Hardware Engineer; hybrid

The application window is expected to close on: 05/01/2026

Job posting may be removed earlier if the position is filled or if a sufficient number of applications are received.

Hardware Engineer (hybrid) - 2011668

* hybrid role requiring some on site work activity each week in San Jose CA office*

Meet the Team:

Cisco Systems is seeking a System Level Test Engineer to validate and ensure the quality of next-generation networking platforms, including switches, routers, and data center systems.

Who You Are:

In this role, you will drive end-to-end system validation across hardware, firmware, and software stacks, ensuring robust performance, scalability, and reliability under real-world and stress conditions.

• Define and execute system-level validation strategies for complex networking platforms
• Validate end-to-end functionality across hardware, OS, and networking software stacks
• Perform feature, regression, interoperability, and scale testing

• Develop automated test frameworks using Python, C/C++, or similar languages
• Build scalable validation environments for high-throughput networking systems
• Integrate tests into CI/CD pipelines for continuous validation

• Design and execute tests for throughput, latency, packet loss, and scale limits
• Validate system behavior under high traffic loads and real-world network conditions
• Analyze system performance across L2/L3 protocols and data center workloads

• Debug complex issues spanning ASICs, firmware, drivers, and network OS
• Perform root cause analysis using logs, traces, and lab instrumentation
• Collaborate with design and software teams to resolve issues efficiently

• Partner with ASIC, hardware design, software, and architecture teams
• Influence design decisions by identifying system-level risks early
• Work with customers and field teams to reproduce and resolve issues

Si Ops

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Computer Science, or related field
• 4+ years of experience in system validation, networking test, or hardware/software integration
• Strong knowledge of networking fundamentals (TCP/IP, routing, switching)
• Experience with Linux systems and debugging tools
• Programming/scripting experience (Python, C/C++, or similar)
• Hands-on experience with system-level debugging and validation

• Experience with data center networking (leaf‑spine, VXLAN, EVPN)
• Familiarity with high‑speed interfaces (Ethernet 25G/100G/400G, PCIe)
• Experience testing network operating systems (NX‑OS, IOS‑XR, or similar)
• Knowledge of traffic generators (Ixia, Spirent) and network test tools
• Experience with automation frameworks and large‑scale testbeds
• Background in ASIC bring‑up or platform validation

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 range posted for this position is $ to $ and reflects the projected salary range for new hires in this position in U.S. and/or Canada locations, not including incentive compensation*, equity, or benefits.

Individual pay is determined by the candidate's hiring location, market conditions, job‑related skillset, experience,…