Mechanical Engineer - Process and Automation

Join Cisco's Process & Automation group and revolutionize optics manufacturing! We're seeking a dynamic Mechanical Engineer to design, develop, and optimize our automated optics assembly processes. You'll be instrumental in establishing robust, repeatable process capability, expanding production capacity through scalable solutions, and ensuring exceptional quality that consistently surpasses product and process standards. Your expertise will directly accelerate new product introduction (NPI) success, drive production efficiency, and uphold our unwavering commitment to excellence in optics manufacturing.

You will champion the design, development, and optimization of high-precision, automated assembly processes for wafer and module-level optical packaging. Engineer and refine robust assembly methodologies, ensuring high repeatability, scalability, and yield. Establish and optimize machine recipes and process parameters for prototype, pilot, and engineering test builds. Systematically identify and resolve process issues using 8D methodology and statistical analysis, driving root-cause solutions for sustained quality improvements.

Design and implement Design of Experiments (DOE) to increase process capability and enable efficient scaling. You'll also specify, procure, and qualify custom assembly fixtures and tooling, and qualify in-house pilot assembly lines for high-volume production release. Bring up and manage contract manufacturers, orchestrating process transfer, performance monitoring, and continuous improvement initiatives. Analyze and refine manufacturing workflows, targeting bottlenecks, cost reduction, and improved cycle times through lean manufacturing practices.

Create and maintain comprehensive process documentation to standardize quality, and conduct process risk assessments, implementing mitigation strategies for robust, high-quality outputs.

• Consistent record in improving manufacturing capability (process development), capacity (volume scaling), and quality (yield/reliability).
• Analytical and problem-solving skills, with a structured engineering approach to driving process improvements
• Bachelors + 5 years of related experience, or Masters + 3 years of related experience, or PhD + 0 years of related experience
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills; able to convey sophisticated technical concepts to technical and non-technical audiences.
• Demonstrated ability to independently manage projects from initiation to completion.

• Experience with lean manufacturing, Six Sigma, and continuous improvement methodologies for scaling capacity and quality.
• Direct experience with new product introduction (NPI), successful transfer to high-volume manufacturing, and supporting
• Familiarity with high-volume contract manufacturing environments and supporting remote operations.
• Experience in bringing up and managing contract manufacturers.
• Experience in optics or photonics manufacturing including active alignment methods.
• Strong understanding of machine vision, controls, and sensors as applied to automated assembly systems.
• Proficiency with statistical analysis software (e.g., JMP or equivalent).

• Onsite at our Carlsbad, CA facility.
• Occasional travel to contract manufacturing partners may be required.

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.

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.

We are Cisco, and our power starts with you.

The starting salary…