Senior Technical Lead

Requisition
185337
-Posted
10/26/2026

Cisco's Security Hardware Engineering team is seeking a highly skilled Hardware Rework Technician to join our San Jose hardware development lab. In this role, you will be the core technical expert responsible for precision PCBA modifications, fine-pitch component rework, and debug prototyping across our next-generation enterprise firewall, security appliance, and hardware accelerator platforms.

You will work closely with hardware design engineers, signal integrity engineers, and the prototype services team to execute rapid engineering change orders (ECOs), support board bring-up, and maintain an organized, fully stocked lab environment.

1. Precision Board-Level Rework & Micro-Soldering

• Perform high-density, high-precision manual soldering and de-soldering of surface-mount (SMT) and through-hole components under high-magnification stereo microscopes.
• Execute component replacement down to 0201/0402 passive package sizes, fine-pitch ICs, QFNs, high-density mezzanine/backplane connectors, and discrete semiconductors without damaging adjacent board features.
• Perform trace cuts, pad restorations, solder mask repairs, and precision jumper wire modifications (0.001" to 0.005" magnet/wire gauge) for ECO implementations and hardware bug fixes.
• Build, modify, and repair custom cable assemblies, wire harnesses, power leads, and test debug headers.
• Partner directly with electrical and diagnostic engineers to instrument prototype boards with probe wires, coaxial pigtails, and test points for oscilloscope/logic analyzer debug.
• Assist with rapid turnaround on bring-up reworks, thermal sensor attachments, and prototype validation builds.
• Inspect completed reworks using optical inspection tools to guarantee adherence to IPC-A-610 / IPC-7711/7721 Class 3 standards.

3. Prototype Services & Lab Operations Support (As Time Permits)

• Support the prototype services team with complete mechanical chassis assembly and disassembly, including sheet metal, heatsinks, torque-specified fastener sequences, and fan/power supply module integration.
• Manage and maintain inventory tracking for rework station consumables (solder alloys, fluxes, tips, wire, specialized micro-tools, and common passive/connector components).
• Proactively monitor consumable stock levels and initiate purchase requisitions to prevent lab downtime.
• Maintain laboratory 5S standards, ESD-safe workstation compliance, and preventative maintenance for rework equipment (hot air stations, thermal tweezers, solder pots, and preheaters).

Minimum Qualifications

• Experience:
  
  5+ years of hands-on experience in high-density PCBA rework, micro-soldering, and electronics laboratory support within an R&D or NPI environment.
• Micro-Soldering Expertise:
  Demonstrated mastery of miniature SMD component rework down to 0203 package size under optical magnification.
• Schematic & Layout Literacy:
  Ability to read schematics, board assembly drawings, CAD layout viewers (Allegro/Cadence), and ECO markup instructions.
• Hand Tools & Measurement:
  Proficient with high-end soldering stations (Metcal, JBC, Hakko), hot-air rework tools, digital multimeters, microscopic inspection cameras, and torque drivers.
• Mechanical Aptitude:
  Hands-on skill with electronic chassis mechanics, modular subassemblies, and thermal interface materials.
• Soft Skills:
  
  Strong attention to detail, proactive communication, and ability to prioritize rework queues in a fast-paced hardware development cycle.

Preferred Qualifications

• Active or prior certification in IPC-A-610
  , IPC-J-STD-001
  , and/or IPC-7711/7721 (Rework, Modification, and Repair of Electronic Assemblies).
• Experience working on complex high-layer-count (20+ layers) networking/security systems, optical modules, or high-speed digital boards.
• Experience with basic lab inventory management and procurement systems.