Cisco · 1 month ago
Director, Hardware Engineering
San Jose, California, US
Full-time
Hybrid
Director/Executive
$230K/yr - $325K/yr
12+ years expCisco is revolutionizing how data and infrastructure connect and protect organizations in the AI era. They are seeking an accomplished Director of Test Engineering to oversee the global test strategy and execution for Cisco’s flagship Silicon One portfolio, blending semiconductor test expertise with organizational leadership.
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Responsibilities
Lead, scale, and mentor a global organization of test engineering managers and engineers spanning post-silicon validation, ATE test development, and system-level testing
Build organizational capability through hiring, mentoring, succession planning, and leadership development
Foster a culture of innovation, accountability, operational rigor, and engineering excellence
Own the end-to-end test engineering strategy for Silicon One across wafer sort, final test, and system-level test
Drive long-term roadmaps for automated test systems, silicon validation methodologies, and infrastructure improvements
Define scalable test strategies that ensure quality, coverage, yield, cost efficiency, and high-volume manufacturability
Guide the development and deployment of automated test solutions for pre-silicon emulation, post-silicon bring-up, device characterization, reliability screening, and production test
Provide technical leadership in Design for Test (DFT), scan/ATPG, analog/mixed-signal test, high-speed SERDES bring-up and validation, and defect and failure analysis
Direct teams performing silicon bring-up, root-cause debugging, HW/SW integration, ATE program development, and diagnostic automation
Oversee development of test content, test hardware/fixtures, and overall tester architecture for advanced networking silicon
Champion the use of data analysis, analytics, and yield management systems to identify systemic issues, optimize test efficiency, and drive yield improvement
Partner closely with silicon architecture, ASIC design, verification, software, reliability, manufacturing operations, and product engineering teams to ensure seamless test integration throughout the product lifecycle
Engage with contract manufacturers, OSATs, ATE vendors, and ecosystem partners to ensure robust test execution and technology alignment
Represent the test engineering organization in executive forums, providing clear updates on readiness, risks, important metrics, and strategic direction
Define and track KPIs for test quality, yield, coverage, and throughput
Continuously improve test methodologies through innovation, new technologies, automation, and industry guidelines
Drive efficiency initiatives to reduce test time, optimize cost of test, and increase throughput without sacrificing quality
Ability to inspire, develop, and retain high-performing engineering teams
Strong execution subject area and operational rigor in managing complex, multi-program environments
Experience collaborating with senior executives, external partners, and global collaborators
Excellent communication and executive presence
Strategic problem solver with strong analytical and problem-solving skills
Adaptability to changing priorities in a fast-paced product development environment
Qualification
Required
Education: BSc or MSc in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Computer Science, Materials Science, or related field
12+ years in semiconductor, system-level, or silicon test engineering
5+ years leading engineering managers or global test teams
Strong expertise in ATE (testers/handlers/probers), test hardware design, and high-volume manufacturing test flows
Proven experience in DFT, scan/ATPG, mixed-signal validation, SERDES testing, and post-silicon bring-up
Strong background in test automation, Python-based test development, and Linux-based workflows
Preferred
Successful track record leading global test operations through NPI to mature high-volume manufacturing
Demonstrable ability to resolve complex silicon defects and guide corrective action processes
Demonstrated impact on yield ramp, test efficiency, and cost optimization across multiple product generations
Experience introducing new test technologies, analytics platforms, or automation frameworks at scale
Ability to influence at senior leadership levels and drive cross-organizational alignment
Benefits
Medical, dental and vision insurance
A 401(k) plan with a Cisco matching contribution
Paid parental leave
Short and long-term disability coverage
Basic life insurance
10 paid holidays per full calendar year
1 floating holiday for non-exempt employees
1 paid day off for employee’s birthday
Paid year-end holiday shutdown
4 paid days off for personal wellness determined by Cisco
16 days of paid vacation time per full calendar year
Flexible vacation time off program
80 hours of sick time off provided on hire date
Additional paid time away may be requested to deal with critical or emergency issues for family members
Optional 10 paid days per full calendar year to volunteer
Annual bonuses subject to Cisco’s policies
Company
Cisco
Cisco develops, manufactures, and sells networking hardware, telecommunications equipment, and other technology services and products. It is a sub-organization of Cisco Press.
10001+ employees
H1B Sponsorship
Cisco has a track record of offering H1B sponsorships. Please note that this does not
guarantee sponsorship for this specific role. Below presents additional info for your
reference. (Data Powered by US Department of Labor)
Distribution of Different Job Fields Receiving Sponsorship
Represents job field similar to this job
Trends of Total Sponsorships
2025 (1238)
2024 (1231)
2023 (1273)
2022 (2127)
2021 (1991)
2020 (1173)
Funding
Current Stage
Public CompanyTotal Funding
unknown1990-02-13IPO
Leadership Team
Chuck Robbins
Chair and CEO
Carl Solder
Chief Technology Officer - Cisco System Australia/New Zealand
Recent News
2026-01-11
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