS) in resource-constrained environments.
- Domain knowledge of optical transceivers (100G/s and above), coherent optics, high-speed SerDes, DSPs, or optical monitoring subsystems.
- In-depth understanding of optical management and communications standards, such as CMIS (Common Management Interface Specification), SFF specifications, and Ethernet protocols.
- Proficiency in Python or similar scripting languages for test automation, hardware control, and systematic data analysis.
- Background in Design Verification Testing (DVT), product qualification lifecycles, or manufacturing test readiness.